How to Close an In-Ground Pool

Winterizing an above-ground swimming pool is a task most homeowners can tackle on their own. However, winterizing an in-ground pool can be stressful for most homeowners. More often than not, in-ground pools are much larger than above-ground pools and deeper. This means to close an in-ground swimming pool you need more chemical balancing, winter preparation, and manpower to be successful.

The thought of worrying all summer about how to cover your in-ground pool is not something you want to experience. Even more so, you don’t want to spend all winter worrying if you covered it correctly or not. Here are a few tips that will help you winterize your in-ground swimming pool with ease.

Steps to Close an In-Ground Swimming Pool

1. Balance your in-ground pool to the recommended levels with the necessary chemicals.
2. Lower the level of the water to below the pool returns and skimmers.
3. Blow out all lines including skimmer lines, return lines, main drain lines, and any other lines that hold water, so you prevent your lines from freezing and bursting as the weather gets colder.
4. Anti-freeze all lines that have been blown out to ensure protection.
5. Cap and/or plug all opening lines that were blown out in the pool itself.
6. Remove all plugs in the pump or filter system. Ensure that all the water is blowin out from those as well.
7. Add the correct closing chemicals to the pool.
8. Put a Compensator, Gizzmo, or empty bottle into the skimmers to prevent ice damage.
9. Place the cover over the pool and secure it tightly.

It is important to note that over the winter some in-ground pool maintenance is required.

If you have a standard tarp-like cover that is being held in place with water bags, you will want to maintain a clean cover. Keeping water and debris off of the pool cover will prevent it from slipping into the water. If you have a safety cover in place, we recommend you check the water level every 4-6 weeks. You want to make sure the water level is not getting too high. Overflowing a covered pool may damage the pool or cause other issues to arise.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to give you any additional information on how to close an in-ground swimming pool. We also offer winterization services at All America Pool and would be happy to schedule an appointment for you today! You can contact us here or by calling 502-448-0300.