Don’t Drain Your Pool! Learn How To Close It The Right Way


Sharing is Caring


Welcome to our guide on how to close your pool without draining. Properly closing your pool is a vital part of pool maintenance, but many pool owners make the mistake of thinking that the only way to do it is by draining the pool. Draining your pool can be expensive, wasteful, and even damaging to your pool. In this article, we will show you the right way to close your pool without draining it, so you can avoid these issues and make sure your pool is ready to go next season.

First, we’ll discuss why it’s important to properly close your pool. Closing your pool correctly will protect it from winter weather, prevent algae growth, and extend the lifespan of your pool. We’ll also cover the benefits of not draining your pool, which include saving money on water bills and avoiding potential damage to your pool.

If you’re ready to learn how to close your pool without draining, our step-by-step guide will walk you through the process. We’ll also cover the tools you’ll need, as well as common mistakes to avoid when closing your pool. And finally, we’ll give you some tips to ensure your pool is ready to go next season, so you can dive right in without any issues.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or a first-timer, keep reading to learn how to properly close your pool without draining it and avoid any potential issues that could arise from improper pool maintenance.

The Importance of Properly Closing Your Pool

If you’re a pool owner, you know how important it is to properly close your pool at the end of the season. Not only does it protect your investment, but it also ensures the longevity of your pool. Closing your pool the right way can prevent expensive damages and avoid the headache of having to deal with a dirty and unsafe pool.

One of the biggest reasons why closing your pool correctly is essential is to avoid any water freezing and expanding within the pipes, causing them to crack. This can result in costly repairs and replacements. Additionally, closing your pool correctly can help prevent the growth of algae, which can make your pool unsafe and unappealing. Properly winterizing your pool can also save you time and money when it’s time to open it back up for the next season.

Overall, closing your pool properly is a crucial step in pool maintenance. Not only does it protect your pool from potential damage, but it also ensures that your pool is ready to go for the next season. Don’t skip this essential step in pool care, and you’ll enjoy a healthy, clean, and long-lasting pool for years to come.

Protecting Your Pool Investment

  1. Preventing damage: Closing your pool properly can help prevent damage to the pool surface, equipment, and plumbing. Failing to close your pool correctly can lead to costly repairs and replacements.

  2. Prolonging lifespan: By properly closing your pool, you are extending the lifespan of your investment. This will help you avoid costly renovations, and will keep your pool looking great and functioning properly for years to come.

  3. Ensuring safety: A properly closed pool can ensure the safety of your family and pets. When your pool is closed, it eliminates the risk of accidental falls into the pool and prevents unauthorized access to the pool area.

  4. Saving money: Properly closing your pool can also help you save money on pool maintenance. By taking the necessary steps to close your pool, you can prevent algae growth and other issues that can be expensive to fix in the spring.

Protecting your pool investment is crucial to ensuring it lasts for years to come. By following the proper steps to close your pool, you can avoid costly repairs, prolong its lifespan, and keep your family and pets safe. Not to mention, you’ll save money on maintenance and be ready to jump back into the pool as soon as the weather warms up.

Preventing Winter Damage

One of the biggest reasons to properly close your pool for winter is to prevent potential damage caused by the cold weather. Freezing temperatures can cause a host of issues, from cracked pipes to damaged pool equipment, which can lead to costly repairs come spring. By following a few simple steps, you can help protect your pool from winter damage and save yourself time and money in the long run.

  • Chemically treat the water: Before closing your pool, make sure the water is properly balanced and chemically treated. This will help prevent algae growth and other chemical imbalances that can cause damage during the winter months.
  • Clean the pool: Debris such as leaves and dirt can create issues if left in your pool for the winter. Make sure to skim and vacuum the pool before closing it for the season.
  • Lower the water level: Lowering the water level below the skimmer is important to prevent ice from expanding and damaging the skimmer and pool walls. However, don’t drain the pool completely, as this can cause the pool to shift or pop out of the ground.
  • Install a pool cover: A pool cover will help keep debris out of your pool and prevent evaporation. It will also help prevent damage to your pool caused by ice and snow buildup.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your pool will be in good shape come spring and avoid costly repairs. However, it’s important to note that proper pool maintenance doesn’t end with winterization. Regular pool maintenance throughout the year is necessary to keep your pool in top condition for years to come.

Benefits of Not Draining Your Pool

Many pool owners assume that draining their pool is a necessary step in closing it for the winter. However, this can actually cause more harm than good. Here are some benefits of not draining your pool:

Protects pool structure: Draining your pool completely can cause the structure to shift, crack, or even collapse. Leaving water in the pool helps to maintain the balance and stability of the pool structure.

