Over the winter, most homeowners in Missouri close up their in-ground pool. Doing so protects it during the cold season so that it will be clean and in good condition when it’s reopened. To keep it safe from the elements and common winter issues, follow these steps.

How to Close an In-Ground Pool

1. Clean

The cleaner your pool is before you close it, the less likely it will be to develop stubborn stains or grow algae over the winter. Skim, scrub, and vacuum your pool thoroughly. Also, remove any pool toys in the water, as well as accessories, such as diving boards and detachable ladders.

2. Treat

First, test your pool's water and balance the pH and alkalinity. If the water is too acidic, the structure will corrode over the winter; also, alkaline issues can lead to scale buildups. The pH level should be between 7.4 and 7.6.

Next, add metal sequestrant if your water has metal content, as this issue can create discolored deposits. Use antifreeze to ensure water can’t damage your pump. Finally, add a shock treatment to kill off any algae and bacteria so they can't multiply over the coming months.

3. Remove Water

If water freezes inside your pool pump, it'll cause major damage. Blow out the pump and any other attachments to keep them safe from the cold. Then, remove most of the water from the pool; if you have a border around the edge, make sure the water level is below that. This helps prevent freeze damage and keeps the water from overflowing during freeze-melt cycles. Lastly, place a cover over the pool.

For help closing your in-ground pool for the winter, contact The Pool Guys in Troy, MO. Serving Lincoln County for over 40 years, they offer custom pool design and construction services, as well as repairs and maintenance, and they're an authorized BioGuard® and SpaGuard® dealer. To get an estimate, call them at (636) 462-7665. See a full list of their services online.