Closing a pool is a lot more than just throwing on a cover for the season. If you take the time to thoroughly complete a smart pool closing checklist, it’s easy to save money in the freeze–thaw climate of Minnesota. Plus, closing your pool properly for the off-season helps protect your pool’s plumbing, equipment, and liner, and prevents algae and other costly nuisances.
This article will give you step-by-step instructions on how to close a pool, including water chemistry, line plugs, safety covers, winter maintenance schedules, and much more.
Closing a pool because of the first sign of snow or a random date on the calendar is taking a chance. The best time to winterize a pool is when the water temperature first reaches about 60 °F, which is about right for killing algae growth but not too cold to cause freeze damage.
Make a checklist of:
Once all your tools are in place, book a Minneapolis pool service for a professional closing at least 1–2 weeks before your desired closing date. At Tracer Pool & Landscape, we’ll complete the checklist for you.
To begin, balance pool chemicals like balance pH (7.2 – 7.6), alkalinity (80 – 120 ppm), and calcium hardness (200–400 ppm) to protect the pool surfaces and equipment. Once you’ve achieved a stable balance, add a dose of pool shock with a high dose of chlorine or other sanitizer to kill any remaining bacteria. Add a long-lasting algaecide to prevent surface blooms and algae growth, and follow that up with 24-hour circulation by running the pump.
pool cleaning and maintenance kit with chlorine tablets
Once chemistry is balanced, give the pool a thorough clean by vacuuming, brushing, skimming, and emptying baskets before removing ladders and accessories.
The final water level before blowing out your pool depends on the type of safety cover you choose:
Note for vinyl pools: avoid exposing steps or skimmer throats to air. When it comes to gunite/fiberglass pools, don’t over-drain as this could risk structural damage.
Pool pump and filter winterization includes the draining, cleaning, storage, or seasonal set-up of each system in such a way that no water is left inside where it can freeze and cause damage.
Winterize equipment by draining the pump and filter, cleaning cartridges or grids, setting sand filters to “winterize,” and disconnecting and draining the heater. Lastly, don’t forget to shut down automation safely and label breakers.
Mistakes here can be really costly to fix, so don’t forget to use an air compressor or blower to blow the water out of:
If you’re using a pool closing kit, this is when you need to follow the included instructions for adding slow-dissolving sanitizers, enzymes, and stain inhibitors. Don’t mix different products and only briefly circulate water if the pump is running.
The cover protects the water and keeps debris out, but the type you choose determines maintenance, and that’s where the mesh vs solid cover debate comes in.
Mesh lets precipitation through but requires a lower water level. A solid cover blocks sunlight and requires a pool cover pump to evacuate rain and meltwater. We’ll go into more details on these two types of covers later.
Next, install your tension safety cover, keeping it evenly tensioned across anchors to prevent sagging or creating a trip hazard. Add a leaf net if the pool is surrounded by heavy fall foliage. Remember to cover the pump as the last step.
Complete a final walk-around to ensure all gates and fences are locked, and that chemicals are properly stored and secured in a location safe from moisture and heat. Shut down the autofill lines and take before pictures of your work. Remember to always wear gloves and goggles around pool chemicals and never mix any products.
When weighing up the use of a safety cover vs tarp, safety covers clearly win in terms of strength, security and durability.
Which one is right for you?
Even seasoned owners make mistakes closing their pool for the off-season. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
Closing a pool is a DIY project for confident homeowners with above-ground or basic inground pools, but there are risks.
DIY pool closing pros and cons:
A professional pool closing service may be the right option if you have:
For a breakdown of what pool maintenance typically costs and how that compares to investing in a professional closing, check out our detailed cost guide.
Remember that a Tracer Pool & Landscape professional closing includes inspection, leak checks, photo documentation, and discounts on spring opening.
Learn more on our pool installs page.
A simple off-season pool maintenance routine can prevent small issues from becoming major spring headaches.
A quick monthly routine, like removing water from covers, brushing off snow, checking anchors, and scanning for leaks, helps prevent midwinter damage. Keeping the cover tight also conserves water and energy.
Mid-to-late September, once water temps are around 60 °F.
Not always, unless you live in a deep-freeze area. Pool antifreeze is an added precaution.
The water inside will freeze and expand, cracking the heat exchanger.
Tarps are not load-rated and not recommended for safety reasons. Always upgrade to a mesh or solid safety cover.
Yes. Follow the same procedures but check salt cell manufacturer instructions for winterization.
After each rainfall or snowmelt event to avoid sagging.
$300–$500, but more with attached spas or complex plumbing systems.
Yes, but blow out and drain each feature separately.
Remove hoses, store pumps indoors, and use an air pillow under the cover to help with ice expansion.
Protect your investment with a safe and thorough pool closing. Book your professional pool closing today, or get on the spring opening list to enjoy an early start next season. For details on installation and year-round service, visit our pool installs and service page, and if you have any questions, contact our team as we’d be happy to help.
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