Saves time and money: Draining and refilling your pool can be time-consuming and costly. By not draining your pool, you can save both time and money on maintenance.

Prevents damage to the pool: Without water in the pool, the liner or tiles can become dry and brittle, leading to cracks and damage. By leaving water in the pool, you can protect the pool surface and reduce the risk of damage.

Maintains chemical balance: Draining your pool completely can disrupt the chemical balance of your pool, making it harder to achieve and maintain the correct levels. By leaving water in the pool, you can maintain the chemical balance more easily.

Helps the environment: Draining your pool can have a negative impact on the environment. By leaving water in the pool, you can help conserve water and reduce the amount of chemicals that are released into the environment.

Preserving Water Resources

Save Money on Your Water Bill: Draining and refilling a pool can cost hundreds of dollars in water bills, while closing it properly can save you a significant amount of money.

Conserve Precious Water Resources: Every drop of water counts, and draining a pool can waste thousands of gallons of water. By properly closing your pool without draining, you can help conserve this precious resource.

Support Sustainable Living: Conserving water is an important part of sustainable living. By keeping your pool water in the pool, you are doing your part to help support the environment.

Maintain Chemical Balance: When you drain your pool, you lose all of the chemicals that help keep the water balanced. By not draining your pool, you can help maintain a healthy chemical balance in the water and avoid the need for excessive chemical treatments.

Reduce Carbon Footprint: The energy required to refill a drained pool, along with the additional chemicals needed to re-balance the water, can significantly increase your carbon footprint. By keeping your pool water in the pool, you are reducing your environmental impact.

Avoiding Costly Repairs

Proper maintenance: Not draining your pool at the end of the season can help prevent costly repairs. Keeping the water in your pool can help protect it from structural damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

Prevents leaks: Draining your pool completely can cause your vinyl liner to shrink, making it more likely to tear or develop leaks. Leaving the water in your pool can help keep your liner in good condition.

Protects equipment: Not draining your pool can also help protect your pool equipment. Water left in the pool can help protect the pool pump, filter, and other components from damage caused by freezing temperatures.

Step-by-Step Guide on How To Close Your Pool Without Draining

Step 1: Test and balance the pool water chemistry. This will help prevent algae growth and equipment damage during the winter.

Step 2: Clean the pool thoroughly, including the walls, floors, and all pool accessories such as ladders and diving boards. Any debris left in the pool can decompose and cause staining or damage to the pool surface.

Step 3: Lower the water level in the pool to below the skimmer and return lines. This prevents the water from freezing and damaging the pool equipment. Use a submersible pump or a siphon to lower the water level.

Step 4: Blow out the pool plumbing lines to remove any remaining water. This is critical to prevent freezing and bursting of pipes, which can be expensive to repair.

Step 5: Install winter pool cover tightly over the pool, ensuring that it is secured around the edges. This prevents debris from entering the pool and keeps the water clean during the winter season.

If you follow these steps, you can successfully close your pool without draining it and prevent damage to your pool and its equipment during the winter months.

Clean and Balance Your Pool Water

The first step in closing your pool without draining it is to clean and balance the water. Use a pool test kit to measure the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels of the water. If the pH and alkalinity levels are too low or high, adjust them using pH increaser or decreaser and alkalinity increaser. If the chlorine level is too high, reduce it with a chlorine neutralizer. Then, use a pool vacuum to remove any debris from the bottom of the pool and scrub the walls and tiles with a pool brush.

Once the pool is clean, add a winterizing chemical kit to prevent algae and bacteria growth during the off-season. These kits typically include a combination of algaecide and chlorine shock treatment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when adding these chemicals to ensure they are distributed evenly throughout the pool.

Finally, use a pool cover to keep debris out of the pool during the winter months. A good cover will not only keep the pool clean but also prevent evaporation and heat loss, which can save you money on heating costs when you reopen the pool in the spring.

Lower the Water Level and Disconnect Pool Equipment

Step 1: Use a submersible pump to lower the water level to just below the skimmer.

Step 2: Disconnect all pool equipment, such as the pump, filter, and heater. Drain the water from them and clean the equipment thoroughly.

Step 3: Remove any remaining water from the pool equipment by blowing it out with a shop vac or using compressed air. This will help prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

Tools You Need To Close Your Pool Without Draining

Winter pool cover: You’ll need a pool cover to keep debris out of your pool during the off-season.

