It’s with great reluctance that we get out of the water and close down our swimming pools for the year.  But since we know cool weather will strike all too soon let’s follow the proper pool closing procedures.  By shutting down our above-ground pool correctly now we’ll preserve our wonderful water oasis through the cold winter so we can easily jump right back in it next summer.

Preparing the Water
Before doing the closing steps, let’s make sure the pool water itself is ready for the winter.  Remember, you don’t have to drain it, just arrange it.

• Adjust water Ph to 7.5 and Chlorine to 3 ppm
• Add Sequa Sol at 1 quart per 15,000 gallons
• Add Oxy-Brite at 1 bag per 10,000 gallons
• Add Algaecide 2000 at 1 quart per 15,000 gallons

Once this is done, allow your pool to circulate for 24 hours.  In the meanwhile, make sure all debris and leaves are cleaned out of the swimming pool.  You can also add Nano Sticks to the pool to prevent algae forming over the winter.

Closing the Pool
Now we’re ready for the step-by-step process to close your above-ground pool.

1. Backwash the swimming pool one last time.
   
   
2. Unplug the sand filter. Empty out any water by removing the plug off the bottom of the filter. Be sure to put the plug back in.  It’s OK to store the sand filter outside for the winter.
   
   
3. For metal wall pools remove enough water from your pool to get the water level down to just below the skimmer.  For Splash pools you can leave the water at full height.  Be sure to plug all the inlets with caps.
   
   
4. For metal wall pools, disconnect the hoses and remove skimmer basket. With Splash pools remove the whole skimmer assembly.
   
   
5. Disconnect and remove auto chlorinators, heater hose connections as well as any of the pump and filter connections.
   
   
6. Drain out any water in the pump.   It’s best to store the pump in your garage or basement over the winter to keep it from freezing.
   
   
7. Place the winter cover tightly over the pool then secure nice and tight with cable. Do not use pillows in the middle of the pool as they can cause wind to get up underneath the cover and lift it right off. We recommend if you’re in an area of high wind that you use the garden hose to run some water on top of the cover to weight it down. Or, Aqua Palace has cover locks that fit securely on top of your winter pool cover.
   
   
8. When all is done, have fond winter dreams about your summertime fun in the water and wish for a speedy return of hot pool weather!