How to Close Your Pool (Step-by-Step)
Empire Pools closes pools across Long Island using a precise, winter-safe process that protects your equipment, plumbing, and liner. Follow the steps below to do it right the first time — and know when it’s smarter to bring in a pro crew.
DIY Steps for a Proper, Winter-Safe Pool Closing
- Step 1: Balance & Prep the Water. Test and balance pH, alkalinity, and calcium to winter ranges. Brush walls and floor, vacuum thoroughly, and backwash/rinse the filter. The cleaner the water at closing, the cleaner it opens. Tip: Shock 24 hours before closing to start the winter clean and reduce algae risk.
- Step 2: Add Winterizing Chemicals. Use a closing kit or add algaecide and a non-chlorine oxidizer per label. Distribute chemicals with the pump running and allow a short circulation period before the blow-out.
- Step 3: Lower the Water to the Correct Level. For most vinyl pools with skimmers: lower water to just below the skimmer mouth (follow your cover manufacturer’s spec). For mesh safety covers, you’ll typically go lower than for solid covers. Tip: Use “vacuum to waste” to speed removal and avoid pushing debris through the filter.
- Step 4: Remove & Store Accessories. Remove ladders, handrails, diving board (if applicable), skimmer basket, return fittings/eyeballs, cleaners, toys, and any removable lights per manufacturer guidelines. Rinse and store indoors.
- Step 5: Disassemble & Drain Equipment. Shut power off. Open drain plugs on the pump, filter (tank drain & air relief), heater, chlorinator/salt cell, and any check valves/unions that trap water. Tip the pump to drain. Leave plugs in the pump basket for next season.
- Step 6: Blow Out Lines & Protect Skimmer/Returns. Use a blower to push air from equipment toward the pool. Once returns bubble, plug them at the wall. For the skimmer, blow until clear, then insert a Gizzmo (or comparable) to absorb expansion. If you have a main drain, air-lock it by bubbling and closing the valve.
- Step 7: Add Pool Antifreeze (If Needed). In colder exposures or long runs, pour non-toxic pool antifreeze into lines per label. Do not use automotive antifreeze.
- Step 8: Install the Winter Cover Safely. For safety covers: attach springs evenly, maintain consistent tension, and verify anchors are raised correctly. For solid water-bag covers: center the cover, place tubes along edges (no gaps), and fill per the tube instructions to prevent wind lift.
- Step 9: Final Checks & Equipment Storage. Verify power is off at the breaker, valves are set for winter, and all unions/drain ports are open to drain. Store baskets, fittings, ladders, and plugs together, labeled for spring.
What You’ll Need
- Test kit; pH/alkalinity/calcium adjusters
- Algaecide + non-chlorine oxidizer (closing kit)
- Vacuum + brush; backwash hose
- Blower for lines; return plugs; Gizzmo or comparable
- Pool antifreeze (as needed)
- Winter cover (safety or solid) + anchors/water tubes
- Basic hand tools (for ladders, rails, unions)