To properly close your above ground pool for the winter, you'll need specific supplies to protect it from damage caused by freezing temperatures and debris. Here's a comprehensive list:
Essential Supplies for Closing Your Above Ground Pool
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Water Balancing Chemicals: You'll need chemicals to balance your pool water's pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness before closing. This helps prevent scaling, staining, and corrosion during the off-season.
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Pool Closing Kit or Closing Chemicals: These kits typically contain algaecide and shock treatment formulated for winter use. They help prevent algae growth and keep the water clean over the winter months.
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Skimmer, Brush, and Vacuum Attachments: Thoroughly cleaning your pool before closing is crucial. Use these tools with your telescoping pool pole to remove all debris from the pool's surface, walls, and floor.
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Winter Cover: A durable winter cover is essential to prevent leaves, dirt, and snow from entering the pool. It also helps block sunlight, which can fuel algae growth.
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Cable and Winch Assembly: This is usually included with your winter cover and is used to secure the cover tightly around the pool.
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Leaf Net: While not always necessary, a leaf net placed over your winter cover can catch leaves and debris, making spring opening easier and preventing the winter cover from getting weighed down.
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Air Pillow(s): These are placed under the winter cover to absorb the expansion of freezing water, protecting the pool walls from ice damage. The number you need depends on the size of your pool.
Additional Helpful Items
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Plugs and Winterizing Plugs: You'll need these to plug up skimmer lines, return jets, and any other openings in the pool to prevent water from entering and freezing in the pipes.
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Thread Seal Tape (Teflon Tape): Use this on the threads of plugs to ensure a watertight seal.
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Gizzmos: These are specialized skimmer plugs that screw into the skimmer and provide a crushable barrier against ice expansion, protecting the skimmer.
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Antifreeze (Pool-Specific): Use this to protect your plumbing lines from freezing. Do NOT use automotive antifreeze. Pool-specific antifreeze is non-toxic.
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Pump and Filter Cleaning Solution: To properly clean your filter and pump before storing them for the winter.
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Cover Pump (Optional): If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or rain, a cover pump can remove excess water from the top of your winter cover, preventing it from sagging or tearing.
Step-by-Step Closing Overview
- Clean the Pool: Thoroughly vacuum, brush, and skim the pool.
- Balance the Water: Test and adjust the water chemistry.
- Add Closing Chemicals: Add winter algaecide and shock.
- Lower Water Level: Drain the water to below the skimmer.
- Plug Skimmers and Returns: Use plugs or Gizzmos to seal openings.
- Disconnect Equipment: Remove and drain the pump, filter, and heater. Store them indoors.
- Cover the Pool: Secure the winter cover using the cable and winch.
- Inflate Air Pillow(s): Place these under the cover in the center of the pool.
By having these supplies on hand and following proper closing procedures, you can protect your above ground pool from winter damage and ensure a smooth opening next season.
