How To Close An Inground Pool In 11 Steps?

This guide explains how to close an inground pool. Closing an inground pool properly involves a series of 11 steps to ensure it remains in good condition during the pool off-season. This pool winterizing process, when executed meticulously, protects the pool from damage and maintains water quality, saving time and effort when reopening.

Closing an inground pool is a systematic process that ensures its preservation and readiness for the next season. Each step in the process is crucial for maintaining the pool’s integrity and water quality.

1. Clean Your Swimming Pool

Properly cleaning the pool is the foundation of the closing process. It involves 3 steps to clean your swimming pool before winter.

1. Scrubbing walls and floor with a pool brush to dislodge sediment and potential algae spores.
2. Manually vacuuming to remove the debris stirred up during brushing.
3. Using an algae brush for thorough cleaning in case of algae presence, enhancing the effectiveness of chemical treatments to follow.

This pool cleaning prevents algae growth and ensures that subsequent treatments are more effective.

2. Test The Pool Water

Water testing is essential for balancing the pool’s chemistry. Follow the 3 steps listed below.

1. Checking levels such as pH and alkalinity to protect against corrosion and scale build-up.
2. Ensuring chlorine is below five parts per million (ppm) to avoid interference with other chemicals.
3. Utilizing a home test kit or professional services for accurate measurements.

Balanced water chemistry is vital for the pool’s protection during its dormant period.

3. Shock Your Swimming Pool

Shocking the swimming pool eliminates contaminants and prevents algae. Follow the 3 steps listed below to shock a swimming pool.

1. Adding pool shock according to manufacturer’s instructions, with increased quantities for visible algae.
2. Running the pump overnight to distribute the shock evenly.
3. Performing the shock treatment at night to prevent sunlight from reducing chlorine’s effectiveness.

This pool shocking step is critical for sanitizing the pool and preparing it for the addition of winterizing chemicals.

4. Add Pool Winterizing Chemicals

Adding pool winterizing chemicals prepares the pool for the off-season. Here are 4 pool chemicals to use, when closing an inground swimming pool.

• Algaecide: Adding a dose to prevent algae growth, with a double dose if the cover is permeable to debris.
• Metal Sequestrant: Used in high-metal water, it prevents metal stains by suspending metals in the water.
• Pool Enzymes: Break down organic contaminants, reducing the load on algaecide.
• Antifreeze: Non-toxic, pool-specific antifreeze (in colder climates) protects plumbing from freezing.

These pool chemicals maintain water quality and protect the pool’s surfaces and plumbing throughout the winter.

5. Lower The Pool Water Level

Adjusting the water level in an inground pool before closing is essential to prevent freeze damage and manage overflow, particularly in climates prone to freezing or heavy rainfall. The target level is contingent upon the pool’s cover type and the material of the pool’s surface. Here’s a list detailing the optimal water reduction for two pool types.

• Vinyl Liner Pools: Lower the water to one inch below the skimmer opening or tile line, whichever is lower. This measure helps protect the liner from potential damage caused by freezing water.
• Plaster or Non-Vinyl Pool Liner Pools: The required water level adjustment varies based on the cover type. For solid covers, bring the water level down to six inches below the skimmer or tile line. When using a mesh cover, or in the absence of a cover (though a cover is highly recommended), reduce the water level to 18 to 24 inches (40 – 60 cm) below the skimmer or tiles. For pools equipped with an automatic cover, ensure the water does not fall below the bottom of the skimmer to prevent cover malfunction.

These guidelines aim to balance the need for sufficient water to support the cover against the risk of water expansion due to freezing, which could damage the pool structure. Properly draining the water level according to these specifications is a critical step in safeguarding the pool during the off-season.

6. Backwash And Clean The Pool Filter And Pump

Ensuring a clean pool filter before closing the pool is crucial for preventing bacteria buildup and facilitating an easier pool opening in the next season. The process varies slightly depending on the 3 types of filter.

