Closing Your Swimming Pool

Stains, corrosion and scale are not just problems6. Lower the water in the pool down to the level
during the swimming season. By using the rightrecommended by the manufacturer for
products and following the simple procedureswinterizing.
below, you will protect your pool during the cold7. Drain water from equipment such as pump,
winter weather. Climates vary, so be sure to askfilter, heater, chlorinator, hoses and pipes as
your local pool dealer for specific winterizingrecommended by the manufacturer. Ask your
instructions.dealer if you should protect the pipes and
equipment with a non-toxic, swimming pool
1. Take a water sample to your local swimmingantifreeze. Ladders, chlorinator (if offline model),
pool dealer for a complete water analysis. Followpump and skimmers baskets should be stored.
your dealer's instructions to balance the water as8. Cover the pool using a quality cover to prevent
needed.leaves, dirt and debris from accumulating in the
2. Clean your pool by brushing the walls, skimmingpool.
the water surface and vacuuming the poolAfter consulting with your local swimming pool
bottom. Clean pool wall tile and vinyl with cleaner.dealer, you may decide to leave your pool open
Empty pump an skimmer basket.during the winter months. If so, the following are
3. Clean or backwash the filter according to therecommended at a minimum:
manufacturer's instructions using a filter cleaner
and degreaser following the label instructions.1. Operate the pump at least several hours a day
4. Protect your pool water by doing a pool shock.or continuously if the temperature gets down to
Run the pump for several hours to disperse thefreezing.
product thoroughly.2. Maintain normal pH and minimum free chlorine
5. Protect your pool against algae with the additionlevels.
of an algaecide.3. Keep the pool free of leaves, dirt and debris.