As the crisp fall air settles in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, it’s time to prepare your swimming pool for the winter months. Properly closing down a pool is crucial to protect your investment from freezing temperatures, prevent algae growth, and ensure your pool is ready for a smooth opening next spring.
At Town & Country Pools, our certified technicians in Springfield, VA, have decades of experience winterizing inground and ground pools. This comprehensive guide walks you through the steps to close down a pool, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or considering professional pool maintenance services.
Why Closing Down a Pool Matters
Closing down a pool isn’t just about tossing on a pool cover and calling it a day. Winterizing your pool safeguards pool equipment, like the pump filter heater, from freeze damage that can crack pipes or ruin components. It also maintains water quality to prevent algae and bacteria buildup, which can lead to costly cleanups.
A well-closed pool keeps animals from falling into the water and reduces debris accumulation, saving you time and effort when warmer weather returns. By following a thorough process, you ensure peace of mind and extend the life of your inground pool.
Step 1: Balance Your Pool Water Chemistry
Start closing down a pool by balancing the water chemistry at least 24 hours before other steps. Use a test kit to check pH (7.2–7.6), alkalinity (80–120 ppm), and calcium hardness (200–400 ppm for concrete pools, 175–225 ppm for vinyl).
Balanced water prevents scale buildup and corrosion over the winter months. Add winter chemicals, such as a long-life algaecide, to prevent algae growth. Shocking the pool with chlorine (1–3 ppm) a few days prior eliminates bacteria and organic contaminants. At Town & Country Pools, we test water meticulously to ensure your pool stays clear until spring.
Step 2: Clean the Pool Thoroughly
A clean pool is easier to winterize and reopen. Skim debris from the surface, brush the walls and floor to dislodge dirt, and vacuum the pool to remove sediment. Empty the skimmer basket to prevent clogs. For inground pools with algae, vacuum to waste to bypass the filter and avoid reintroducing contaminants.
This step ensures your pool cover stays clean and reduces the risk of staining. Our technicians at Town & Country Pools use professional-grade tools to leave your pool spotless before winterizing.
Step 3: Lower the Water Level
Lower the pool water to a few inches when closing down a pool, usually below the skimmer—typically 4–6 inches for inground pools with solid winter covers or 12–18 inches for mesh safety covers. This prevents ice damage to the skimmer basket and plumbing lines. Use the filter pump set to “waste” or a submersible pump, ensuring water drains to a safe location.
For ground pools with skimmer covers, you may not need to lower the water, as the higher level supports the cover against snow or rain. Town & Country Pools ensures precise water levels tailored to your pool type and cover.
Step 4: Backwash and Clean the Filter
Backwash sand or DE filters to remove debris when closing down a pool, running the pump until the sight glass shows clear water. For cartridge filters, remove and rinse the filter elements, storing them dry to avoid mold.
Clean the pump filter heater by draining all water and removing drain plugs, which should be stored in the skimmer basket for safekeeping. This step prolongs equipment life and simplifies spring reopening. Our team inspects and cleans all pool equipment to ensure optimal performance during the off-season.
Step 5: Winterize Plumbing Lines
Clear all water from plumbing lines to prevent freezing, which can crack pipes. For inground pools, use a high-volume, low-pressure blower to push water out from the skimmer, through the pump filter heater, and back to the pool.
Plug return lines with winterizing plugs or expansion plugs once bubbles appear. Add non-toxic pool antifreeze (rated to -10°F) to lines for extra protection, especially in VA, MD, and DC’s cold winters.
Above-ground pools may only need disconnected hoses, but hard PVC pipes require blowing out or antifreeze. Town & Country Pools’ technicians expertly handle this delicate process to avoid costly repairs.
Step 6: Remove and Store Accessories
Remove ladders, handrails, wall fittings, and cleaners, cleaning and drying them before storage in a dry, shaded area. This prevents rust or chemical damage and ensures a tight pool cover fit.
Store drain plugs and fittings in the skimmer basket to keep them organized. For salt water pools, remove and drain the chlorinator, storing it indoors. Our team carefully handles and stores accessories to protect your pool equipment and maintain safety.
Step 7: Install a Winter or Safety Cover
When closing down a pool, choose a high-quality pool cover to protect your pool. A winter cover, secured with water bags or blocks, keeps out debris but requires a cover pump to remove rain or snowmelt. A safety cover, anchored to the deck, prevents animals from falling into the water and withstands heavy snow, ideal for families in VA, MD, and DC.
For ground pools, use an air pillow to absorb ice expansion, tethering it to the center. Town & Country Pools installs covers tightly to ensure no gaps, using mesh or solid options based on your needs.
Step 8: Monitor Your Pool During Winter
Check your pool monthly to ensure the cover is secure and water levels are stable. Test water chemistry with a test kit, adding algaecide if needed, especially during warm spells above 60°F.
Remove excess water from the cover with a pump to prevent sagging. If ice forms, avoid breaking it directly to prevent liner damage; consult a professional if issues arise. Town & Country Pools offers winter maintenance visits to keep your pool in top shape.
Tips for a Successful Pool Closing
Timing is key: close your pool when temperatures consistently drop below 65°F to prevent algae but before freezing to avoid equipment damage. Avoid closing a green pool, as untreated algae can cause staining. Lubricate o-rings on the pump and filter with silicone-based lubricant to maintain seals.
If DIY feels overwhelming, professional pool maintenance ensures precision. Town & Country Pools tailors every closing to your pool’s unique needs, avoiding surprises in spring.
Why Choose Town & Country Pools?
With over 40 years of experience, Town & Country Pools in Springfield, VA, is your trusted partner for closing down a pool. Serving Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, our certified technicians deliver meticulous winterizing services, from balancing chlorine levels to installing safety covers. We provide clear pricing, avoiding hidden fees, and offer customized solutions for inground and ground pools. Our expertise ensures your pool equipment and water are protected, giving you confidence all winter long.
Get Started with Town & Country Pools
Ready to close down a pool for the winter? Contact Town & Country Pools at 703-451-6660 or visit our Springfield, VA, office to schedule your winterizing service.
Whether you need a full pool closing or guidance on DIY steps, we’re here to help. Protect your swimming pool today and enjoy a hassle-free opening next season. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more pool maintenance tips!
