As the swimming season winds down, it’s time to prepare your pool for the cold months ahead. A proper pool closing isn’t just about tossing on a cover—it’s about protecting your investment, avoiding costly repairs, and ensuring a smooth reopening next spring. Let’s walk through the essential steps.

1. ⚗️ Alkalinity and pH: The Foundation of Winter Water Balance
2. 🧱 Calcium: Protecting Surfaces and Equipment
3. 🧪 Closing Kits: Shock, Algaecide & More
4. 🧼 Filter Cleaning: Don’t Skip This Step
5. 🧂 Salt Pools: Clean the Salt Cell
6. ⚠️ Risks of Closing Your Pool Yourself
7. 🧤 Final Thoughts: Close with Confidence

⚗️ 1. Alkalinity and pH: The Foundation of Winter Water Balance

Before adding any winterizing chemicals, balance your water in the correct order:

• Alkalinity first: Target range is 120–140 ppm. It stabilizes pH and prevents wild fluctuations.
• pH second: Aim for 7.6–7.8. Proper pH ensures you don’t have corrosion or scaling in the spring.

Unbalanced water can lead to equipment damage over the winter.

🧱 2. Calcium: Protecting Surfaces and Equipment

Calcium hardness is often overlooked—but it’s critical.

• Ideal range: 200–400 ppm for concrete pools; 175–225 ppm for vinyl or fiberglass
• Too low: Water becomes corrosive, damaging plaster and metal parts
• Too high: Causes scaling

Adjust with Balance Pak 300 if needed, and test before closing.

🧪 3. Closing Kits: Shock, Algaecide & More

A good pool closing kit simplifies your chemical prep. Most kits include:

• Winterizing shock: Oxidizes organic contaminants and kills lingering bacteria.
• Algaecide: Prevents algae growth during warm fall or early spring days. Look for non-copper, non-foaming formulas like Polyquat 60.
• Stain & scale preventers: Protect surfaces from mineral buildup.

Always follow the kit instructions and circulate water for several hours after adding chemicals.

🧼 4. Filter Cleaning: Don’t Skip This Step

Dirty filters can harden and clog over winter. Clean thoroughly before closing:

• Sand filters: Use Filter Brite one week before closing following package directions.
• Cartridge or D.E. filters: Soak after closing in Filter Brite solution.
• Pump baskets and skimmers: Empty and rinse to prevent mold and odor.

A clean filter means fewer headaches when you reopen.

🧂 5. Salt Pools: Clean the Salt Cell

Saltwater pools need special attention:

• Clean the salt cell before closing. Use a cell cleaner and soak for 15–30 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly and inspect for scale buildup.
• Disconnect and store the cell indoors if possible to protect electronics and seals.

This step ensures your chlorine generator works properly next season.

⚠️ 6. Risks of Closing Your Pool Yourself

DIY pool closing can save money—but it comes with risks:

• Improper chemical balance can lead to algae, staining, or equipment corrosion.
• Failure to blow out plumbing lines may result in frozen pipes and costly repairs.
• Incorrect water levels can damage covers or skimmers.
• Missed equipment prep (like draining pumps or heaters) can cause cracking or leaks.

If you’re unsure, hiring a professional ensures every detail is handled correctly.

🧤 Final Thoughts: Close with Confidence

Closing your pool properly is the key to a stress-free spring opening. From balancing water chemistry to cleaning filters and salt cells, each step plays a role in protecting your pool through the winter. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, preparation is everything.