Pool cover pump: If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or snow, a pool cover pump will help prevent the cover from collapsing under the weight.

Winterizing chemicals: These chemicals will help keep your pool clean and balanced during the off-season.

Skimmer plug: A skimmer plug will help prevent water from entering your skimmer and causing freeze damage.

Pool antifreeze: This will help prevent your pool plumbing from freezing and causing costly damage.

Closing your pool without draining it is a great way to save time and money, but you’ll need the right tools to do it properly. Make sure you have these items on hand before you begin the process.

Pool Cover

A pool cover is a vital tool for closing your pool without draining. It protects the pool from debris, sunlight, and weather damage. To choose the right pool cover for your pool, measure your pool’s dimensions carefully and choose a cover that fits well.

The two most common types of pool covers are mesh and solid covers. A mesh cover is ideal for areas with heavy rainfall, as it allows water to pass through while keeping debris out. A solid cover is perfect for areas with high wind or snowfall, as it can support weight and prevent damage to the pool.

When installing a pool cover, make sure it is properly secured to prevent it from shifting or blowing away in the wind. A secure pool cover also ensures that debris does not enter the pool during the winter months.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Closing Your Pool

As you prepare to close your pool for the season, there are several mistakes that you should avoid to ensure that your pool is ready for the next season. Skipping any essential steps, using the wrong chemicals, ignoring water balance, failing to remove all the equipment and accessories, and neglecting to clean your pool properly are some of the common mistakes to avoid when closing your pool.

Skipping any essential steps when closing your pool can cause problems when you reopen it. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you don’t miss anything. Skipping steps such as balancing your pool water or removing equipment can lead to costly repairs or damage to your pool.

Using the wrong chemicals can also be a costly mistake. It’s important to use the right chemicals and follow the recommended dosage to avoid damaging your pool. Using too many chemicals or the wrong ones can cause damage to your pool surfaces or equipment and potentially harm swimmers.

Ignoring water balance is another mistake to avoid. The water balance can change during the off-season, which can lead to corrosion or scaling if not properly managed. Make sure to test your water chemistry regularly and adjust as necessary.

Failing to remove all the equipment and accessories is another mistake to avoid. Leaving equipment and accessories, such as ladders, skimmer baskets, or cleaners, in your pool can cause damage over time. Be sure to remove all accessories and equipment and store them in a dry, covered area during the off-season.

Neglecting to clean your pool properly before closing it can also cause problems. Debris left in the pool can lead to staining, algae growth, or other issues during the off-season. Be sure to vacuum, brush, and clean your pool thoroughly before closing it for the season.

Skipping Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the most common mistakes when closing a pool is to skip cleaning and maintenance. Leaving debris and dirt in the pool can lead to staining and algae growth, which can cause damage to the pool’s interior and equipment.

It is also important to balance the pool’s water chemistry before closing to prevent scale buildup, corrosion, and other issues. Make sure to test the water and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels as necessary.

Another essential step is to clean and winterize the pool equipment. This includes removing and storing any removable equipment like ladders, diving boards, and pool toys, draining water from pool pumps, and properly storing filters and heaters.

By taking the time to clean and maintain your pool before closing, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure that your pool is ready to go when you reopen it in the spring.

Using Incorrect Chemicals

When closing your pool, using the wrong chemicals can have serious consequences. Chlorine shock is an essential chemical to use when closing your pool, as it kills bacteria and prevents algae growth. However, adding too much can damage your pool liner and corrode your equipment. Using the wrong type of shock or algaecide can also cause issues, such as staining or discoloration.

It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using chemicals and to use only what is recommended for your specific pool type. Testing your water regularly throughout the season can help you maintain proper chemical levels and avoid using incorrect chemicals when it comes time to close your pool.

If you’re unsure about what chemicals to use, consider consulting with a professional pool service. They can offer guidance and ensure that you’re using the correct products for your pool’s needs. Remember, using the wrong chemicals can be costly and even dangerous to you and your family’s health.

Tips To Ensure Your Pool Is Ready To Go Next Season

Remove Your Pool Cover Carefully: When removing your pool cover, make sure to do it slowly and carefully to avoid debris falling into the water. Remove any leaves or debris that may have collected on the cover before removing it.

Inspect and Clean Your Pool Equipment: Take some time to inspect and clean your pool equipment, including the pump, filter, and heater. Remove any debris and clean the components thoroughly to ensure they function properly when you reopen your pool.

