Above Ground Pools | How to close or winterize your pool!

Closing your pool properly will protect it from winter damage while making it easier to reopen in the spring.

The best time to close your pool? As late as possible! The ideal time is generally between late September and early November. It is best to wait until the water has reached about 10°C (50°F). It is very important to continue filtering the water in your pool at all times until it closes.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to closing an above ground pool:

1. One week before closing the pool, clean the sand or cartridge filter. Balance the water to achieve a pH of 7.6 and a total alkalinity of 120 ppm.

2. Remove the solar cover and clean it.

3. Using a leaf skimmer, remove all debris accumulated at the bottom of the pool. If necessary, use the sweeper in drain or drain mode (if applicable, the valve under the skimmer must be open at 100% skimmer – suction only through the skimmer if your pool is equipped with a bottom drain).

4. Lower the water level until the waterline is between 30 and 40 cm (12 and 16 in.) below the backflow. To do this, use the vacuum or bottom drain (selecting 100% bottom drain suction on the valve under the skimmer).

5. Remove the ladder and steps from the pool.

6. Clean the waterline, skimmer, ladder and steps.

7. Remove the door, skimmer basket and return water eye.

8. Disconnect the hoses connecting the skimmer to the pump, the pump to the filter, the filter to the return water. 

9. If your pool is equipped with a salt chlorine generator, disconnect the water heater and the salt chlorine generator.

10. Disconnect the hose that connects the bottom drain to the 3-way valve, connect the extension hose, attach it securely to a stake or to the edge of your pool. Pour the antifreeze into this hose.

11. Insert a coil to protect the bottom drain hose. Bend the end of the coil so that it gets stuck in the inlet of the hose.

12. Insert a block of Styrofoam in the skimmer and screw a cap on the return.

13. Empty the pump and store it indoors during the winter to protect it from the cold. 

14. Remove the drain plug from your filter. Store the drain plug in the pump basket for easy retrieval in the spring.

15. Remove the following from the filter: pressure gauge, drain hose clamp, viewing nozzle and gaskets. Store these items in the pump basket. It is strongly recommended to apply lubricant to the O-ring seals.

16. If your pool is equipped with a salt chlorination system, disconnect the cell, clean it and store it indoors to protect it from the cold during the winter. Remove and store the dashboard if possible. 

17. If the pool is equipped with a skimmer or return water light, remove it.

18. If you have a heat pump, unscrew the hoses and, using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or a leaf vacuum, drain the remaining water from the water heater. Cover the heat pump with a protective cover.

19. Add the contents of the closing kit.

20. We recommend to cover the pool with a cover elastic system and a wintering net to make spring cleaning easier. In addition, you will protect your pool cover from the sun’s rays.

Questions?

Our experts can help you! Not only will they explain this process in more detail, which can vary depending on the model and installation of your pool, but they will advise you on the right products to use as well.

Not enough time? Let us close your pool for you! Our specialists will close your pool efficiently and effectively, making sure that your pool will be perfectly ready for next season. 

Contact your Sima retailer today!