Winter is coming, and if you have an inground pool, you might be wondering: “Do I need to drain it?”
The short answer? No, you don’t!
In fact, draining your pool can do more harm than good.
So, let’s talk about how to winterize your pool properly for the next season.
Why Do You Need to Winterize Your Pool?
Leaving your pool unprotected through the winter can cause some serious problems.
Water can freeze and expand, damaging your pool walls, pipes, and equipment.
Plus, without the right chemicals, your pool water can turn into a green, swampy mess.
And trust me, you don’t want to deal with that when summer rolls around.
So, let’s get your pool ready for the cold months ahead.
Step 1: Clean Your Pool Before Closing It
Before you do anything else, give your pool a good deep clean.
Leaves, dirt, and debris left in the water can lead to algae growth and staining.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Use a skimmer to remove any floating debris.
- Vacuum the bottom of the pool to pick up anything that’s settled.
- Brush the walls to get rid of any dirt or algae.
Step 2: Balance the Water
Before you close your pool, you need to make sure the water is balanced.
This means checking and adjusting the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
Balanced water helps prevent scale buildup, corrosion, and algae growth.
Here’s what you’re aiming for:
pH: 7.2 – 7.6
Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 180 – 220 ppm
If your water is balanced, your pool will be much easier to reopen when warm weather returns.
Step 3: Shock the Pool and Add Winterizing Chemicals
Shocking your pool helps kill bacteria and contaminants.
It’s always best to shock the water a few days before you close your pool.
Use a gallon of shock and let your pool circulate for at least 24 hours.
Then, add winterizing chemicals.
These help prevent algae, stains, and scale buildup.
Look for a winterizing kit from your local pool store. They’ll have everything you need.
Step 4: Lower the Water Level (But Don’t Drain It!)
You do NOT need to completely drain your pool for winter.
Instead, lower the water level just below the skimmer to prevent freezing damage.
If you have a vinyl liner pool, do not lower the water too much.
The water helps keep the liner in place, so you don’t want it shifting or tearing.
Step 5: Blow Out the Lines and Add Antifreeze
This step is crucial!
Any water left in the pipes can freeze, expand, and crack the plumbing.
To prevent this, you need to blow out the lines:
- Use an air compressor or a shop vac to force air through the pipes.
- Once the water is out, plug the return lines with winter plugs.
- Add pool antifreeze to prevent any leftover moisture from freezing.
Step 6: Remove and Store Pool Accessories
Anything that doesn’t need to stay in the pool should come out, including:
- Ladders
- Diving boards
- Skimmer baskets
- Pool toys
Store everything in a dry place so they don’t get damaged by the cold.
Step 7: Cover Your Pool Securely
Now it’s time to protect the pool!
A winter pool cover is a must. It helps keep debris out and protects the water from snow and ice.
You have two options:
- Solid cover: Blocks out everything, including sunlight, which helps prevent algae.
- Mesh cover: Allows water to drain through but still keeps out debris.
Make sure your cover is securely in place so it doesn’t blow away during storms.
Step 8: Keep an Eye on Your Pool During Winter
You’re not completely off the hook!
Every few weeks, check your pool cover to make sure it’s still secure.
If water or snow starts piling up, use a pool cover pump to remove it.
This helps prevent the cover from sagging or tearing.
Quick Recap: Winterizing Your Inground Pool Without Draining It
- Clean your pool before closing it.
- Balance the water to prevent damage.
- Shock the pool and add winterizing chemicals.
- Lower the water level, but don’t drain it completely.
- Blow out the lines and add antifreeze.
- Remove the accessories and store them safely.
- Cover your pool with a winter cover.
- Check on it occasionally throughout winter.
Following these steps will help protect the pool and make opening it next season so much easier.
If you’re not sure how to do any of these steps, don’t stress. A local pool professional can help winterize your pool properly.
Now go ahead and get your pool ready for the winter—it’ll thank you next summer!
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At Sutton Pools, we install inground pools in Clarksville, TN, built to last and made just for you.
Whether you want a simple design or a custom masterpiece, we make it happen.
Plus, we offer pool financing options, so you don’t have to wait to turn your dream into reality.
Call us today and let’s get started!
FAQs
Q. How do I permanently close my inground pool?
A. If you want to permanently close your inground pool, it’s more than just winterizing it. You’ll need to:
- Drain the water properly (following local regulations).
- Remove or disable the plumbing to prevent leaks or damage.
- Fill in the pool with dirt or another material if you plan to remove it.
- Consult a professional to make sure it’s done safely and legally.
Q. Do I have to put chemicals in my pool when I close it?
A. Yes! Adding winterizing chemicals is essential. They help prevent algae growth, staining, and bacteria buildup while your pool is closed. Without chemicals, your pool water can turn into a nasty mess by the time you reopen it.
Q. How do I shut down my pool?
A. Shutting down your pool for the winter involves:
- Cleaning it thoroughly.
- Balancing the water chemistry.
- Add winterizing chemicals.
- Lowering the water level slightly.
- Blowing out the plumbing lines.
- Covering the pool securely.
These steps will help protect your pool from winter damage.
Q. How do you close up a swimming pool?
A. Closing a swimming pool means getting it ready for winter so it stays in good shape. This includes:
- Cleaning the pool and removing debris.
- Balancing the water chemistry.
- Shocking the water and adding winterizing chemicals.
- Lowering the water level slightly to prevent freeze damage.
- Blowing out the lines and adding antifreeze.
- Covering the pool with a solid or mesh cover.
Follow these steps, and your pool will be safe and ready for next season!
