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How to Close Your Pool for Winter

An overhead view of an in-ground pool partly covered with a blue winter cover, with a hose and ring float on the deck.

Getting Your Pool Ready for Closing

  1. Balance the water first
    Just like at start-up, it’s important to balance your water before closing.
    Keep Total Alkalinity at 80–120 ppm, pH between 7.2 and 7.8 and Total Hardness at 200-400 ppm.
  2. Shock and treat the water
    Use a non-chlorine shock to remove contaminants. After 24 hours, add an algaecide like FROG® 90-Day Algae Barrier®. This one-two step helps keep your water clean over the winter.
  3. Lower the water level
    Reduce the water to about 2 inches below the skimmer opening to help prevent freeze damage.
  4. Prep your equipment
    Drain all water from pumps and filters to protect them from freezing.

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