Winterizing an in-ground pool involves more than putting on a cover and waiting for spring. Many decisions made when designing an in-ground pool also affect how you prepare its plumbing and equipment for cold weather. A careful closing routine helps protect expensive components from freezing temperatures and months of inactivity.
Start With Clean, Balanced Water
Give the pool a thorough cleaning several days before you plan to close it. Remove leaves and other debris, brush the walls, and vacuum the bottom so dirt doesn’t sit in the water all winter. Empty the skimmer and pump baskets, too.
Test the water and adjust its chemistry according to your pool and winterizing product recommendations. Properly balanced water can help protect surfaces and reduce problems when the cover comes off. Allow chemicals to circulate before shutting down the system.
Clean the Filter Before Closing
Your filter has spent the swimming season collecting dirt, oils, and other material from the water. Closing the pool without cleaning it can leave that buildup sitting inside the equipment for several months. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning your particular filter type.
Cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth filters have different maintenance requirements, so avoid treating them all the same way. Inspect accessible parts while cleaning and look for cracks, worn seals, or other obvious problems. Taking care of repairs now can make spring reopening easier.
Protect the Plumbing From Freezing
Water left inside pool plumbing can become a serious problem once temperatures fall below freezing. As water freezes, it expands and may put enough pressure on pipes and fittings to crack them. Winterizing the plumbing correctly is therefore one of the most important parts of closing an inground pool.
The exact process depends on how the pool was built and how its plumbing is arranged. An experienced inground pool builder or pool service professional can identify the proper procedure when you are unsure about specific lines, valves, or equipment. Guessing can leave water trapped in places that are difficult to see.
Handle the Pump With Care
Before working around the pump, switch off the power and follow the manufacturer’s safety directions. Depending on the model, closing the pump for winter may involve draining the remaining water and taking out certain plugs. Keep any small parts together in a safe place so you don’t have to search for them when spring arrives.
If a plug, valve, or fitting will not move easily, do not try to muscle it loose. Plastic parts can become brittle with age, and too much force can crack something that was otherwise still usable. A stubborn or damaged part is better left for a pool professional to inspect.
Do Not Forget the Heater
A pool heater also needs attention before winter. Simply turning it off may leave water inside, where it can freeze and damage parts as temperatures drop. Follow the instructions for your specific heater, since the closing process can vary by model.
Be especially careful when the job involves gas or electrical components. If any part of the winterizing process is outside your experience, have a qualified professional handle it instead. Paying for help now is usually better than discovering damaged equipment when you open the pool in spring.
Lower the Water Only as Needed
Some inground pools require the water level to be lowered during closing, but completely draining the pool can cause serious problems. The appropriate level depends on factors such as the pool structure, plumbing arrangement, winter cover, and local conditions. Follow the recommendations that apply to your specific setup.
Removing too much water can place unnecessary stress on certain pool structures or create other complications. If you are unsure how far to lower it, get professional advice before opening a drain or starting a pump. It is much easier to confirm the correct level than deal with damage later.
Check Everything Before Covering
Walk around the equipment area before installing the winter cover and look for anything you may have missed. Check that required lines and components have been properly prepared and that removable accessories are safely stored. Keep drain plugs and small parts together in a clearly marked container.
Inspect the pool cover before installing it. Look for worn areas, damaged hardware, or tears that could become larger during winter weather. Once installed, secure the cover according to the instructions.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to close your pool properly can prevent damage to both the pool and its equipment during the colder months. Winter care is also worth considering when designing an in-ground pool, especially if freezing weather is common where you live. Handle each step carefully now, and you are less likely to face unexpected repairs when it is time to open the pool again.
