Closing Pool For Winter: The Do’s and Don’ts
Published January 9, 2025
Your pool begins hibernating as summer bows out and colder days take over. The shift from cannonballs to quiet waters means one thing—it’s time to winterize. Properly closing your pool for winter isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the difference between a springtime oasis and a repair nightmare. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, you’ll protect your pool, save money, and make reopening next season a breeze.
These steps are essential for pool owners nationwide— especially those in Boca Raton. Take it from Excel Pools Boca Raton, a trusted pool care and maintenance name. Their years of experience ensure that every pool, whether inground or above ground, gets the precise care it needs. Ready? Let’s dive into the do’s, dodge the don’ts, and get your pool winter-ready.
Why Closing Your Pool Properly Matters
It’s spring, the sun’s back, and you’re ready to open your pool… only to find cracked liners, frozen pipes, and murky green water. Sound like a nightmare? That’s what happens when winterization gets overlooked.
Winter pools endure freezing temperatures, debris accumulation, and stagnant water. If you don’t close your pool for winter correctly, these issues compound, leaving you with costly repairs and weeks of cleanup. Excel Pools Boca Raton puts it simply—a little effort now protects your investment for years to come. From cleaning to covering, every step matters.
The Do’s of Closing Your Pool for Winter
Inspect for Damage Before Anything Else
Start with a deep look. Walk around your pool. Scan for cracks, leaks, or chips—even small ones. In winter, freezing temperatures expand water trapped in cracks, turning minor issues into gaping problems.
Don’t ignore what you see.
A homeowner in Boca Raton recently saved thousands by calling Excel Pool & Patio Solutions for a quick pre-winter repair. Their technicians tackled a small skimmer crack that would have burst wide open had it been untouched.
Clean Like You Mean It
Your pool deserves a spa day before winter takes hold. Remove all debris—leaves, bugs, sticks—and thoroughly brush the pool walls. Algae love neglected surfaces; a dirty pool now means a swamp later.
Vacuum the floor, skim the top, and make sure everything’s spotless. Imagine spring without scrubbing for hours. If you don’t have the time, let Excel Pools step in —they’ll make your pool sparkle.
Balance the Water Chemistry
Balanced water is winter-proof water. Break out your pool testing kit and adjust pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels to their sweet spots:
- pH: Between 7.2 and 7.6
- Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 180-220 ppm
Once balanced, shock your pool to kill lingering bacteria and toss in winterizing algaecide. Balanced water protects your pool surfaces from etching and prevents algae from pulling off a winter takeover.
Lower the Water Level—Just Right
Here’s where it gets tricky. Lower your pool water—but don’t drain it completely. Too low, and you stress the liner. Too high, and freezing water could flood your skimmer.
Reduce water below the skimmer but above the bottom tiles for inground pools. For above-ground pools, follow your manufacturer’s guidance. Excel Pools Boca Raton helps homeowners get this exactly right—so there’s no second-guessing.
Drain Equipment and Protect Pipes
Water expands as it freezes—bad news for pumps, filters, and pipes. Drain all equipment thoroughly. Use a shop vacuum to clear lingering water, paying special attention to delicate tubing.
Add pool-safe antifreeze to your pipes for extra insurance. Excel Pools’ technicians recommend this step for inground pools in colder climates to prevent any freezing mishaps.
Remove and Store Accessories
Ladders, handrails, skimmer baskets—anything that doesn’t need to stay should come out. Clean and dry each piece before storing it in a dry spot. Neglecting this step could mean rusty or cracked accessories come springtime.
For solar covers or rollers, store them indoors if possible. Excel Pools Boca Raton ensures every accessory is properly prepped and stored during their winterizing services.
Cover the Pool Securely
Not all covers are created equal. For winter, invest in a durable cover designed to withstand debris, ice, and snow. If safety is a concern (for pets or children), consider a sturdy safety cover that supports weight.
Secure the edges tightly to prevent wind from sneaking under. Loose covers invite leaves and critters—neither of which you want waiting for you in spring.
The Don’ts of Closing Your Pool for Winter
Don’t Close Too Early
Timing is everything. If you close your pool while temperatures are still mild, algae will thrive. Wait until the water temperature drops below 60°F (15°C). Cooler water slows algae growth, giving you a cleaner pool come spring.
Don’t Ignore Your Filter
Your filter works hard all summer, so don’t skip maintenance now. Backwash your sand filter or clean cartridge filters thoroughly before winter. A clogged filter left untreated will only cause headaches later.
Don’t Drain the Pool Completely
Draining your pool sounds logical, but it’s risky. An empty pool exposes liners to tearing and can cause structural damage. Keep water levels just right to avoid costly repairs.
Don’t Use a Summer Cover
Summer covers are too flimsy for winter conditions. A durable winter pool cover or safety cover is a must. Don’t cut corners here—cheap covers tear easily and leave your pool vulnerable.
Don’t Forget Winter Checkups
Winter doesn’t mean your pool is out of mind. Check on it every 2-3 weeks. Look for sagging covers, shifting water levels, or visible damage. If issues arise, act fast before they escalate.
Excel Pools Boca Raton: Your Winterizing Experts
Closing your pool for winter is a step-by-step process, and every detail matters. Excel Pool & Patio Solutions, a trusted name in Boca Raton, makes this process stress-free. Their professional pool technicians bring years of expertise to every project—whether it’s cleaning, balancing chemicals, or securing covers.
At Excel Pools, customer care comes first. Each pool they build, maintain, or winterize gets the utmost attention, ensuring it stays in pristine condition all year round.
Learn more about their services at Excel Pools Boca Raton.
FAQs About Closing Your Pool for Winter
1. When is the right time to close a pool for winter?
Wait until water temperatures are consistently below 60°F (15°C).
2. Should I completely drain my pool?
No. Lower the water level but leave enough to protect the liner and structure.
3. What chemicals do I need for winterizing?
Shock chlorine, winter algaecide, and pH balancers are essential.
4. How often should I check my pool in winter?
Inspect every 2-3 weeks to ensure covers are secure and water levels are stable.
5. Can I use a summer cover for winter?
No. Use a sturdy winter pool cover designed to handle cold conditions.
Final Thoughts
Winterizing your pool might feel overwhelming, but the benefits are undeniable. From preventing cracks and algae to protecting your equipment, following these do’s and don’ts ensures your pool emerges from winter in great shape.
If you want peace of mind, let Excel Pools Boca Raton handle the job. Their expert team knows pools inside and out, ensuring every step is done right the first time. Don’t leave your pool’s future to chance—trust the professionals to keep it safe all winter long.
Discover more at Excel Pools Boca Raton.
Hire Boca’s Favorite Pool Builders
Excel Pool and Patio Solutions is your trustworthy provider of pool services in Boca Raton. We are experts in pool and patio remodeling and can handle your resurfacing needs as well. Our technicians are vetted and trained for your guaranteed satisfaction. Get to know us by browsing our website or reaching out to us with any questions.
Contact our team today to request a free estimate for pool construction, maintenance, repairs and more.
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About The Author
Hello! I am Corinne, a graduate of Riverside College. My career has evolved into focusing on writing, where I deliver high-quality and meticulously researched content. I have a proven track record of developing helpful articles that engage a wide variety of readers.
