Properly closing your pool for the winter season is a crucial step in maintaining its longevity and ensuring a smooth opening next year. While some pool owners may be tempted to embark on this endeavor themselves, there are essential steps and intricate details that must not be overlooked. At Wichita Pools, our team of experts is here to guide you through the meticulous process of closing your pool, ensuring its protection and longevity. In this guide, we’ll outline the steps required for a proper winter pool closure.

If you you’d like to take the worry out of closing your own swimming pool, just call our professionals at Wichita Pools and we’ll get you on our schedule! Call us today at (316)759-9249.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you even think about draining the water, ensure you have all the necessary supplies at hand. You’ll need a winter pool cover, air pillow(s), pool antifreeze, winterizing chemicals, pool plugs, a pool cover pump, and a reliable pool cover pump timer.

Step 2: Balance the Water Chemistry
Adjusting your pool’s water chemistry is paramount to prevent algae growth and equipment damage during the dormant months. Test the water’s pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels, and make necessary adjustments to ensure they fall within the recommended range. Wichita Pools ensures each pool closure adheres to a precise chemical balance, a task that can be daunting for a novice. If you’d like Wichita Pools to handle this for you, schedule your pool closing by calling (316)759-9249.

Step 3: Clean Thoroughly
Give your pool a thorough cleaning by removing debris, leaves, and any foreign particles from the water. Scrub the pool walls and floor to prevent the buildup of algae and other contaminants during the winter months. Improperly cleaning/scrubbing your swimming pool walls and floors can create a NIGHTMARE in the springtime when its time to open your pool again. Make sure to use proper brush heads that will reach every crevice and contour of your swimming pool.

Step 4: Lower the Water Level
To avoid potential damage caused by freezing and thawing, lower the water level in the pool. Consult your swimming pool manufacturer for the appropriate water level based on your pool type and location. If you’re unsure how much you should drain your pool before closing it, you can always schedule your pool closing with Wichita Pools by calling (316)759-9249.

Step 5: Winterizing Chemicals
Add winterizing chemicals to the water to prevent algae growth and equipment corrosion. This delicate process requires precise measurements and careful handling as each pool varies. Different chemicals can be required for harm reduction depending on whether your pool is vinyl, fiberglass, concrete, etc.. If you’re not sure which chemicals your pool requires, schedule your pool closing with Wichita Pools by calling (316)759-9249.

Step 6: Remove and Store Accessories
Remove all pool accessories, such as ladders, diving boards, and skimmer baskets. Clean and store them in a safe, dry place to ensure their longevity.

Step 7: Blow Out the Plumbing
Thoroughly blow out all plumbing lines using a high-powered air compressor. This step prevents freezing and cracking, which can lead to VERY EXPENSIVE repairs come spring including work on underground water lines. Ensure that your swimming pool lines are PROPERLY blown out and sealed by calling Wichita Pools at (316)759-9249 to schedule your pool closing.

Step 8: Install Winterization Supplies
Place air pillows in the center of the pool to prevent the ice from expanding and damaging the pool walls. Install proper pool plugs in the return lines and skimmer to prevent water from entering the plumbing.

Step 9: Cover the Pool
Carefully place your CHILD-SAFE winter pool cover over the pool’s surface, ensuring it is secure and taut. This step requires precision and attention to detail to prevent debris from accumulating on the cover. Even the slightest opening or gap in your swimming pool cover will allow debris to enter the swimming pool which will jeopardize the health of your swimming pool. Need help with your pool cover? Need a NEW pool cover? Want an AUTOMATIC pool cover? Give Wichita Pools a call at (316)759-9249 and we’ll get your swimming pool covered properly.

Step 10: Use a Pool Cover Pump
A pool cover pump is essential for removing excess rainwater and preventing the cover from sagging or tearing under the weight. Set up a pool cover pump with a timer to ensure consistent water removal. Need a new pool cover pump? Give Wichita Pools a call at (316)759-9249

Closing your swimming pool for the winter season is undoubtedly a complex and intricate process that demands meticulous attention to detail in order to PROPERLY protect your investment. While the steps outlined above provide a general overview, the potential for error is high, especially for those lacking experience. At Wichita Pools, our dedicated team of experts possesses over 20 years of knowledge and expertise to ensure a seamless winter pool closure, protecting your investment and guaranteeing a hassle-free opening next summer.

Don’t let the complexity of pool closing ruin your day – contact us today and let our professionals handle the job with precision and care. Your pool’s longevity and your peace of mind are our top priorities at Wichita Pools (316)759-9249.