Your in-ground pool provides hours of enjoyment during the hottest days of the year. When temperatures plummet, however, you must close down the pool properly to protect the integrity of the equipment and the pipes. If you still haven’t completed this autumn task, here’s how to ensure that your pool is ready for winter.

5 Steps for Closing Your Pool

1. Clean the Pool

Remove contaminants before you shut down the in-ground pool; otherwise, you risk mold formation and damage to vital components during the offseason. Use a telescopic pole and a brush to wipe down the walls and remove buildup. Scrub the stairs and ladder, too. Then, use a skimmer to remove all of the debris and finish by vacuuming the floor thoroughly.

2. Balance the Water

Alkalizing the water involves balancing the pool chemicals. First, test the water’s pH balance, which is a measure of its acidity. The ideal range is anywhere from 7.4 to 7.6; if it’s too high or low, you may encounter algae formation or corrosion. Pool water always contains calcium, but imbalanced levels can lead to scaly buildup. Opt for a range between 100 to 400 parts per million (ppm).

3. Apply Shock Treatment

Chlorine is vital to the health of your in-ground pool. It minimizes bacteria content, maintains clean water, and limits algae formation. Using a shock treatment several days before you shut down the pool for the season is an easy way to increase chlorine levels. Apply enough to increase levels to approximately 12 ppm. Within a couple of days, it should drop to its regular level of about 2 ppm.

4. Reduce the Level

Drain the water below the skimmer to prevent water from overflowing or slipping into the pipes when temperatures drop. If the water were to freeze, expand, and break the plumbing, it could cause problems. Also, consider your pool cover style; water can filter through mesh, so lower the level by at least a foot or more to accommodate this style. If you have a solid cover, lower it about half a foot. The water helps support the cover throughout the winter as debris and snow accumulate on top.

5. Drain the Equipment

The pool’s main components, including the pump, heater, and filter, have drain plugs. Detach these so that you can remove all traces of water from the lines with a shop vac. Then, backwash the pool’s filter and ensure it’s dry before you put it away for the season—otherwise, it may be at risk of developing mold.

A beautiful in-ground pool will last for decades and provide you with years of enjoyment. If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor space, turn to the team at Midwest Pools & Stonecrafters in St. Louis, MO. Proudly designing custom fiberglass pools, the company also installs outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and pizza ovens to take your dream design to the next level. Visit them online for information, or call (314) 853-8330 to schedule an appointment.