How to Properly Close Your Pool for Winter: What’s the Right Way to Protect Your Investment?

Preparing your pool for the winter season is one of the most important steps to protect your investment, maintain equipment performance, and ensure a smooth reopening in spring.Whether you own a gunite pool, fiberglass pool, vinyl pool, or a modern smart pool, proper pool winterization is essential to avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your pool.

In regions like Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod, where temperatures drop significantly, a professional pool closing service ensures that every part of your pool system, from the surface to the plumbing, remains protected throughout the cold months.

Understanding the Importance of Winterization

Winterizing your pool prevents damage caused by freezing temperatures. For instance, when water freezes in the plumbing, it may lead to cracks and leaks, which can be costly to repair. A study shows that homeowners who properly winterize their pools can save up to 30% on maintenance and repair costs in the following year. By taking the time to winterize, you not only enhance your pool's lifespan but also make spring cleanup easier.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Supplies

Before getting started, make sure you have all essential tools and materials on hand.

• High-quality pool cover resistant to snow and debris

• Winterizing chemicals formulated for your specific pool type

• Air compressor or manual pump for line drainage

• Pool maintenance tools such as a skimmer and brush

• Winter plugs for skimmers and return lines

  
  

Being well prepared streamlines the process and prevents unnecessary exposure to cold temperatures.

Step 2: Clean Your Pool Thoroughly

Use a skimmer to remove leaves, branches, and debris. Brush the pool walls and floor to eliminate algae and stains.For gunite pools, periodic services such as pool replastering and gunite pool resurfacing help maintain a smooth, durable finish that resists wear and discoloration.

Fiberglass and vinyl pools require only routine pool cleaning and debris control, helping prevent stains and organic buildup during the months they remain closed.

Step 3: Balance the Water Chemistry

Balancing the water before closing the pool prevents corrosion, calcium buildup, and surface deterioration.Check and adjust the following levels:

• pH: between 7.2 and 7.6

• Alkalinity: between 80 and 120 ppm

• Calcium Hardness: between 200 and 400 ppm

  
  

For gunite pools, maintaining proper calcium hardness is crucial to prevent plaster erosion.This step is also essential for luxury inground pools, helping preserve the integrity of the surface and ensuring a flawless finish.

Step 4: Lower the Water Level

In gunite pools, the water should be lowered below the skimmer line to prevent ice formation.For fiberglass and vinyl pools, keep the water just below the return fittings to maintain structural stability.

Smart pools, equipped with automated filtration systems and energy-efficient pool equipment, use built-in sensors to monitor water levels automatically, making the process more accurate and effortless.

Step 5: Drain and Store Equipment

Drain all pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators completely. Any remaining water can freeze and cause cracks. Store equipment in a dry, protected place away from moisture.

Professional pool closing specialists use air compressors to ensure all lines are completely dry, preventing freeze damage during the cold months.

Properly stored pool equipment to protect from winter damage.

Step 6: Clear and Seal the Lines

Using an air compressor, blow out the plumbing lines, starting from the skimmer, moving through the main drain, and ending with the returns.Once the lines are empty, seal them with expansion plugs or winterizing plugs.This step is essential for both gunite and fiberglass pools, as it prevents internal freezing and costly repairs.

Step 7: Add Winterizing Chemicals

After cleaning and sealing, add winter chemicals, such as algaecides and winter chlorine tablets, following manufacturer instructions.For vinyl and fiberglass pools, choose non-abrasive products to preserve the liner and avoid surface damage.Proper dosing keeps the water clear, balanced, and free from bacteria or algae growth throughout the off-season.

Step 8: Cover Your Pool Properly

Use a durable winter pool cover that fits snugly and can withstand wind, snow, and debris. In gunite and vinyl pools, solid or mesh covers help block sunlight and reduce algae formation. Smart pools can feature automated safety covers controlled directly from your smartphone, offering both convenience and protection.

Ensure the cover is tightly secured, check for sagging areas, and remove snow or leaves regularly to prevent excess weight or damage.

Winterizing chemicals prepared for a gunite or fiberglass pool.

Step 9: Monitor Your Pool During Winter

Even while closed, your pool still needs periodic attention.Inspect the cover, clear away debris, and verify that all fastenings remain secure.Gunite pools should retain a minimal water level to protect the structure, while fiberglass pools require enough volume to stabilize ground pressure.

Smart pools simplify this process through the pool automation system, allowing you to monitor temperature, filtration, and alerts remotely from your mobile app, maintaining full control of your pool from anywhere.

Millers Pools and Spa: Excellence, Technology, and Experience

Properly closing your gunite, fiberglass, vinyl, or smart pool is essential to ensure longevity and a seamless reopening in spring.Following these steps protects your investment and keeps your pool beautiful and functional for years to come.

With over 20 years of experience, Millers Pools and Spa specializes in pool closing service, pool automation, and high-quality restoration services including gunite pool resurfacing, pool replastering, and plaster repair.We also provide complete seasonal maintenance to preserve your pool’s beauty, efficiency, and structural integrity all year long.

Operating in Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod, our team combines precision, innovation, and craftsmanship in every project.If you prefer to leave your pool in expert hands, we are ready to handle every detail with care, professionalism, and excellence. Contact Millers Pools and Spa today and let your pool receive the expert attention it deserves this winter.