A pool that's closed well opens clean and clear in spring. One that isn't can greet you with green water, stains and, in cold climates, ice damage to the walls or equipment. Closing an above-ground pool takes an afternoon, plus a few days of prep before. Here's the order to do it in.
A week before
Clean the pool thoroughly
Skim leaves, brush the walls and floor, and vacuum. Anything left will sit and stain all winter.
Test and balance the water
Aim for pH around 7.2–7.6 and total alkalinity around 80–120 ppm, plus your normal calcium hardness. Balanced water protects the liner and metal parts.
Shock the pool
Shock several days before closing, then let chlorine levels drop back before adding winter chemicals — high chlorine can break down some algaecides.
Clean the filter
Backwash a sand filter, rinse a cartridge, or clean a DE filter according to the manufacturer.
Closing day
Add winter chemicals
A winterising kit usually includes a winter algaecide and a stain or scale preventer. Follow the dosing for your pool volume, and run the pump to circulate.
Remove accessories
Take out ladders, steps, solar covers, skimmer baskets, return fittings and any robots or automatic cleaners. Clean and dry them before storing.
Lower the water level
In freezing climates, lower the water to just below the skimmer mouth (or as your pool maker advises) so ice can't crack the skimmer. Many above-ground pools use a skimmer cover plate instead of lowering much — check your manual.
Winterise the equipment
Disconnect hoses, drain the pump, filter and any heater, and remove drain plugs. Store small pumps and cartridge filters indoors if you can.
Plug the returns and skimmer
Use winter plugs or a skimmer cover so water can't freeze inside them.
Add an air pillow and cover
An inflated air pillow in the centre absorbs ice expansion and helps rain and snow run off the cover. Secure the cover with its cable and winch, and check it's tight all round.
Over winter
- Pump off standing water on the cover so its weight doesn't damage it.
- Clear heavy snow gently with a soft broom or roof rake.
- Check the cover and air pillow after storms.
Closing checklist
- Pool skimmed, brushed and vacuumed
- Water balanced and shocked
- Filter cleaned
- Winter algaecide and stain preventer added
- Ladder, steps, baskets and cleaners removed and stored
- Water lowered or skimmer covered
- Pump, filter and hoses drained and stored
- Returns plugged
- Air pillow in, cover secured
About Poolhacker
Poolhacker sells pool-cleaning gadgets and closing supplies, including the Solar Elite Robotic Pool Skimmer, a Cordless Handheld Pool Vacuum and a 3-Piece Winter Closing Bundle. The brand lists compatibility with metal-frame, steel-wall and inground pools. If you use a robotic skimmer or cordless vacuum during the season, clean, dry and charge it according to its manual before storing it indoors for winter.
Conclusion
Close when the water has cooled, start with a clean and balanced pool, then add winter chemicals, protect the skimmer and returns from ice, drain and store the equipment, and finish with an air pillow and a tight cover. Never drain an above-ground pool completely. Do it in this order and spring opening is mostly a matter of taking the cover off.
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