How to Close an Above Ground Pool  

Supplies Needed:

• Winter Cover
• Winterizing Chemical Kit
• Winterizing Plugs
• Air Pillow

Step 1: CLEAN THE POOL. Remove all dirt, leaves and other debris with your skimmer and vacuum any debris left in the pool will use up sanitizer and promote algae growth.

Step 2: TEST THE WATER & ADD BALANCERS. To get your PH in the proper range. Add winterizing chemicals, especially chlorine shock to kill algae all winter.

Step 3: LOWER THE WATER LEVEL. Drain the water 6 inches below the skimmer. Disconnect the skimmer hoses to insure no water remains in the skimmer. If the pool should fill up into the skimmer due to heavy fall rains, the water will flow out the bottom of the skimmer & not freeze inside the skimmer. Plug all return lines.

Step 4: WINTERIZE POOL EQUIPMENT. Disconnect your pool equipment & store. Disconnect your pool equipment & store them indoors to prevent freezing. Remove all ladders & step and store them safely away.

Step 5: Place an air pillow in the center of the pool to help absorb pressure from freezing water. Install a good quality winter cover and be sure it is securely attached as winter winds can be very strong.

Strong 6: Put 1” of water on the top of your cover to keep the cover from billowing in the wind.