• Cartridge Filter: Remove, clean with pool filter cleaner or muriatic acid, rinse, and allow to dry before storage.
• Sand Filter: Use sand filter cleaner or backwash thoroughly, return the valve to the filter setting, and drain all water from the system.
• D.E. Filter: Clean with a filter cleaner or backwash the D.E. filter, similar to a sand filter.

For all three pool filter types, ensure the removal of all water from the pump, filter, and heater by draining. Store all removed plugs in a safe place, like the skimmer basket, to prevent loss.

7. Blow Out The Lines

Blowing out the lines is a critical step for pools in areas susceptible to freezing. This 7 steps prevent water from freezing and causing damage to the pool plumbing.

1. Remove return fittings and skimmer baskets.
2. Drain all water from the filter system by removing drain plugs.
3. Attach an air compressor or ShopVac to the pump’s drain plug opening, possibly requiring an adapter.
4. Blow air through the system, watching for air bubbles to emerge from return lines and skimmers.
5. Use a Shop-Vac to dry out the skimmer.
6. Insert rubber plugs or a Gizzmo in the skimmer and return lines after seeing air bubbles, indicating the lines are clear of water.
7. Adjust the pump valve to circulate air through the main drain, watching for air bubbles at the deep end, then seal the lines.

This process ensures that no water remains in the pool lines to freeze and potentially cause damage.

8. Removing and Winterizing the Pool Pump

Winterizing the pool pump is a pivotal step in safeguarding an inground pool during winter. This procedure entails the removal and exhaustive drainage of the pump to prevent any residual water from freezing, which could result in damage. Employing a compressor to evacuate remaining water is essential to maintain the pump’s integrity against frost damage. For optimal protection against freezing temperatures, the following 2 guidelines are recommended.

1. Ensure the pool pump and filtration system are installed in a frost-resistant manner.
2. Store the pump on a rubber mat within a frost-proof environment, such as a garage, to further shield it from cold conditions.

Adhering to these guidelines helps preserve the functionality and longevity of the pool pump throughout the winter months, reducing the risk of frost-related damages and ensuring the pool’s readiness for the subsequent season.

9. Dismantle Pool Heaters Before the First Frost

Disassembling pool heaters before the arrival of the first frost is crucial to prevent damage. This process encompasses both conventional and solar heating systems, requiring them to be disconnected and thoroughly drained. Special attention should be given to areas prone to malfunctions, which should be cleared using a compressor and then securely sealed to avert any potential damage. It’s essential to adhere to the following 4 steps.

1. Disconnect and drain the pool heater to eliminate any water that could freeze and cause damage.
2. Use a compressor to blow out susceptible areas and seal them with a plug to prevent malfunctions.
3. Leave the solar heating system’s openings unsealed to allow for thermal expansion and pressure equalization during unexpected warm spells in winter, thus avoiding damage.
4. Always consult and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when winterizing any pool heating equipment to ensure correct procedures are followed and to maintain the warranty.

Implementing these four pool maintenance measures will safeguard the heating system from the harsh winter conditions, ensuring its longevity and efficiency for future use.

10. Check the Pool Piping

Securing the pool’s piping system against rainwater intrusion and frost damage is a preventative measure that should not be overlooked. A checklist with 4 steps aids in ensuring all necessary components are adequately sealed.

1. Ensure the skimmer is closed.
2. Verify the bottom drain’s condition, if applicable.
3. Confirm the closure of return nozzles.
4. Conduct a final inspection of all remaining piping.

In instances where water remnants cannot be fully expelled from the pipes using a compressor, introducing a small quantity of antifreeze specifically designed for pools can offer additional protection. It is important to distinguish between regular winterizing agents and actual antifreeze to avoid confusion and potential damage.

11. Finishing The Pool Closing Process

The final steps in closing the pool involve securing the area and ensuring the pool is well-protected through the off-season. Here are the last 6 steps to follow.