Test Your Pool Water: Before adding any chemicals, test your pool water to determine its chemical levels. You can purchase a testing kit from your local pool supply store or hire a professional to test it for you.

Shock Your Pool: To get your pool ready for the next season, it is recommended to shock your pool. Shocking your pool helps to eliminate any bacteria and contaminants that may have accumulated over the winter months.

Keep Your Pool Covered: When your pool is not in use, make sure to keep it covered to prevent debris from falling in. This will make it easier to maintain your pool and reduce the need for cleaning and maintenance.

Inspect Pool Cover Regularly

Pool covers are an important investment to protect your pool during the off-season, but they can become damaged and wear out over time. To ensure your cover is still in good condition, inspect it regularly for any tears, holes, or other signs of wear and tear. It’s also important to keep the cover clean and free of debris.

Leaves, twigs, and other debris can collect on top of your pool cover over time, and if left unchecked, can cause damage to the cover or make it more difficult to remove when it’s time to open the pool again. Be sure to remove any debris from the cover regularly throughout the off-season.

Proper storage of your pool cover during the off-season is also important to ensure it stays in good condition. Clean and dry the cover before folding it up and storing it in a cool, dry place away from any potential damage or hazards.

Replace damaged covers as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your pool during the off-season. If a cover is beyond repair or has reached the end of its lifespan, investing in a new one will ensure your pool is properly protected for the next off-season.

Open Your Pool Early

Plan ahead and open your pool early to give yourself enough time to address any issues that may arise. Waiting until the last minute to prepare your pool can result in unnecessary stress and may even delay opening day.

Remove the pool cover carefully and inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during the off-season. Clean it thoroughly and store it in a dry place once it’s dry.

Test and balance the water chemistry to ensure that it’s safe for swimmers. Use a test kit to check the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. Adjust them as necessary to achieve the recommended levels.

Clean and inspect the pool equipment before starting it up for the season. Check the pump, filter, and skimmer basket for any damage or debris. Replace or repair any damaged equipment before use.

Check Pool Equipment

Regularly inspect your pool equipment, such as the pump, filter, and heater, to ensure they are functioning properly. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or leaks. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage.

Check the chemical balance of your pool water to ensure it is within the recommended levels. Imbalanced water can cause damage to your pool equipment and reduce their lifespan.

Properly winterize your pool equipment before closing your pool for the season. This includes draining the water from the pump, filter, and heater, and storing them in a dry, protected area to prevent freezing and damage.

Clean and maintain your pool equipment regularly to prevent buildup of debris and prolong their lifespan. Use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products and follow the instructions carefully.

Hire a professional to perform regular maintenance and inspections of your pool equipment to ensure it is in good condition and functioning properly. This can help prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to close a pool without draining?

Closing your pool without draining is possible, but it requires proper preparation and equipment. First, lower the water level and balance the chemicals. Then, remove all accessories and clean the pool thoroughly. Finally, cover the pool to protect it from debris and weather damage. Following these steps will ensure your pool is protected during the winter season and ready to use again in the spring.

Why should you not drain your pool for winter?

Draining a pool for the winter can cause damage to the structure, as well as the surrounding landscaping. If you live in an area with below-freezing temperatures, any water left in the pool can freeze and expand, causing cracks or even structural damage. Additionally, draining the pool can expose the surface to sunlight and dryness, which can lead to fading, cracking, or other damage. Closing a pool without draining it is a safer and more effective way to protect it during the off-season.

What equipment do I need to close my pool without draining it?

To close your pool without draining it, you will need a pool cover, winterizing chemicals, a pool brush, a skimmer net, and a pool vacuum. The cover will protect the pool from debris and weather damage, while the chemicals will help balance the water and prevent algae growth. The brush, net, and vacuum will help you remove any remaining debris from the pool before closing it up for the winter.

When should I close my pool for the winter?

The best time to close your pool for the winter depends on your location and climate. Generally, it is recommended to close your pool when the water temperature consistently drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This is typically in late September or early October for most parts of the country. However, if you live in a warmer climate, you may be able to keep your pool open for longer. It is important to close the pool before the first frost to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

How can I ensure my pool is ready to go next season?

To ensure your pool is ready for the next season, it is important to follow the proper closing procedures and perform regular maintenance throughout the off-season. This includes checking the pool cover regularly, inspecting the equipment for any damage, and balancing the chemicals before opening the pool. It is also recommended to hire a professional pool service to perform any necessary repairs or maintenance before opening the pool for the next season.

Craving More Content?

Pool Tips USA