Q&A for How to Close Your Swimming Pool for the Winter

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Question

Should the skimmer valves be open or closed for the winter?

Community Answer

Skimmer valves should remain closed so winter air can not get in and ruin your pool.

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Question

Does the pool have to be balanced before I close it and put on the cover?

Community Answer

No. You may want to shock it to deter the growth of algae, however.

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Question

How much water should I leave in the pool?

Community Answer

Slightly less than the water you would usually have in your pool in the summer.

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Question

Why do I need to lower the water level?

Community Answer

Because when water freezes, it expands. If you do not lower the water level, it could result in a cracked pool liner.

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Question

How much pool antifreeze do I need for a 16' x 32' pool?

Community Answer

I use one gallon per skimmer and per returns. I do blow out the lines beforehand.

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Question

Should I add liquid chlorine to my above ground pool prior to closing it for the winter?

Community Answer

No. This would be a waste since bacteria will continue to grow even in close to freezing temperatures.

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Question

Will water need to be pumped off the cover if I use an air pillow?

Community Answer

Use enough air pillows so that rain water will flow off the cover at the edges on the deck. Keep the cover tight to do so. If your cover sits in the pool and not over the edges, then there's no need for air pillows.

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Question

I have an inground pool. Should the water level be below the bottom of the skimmer for the winter?

Community Answer

Yes, it should be below the skimmer for winter or water will enter your plumbing system, dilute the anti-freezing chemical and ultimately freeze in colder months.

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Question

Do I leave the pump drain plugs out while I am blowing out the lines?

Community Answer

Yes, as you will already have removed the pump to store it inside. You will be blowing out lines in front or behind the pump anyway.

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Question

Are pools supposed to have their pumps removed during winter time?

Community Answer

Disconnect the filter and remove your pump, then store indoors to avoid any freezing of water that might be in the pump itself.

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Question

When do I put the winterizing chemicals in the pool?

Community Answer

You add the winterizing chemicals at the end of closing, right before you put the cover on for the winter.

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Question

Do the valves for the water returns stay open or closed for the winter?

Community Answer

Closed, so that no moisture will get into the lines and dilute the pool antifreeze you may have used. You want to keep them closed in general, even if you don’t use antifreeze. Basically, don’t leave any water or any way for water to get in to anything you drain the water from.

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