After a long, hot summer in the Midwest, it’s time to close your swimming pool for the season. All-American Pools in Cincinnati, OH, recommends taking the necessary steps for closing your in-ground pool during the warm weeks of early fall. By knocking out a few tasks every few days, you’ll ensure your pool is ready for the ice, snow, and cold temperatures ahead.

Tips for Closing Your In-Ground Pool

1. Winterize Before Covering 

About a week before you plan to cover your pool, visit your pool supply store and buy everything you need, like a test kit and chlorine. Add phosphate remover to ward off algae growth.

2. Clean & Vacuum Thoroughly

Set aside an afternoon to skim the surface of the water in your in-ground pool and vacuum the pool liner to remove debris. Brush algae off the sides and bottom, if necessary.

3. Monitor Water Levels

Before temperatures fall to freezing, make sure your in-ground pool’s water level is 4–6 inches below the skimmer box. If you don’t anticipate a freeze, keep your pool at normal level.

4. Measure Chemistry

Use your test kit to figure out the current pH levels. Alkalinity needs to stay at 80 to 120 ppm, and pH levels should be 7.4 to 7.6.

5. Add the Necessary Chemicals & Cover

Depending on your test kit reading, you’ll probably have to add chlorine or other chemicals to your water to balance it for winter. After you’ve done this, close your in-ground pool as instructed by your pool supply store.

Closing your swimming pool before winter arrives is crucial if you want to enjoy it for years to come. For assistance, call the maintenance pros at All-American Pools at (513) 522-7161 for their West Side location and (513) 753-6923 for their East Side store. Visit their website to learn more about their services, including pool repair.