How To Close Above Ground Pool?

When you reopen your pool in the spring, you’ll save a ton of money and effort if you close it for the winter. To save the pool from potential freeze damage, close it a few weeks before the weather becomes cold. This will depend on your weather zone. You can consult neighbors with similar pools and pump/filter systems. Or, visit a local pool supply store. You might hold off on closing until the water gets far colder than sixty degrees. Algae growth is unlikely to occur then. If it does, it will happen slowly. Learn how to close above ground pool easily with our expert guide.

How to Close Your Above-ground Pool in 9 Steps

Step 1: Deep Clean

Before winterizing, give your above-ground pool a final thorough cleaning. Vacuum, brush the interior, and remove any remaining dirt from the surface. Additionally, prepare your pool for winter balance. This prevents algae, mold, and other invaders from staining the pool over winter. It also avoids water-balancing problems when the weather warms up.

Step 2: Balance your Water

Balance your water before closing your pool to help it withstand the hard winter weather. Your winter pool chemicals maximize their impact. Balance your water before winter arrives.

After cleaning, test the water in your pool to establish a baseline. To test your water or get your test strips, you can bring them to any Namco Pools facility. After you are aware of the chemistry in your pool:

1. Water should be balanced, with a pH of 7.2 to 7.6.
2. between 80 and 120 ppm of alkalinity, and
3. a calcium hardness of 200–350 parts per million.
4. Two days before it closes, shock your pool with 12.5% liquid shock or Pool Breeze granular shock.

If there is still chlorine in the pool, do not cover it as this will damage the cover.

Must Read: How To Winterize a Salt Water Pool

Step 3: Add Winterizing Chemicals

Winterizing chemicals help your pool withstand the weather. They also keep it clear of algae. Namco Pools provides an all-in-one pool closing kit. It includes Blue Shield winterizing solutions to simplify that operation.

Add Winter Tabs and Blue Shield Winterizer into your pool the day before it closes. Make sure you adhere to dosing charts.

• Place the winter tabers in the water, approximately 10 to 12 inches below the surface of the pool. This keeps them from touching the pool liner. After adding the winterize straight into the pool.
• The winter tabs should not be tied to the ice equalizer pillow(s).
• Make use of a different rope.
• Run the filter for 4–8 hours after application for optimal results.

Step 4: Add Pump Protector

Via the skimmer, apply Blue Shield Liquid Pump Protector. After letting the pump run for ten seconds, turn it off and leave it for at least an hour. This will lubricate the inside seals. It keeps them from drying out and breaking from pool chemicals. It will also keep the pump from corroding.

It is advised that you seal off your pool’s return and skimmer. Lowering the water level puts your skimmer and return at risk of ice damage. This is especially true in a wet, precipitation-heavy winter. It also raises the water level.

Step 5: Protect Your Return and Skimmer

Remove the return fitting eyeball from your pool. Insert a winter return plug to secure it and gain peace of mind.

Use a skimmer plug to close the skimmer entrance. Since skimmer plug sizes might differ depending on the pool, be sure you get the right one.

Step 6: Prepare Your Filter for Hibernation

Disconnect all the filter hoses to get your filter ready for the upcoming winter. After cleaning and draining, store the filter indoors. Namco Pools advises against winterizing a filter outside. The manufacturer will not cover any harm caused. Before storing cartridge and DE filters for the winter, immerse the interior units in a filter cleaner for a full day. Ball valves should be left in the open position if they are installed.

Step 7: Clear the Pool

Remove all items linked to your swimming pool. This includes the lights, alarms, over-the-wall skimmers, ladder, stairs, and matting. The pool should only contain the ice equalizer and winter tabs. To get rid of any last bits of debris, skim one last time.

Step 8: Set Up Ice Equalizer Pillow

Using a shop or canister-style vacuum, fill the ice equalizer cushion to ¾ full. Position the suitable size ice equalizer in the center of the swimming pool. Secure it to the side of the pool with a cover rope or attach it to the pool cover with the Pool Pillow Pal.

But, unless the ice equalizer is used, most cover warranties are null or void. The purpose of the ice equalizer is to absorb the ice pressure rather than to remove the cover-up. It is usual for the ice equalizer to pop during most seasons because of the ice pressure in the pool.

Step 9: Cover the Pool

Make sure the pool cover you choose fits your pool. Cover clips, cables, a locking winch, or both can be used to fasten the cover. It is advised to apply a winter cover seal around the pool cover in windy places to stop wind damage to the cover.

Read Also: What To Do If Pool Is Overflowing From Rain?

Why Is My Pool Needing to Be Winterized?

People who live in colder climates with harsh winters desire to close their pools. It’s not a rule for everyone to do so. This extends the pool’s lifespan. It also makes opening the pool in the spring less labour-intensive.

Fall brings the pool’s bottom to be covered in leaves and other detritus. This may stain the liner. The decaying leaves may upset the water balance and encourage algae formation. When spring arrives, there will be a lot of vacuuming and scooping. Plus, plenty of shock and algaecide will be needed.