1. Remove pool accessories such as ladders and rails to prevent chemical damage and ensure a snug fit for the pool cover.
2. Clean and dry all removed accessories, storing them in a safe, dry place away from direct sunlight.
3. Remove fittings from return lines and clean skimmer baskets, storing small parts together to avoid misplacement.
4. Choose between a regular winter cover or a pool safety cover based on regional weather conditions and budget, ensuring it fits well and is secure.
5. Employ water tubes or pool cover weights to anchor the cover, preventing sinking and gaps.
6. Regularly inspect the pool cover throughout the off-season, removing debris and pooled water to maintain the cover’s integrity and prevent hazards.

By following these 6 steps and maintaining a checklist of tasks, pool owners can effectively close their inground pools, safeguarding them against the elements and ensuring a smooth and efficient reopening in the spring.

When To Close Your Inground Pool?

The optimal period for closing an inground pool is when local temperatures consistently fall below 60°F. This cooler temperature helps stop algae from growing, which can be a big problem if you close the pool while it’s still warm. Algae like warm water and can turn your pool into a mess if not handled properly.

Wait for the consistent cooler weather before closing your pool for the winter. This will help avoid issues with algae and keep your pool in better condition for the next season.

In regions where the pooloff-season is punctuated by warmer days exceeding 65°F (18°C), maintaining water chemistry on these sporadic warm days can contribute to cleaner water throughout the off-season, easing the transition when reopening the pool.

What You Need To Close Your Inground Pool?

Closing an inground pool requires a variety of tools and chemicals, the specifics of which may vary based on local climate, pool accessories, and the state of water chemistry leading up to closure. The 7 items for winterizing an inground pool are listed below.

• Tools for dismantling pool accessories such as ladders.
• An air compressor for blowing out lines.
• A water chemistry test kit or strips to assess the levels of chlorine, bromine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid.
• Chemicals for adjusting water chemistry including pH increasers or decreasers, alkalinity and calcium hardness increasers, cyanuric acid, algaecide, shock, and metal sequestrant.
• A winter pool cover or safety cover, complemented by water tubes for securing the cover.
• Rubber plugs and a Gizzmo or skimmer plate for sealing skimmers and return lines.
• A pool brush, telescoping pole, and pool vacuum for cleaning.

Why Should You Learn How To Close A Inground Pool?

Learning to close an inground pool is crucial for its upkeep, water quality, and cost savings. During summer, pools collect debris like leaves and bugs. Regular swimming pool care prevents these from decaying and affecting water chemistry. Without winter maintenance, debris accumulates, leading to cleaning challenges and potential pool damage. This requires extensive chemical treatment to restore water quality. Closing the pool properly prevents these issues, saving time and money.

Can the Pool be Left Without Monitoring in Winter?

Leaving a filled pool unmonitored during the winter, especially under freezing conditions and without a frost monitor in the pool heater, is not advisable. Continuous off season pool maintenance is essential even in the colder months to prevent potential damage. Regular inspections, particularly at the beginning of the winter season, are recommended to address any issues that may arise from the winterization process promptly.

What Are The Differences Between Closing An Above Ground Pool And An Inground Pool?

The distinction between closing an above ground pool and an inground pool lies in their structural differences, which necessitate varied approaches to maintenance, durability, and preparation for winter. For above ground pools, the closure process involves cleaning, vacuuming, adjusting water chemistry, adding winterizing chemicals, and ensuring the water level is suitable for fitting a skimmer winterizing plate.

In contrast, closing an inground pool involves a more comprehensive set of steps. These include balancing water chemistry, reducing the water level, cleaning and plugging the skimmer and return lines, securing the pool with a cover, and winterizing the plumbing and equipment to safeguard against freeze damage. This detailed approach is essential for protecting the pool’s structure and ensuring its longevity through the winter months.