Mild-Climate Closing

Your weather permits a longer swimming season. However, if there will be many weeks when your pool is not in use, continue routine maintenance, but on a reduced schedule.

• If using a pool cover faithfully, pool owners need to filter less often.
• Operating the filter 4 to 8 hours once a week will suffice.  However, when filtration goes down, free available chlorine needs to go up.
• Shock treat with and POOLIFE™ Shock product (see “Shock Treatment” for assistance) to increase the FAC level to 5-10 ppm, then continue treating about once a week to maintain a level of 1- 4 ppm (remember to correct the pH before shock treating)
• Monitor pH to keep within the range of 7.2 – 7.8.
• Correct it with POOLIFE™ pH Plus  or POOLIFE™ pH Minus  as needed.
• If not using the pool during winter, turn off the pool heater according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Continue regular cleaning of skimmers and the pump basket.
• If you don't use a pool cover, you'll also need to continue vacuuming and brushing.

Cold-Climate Closing

Pools in cold-weather areas require a few more winterizing steps.

• Give your pool a final cleaning.  Brush the wall and floor of the pool.  The pool water should be crystal clear before shut down.
• Ensure the pH is 7.2 – 7.4.
• Add a winterizing dose of your preferred POOLIFE™ Shock product, following label directions.
• Run the filter for 12– 24 hours.
• Clean the pool thoroughly by vacuuming and removing any debris.
• Prevent algae from forming by adding POOLIFE™ AlgaeBomb 30™ or POOLIFE™ Super AlgaeBomb 60™.  Follow label directions.
• Recheck the pH and ensure it reads 7.2-7.8.
• Drop the water level according to pool manufacturer directions, but do not drain the pool. Water left in the pool protects the walls from the pressure as ground water freezes and expands during winter.  Saving the pool water also reduces the expense of replacing water and chemicals in spring.
• Protect equipment to prevent damage from freezing.  The most effective way to protect pumps (including the pump on some automatic cleaners) is to remove them and store them where they won't freeze.  Any pump that remains outside must be drained completely, according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Drain the pool filter, valves and lines to the gauges according to manufacturers' instructions.
• Protect lines and skimmers.  Use an air compressor (or a vacuum cleaner with a blower setting) to dry out the lines.  Add an antifreeze approved for use in swimming pools.  Do not use automotive antifreeze.  The antifreeze solution you put in your lines this fall will circulate through the pool next spring, so be sure to use the right stuff.
• Close the gas heater valves at both ends of the line unless a pilot light should be left on – check your manual.
• Cover the pool.  A tight-fitting cover keeps a pool free of damaging debris and prevents the growth of algae, which need sunlight to thrive.