How to Properly Close Your Pool for the Season

Key Steps for a Trouble-Free Opening Next Year. As summer winds down, closing your pool the right way is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your investment. Whether you have a saltwater system or a traditional chlorine pool, proper seasonal closure helps preserve water quality, prevents equipment damage, and sets you up for an easier, cleaner opening next year.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential steps and expert tips to help you close your pool with confidence using the right pool closing supplies and maintenance practices.

Clean and Balance Before You Close

Start with a deep clean. Skim debris, vacuum the bottom, and brush walls and steps thoroughly. This removes contaminants that could break down over winter and lead to staining or algae growth.

Once clean, balance your water chemistry:

• pH should be between 7.2–7.6
• Alkalinity around 80–120 ppm
• Calcium hardness 200–400 ppm
• For chlorine pools, free chlorine should be 1–3 ppm
• For saltwater pools, ensure your salt cell is working properly and chlorine levels are adequate before turning off the system

Shock the pool with a chlorine-based shock or a non-chlorine oxidizer, depending on your system. This sanitizes the water and prevents bacteria from growing while the pool is covered.

Lower the Water Level (But Not Too Much)

For most in-ground pools, lower the water level just below the skimmer to prevent freezing damage. For vinyl liners, don’t go too low—draining too far can cause the liner to shift or wrinkle. If you use specialty pool supplies like a skimmer cover or a plug, you may not need to drain as far.

Protect Your Equipment

Drain and disconnect all equipment including pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators. Use a pool winterizing kit or non-toxic antifreeze for the plumbing lines if you live in a freeze-prone area.

For saltwater systems, remove and clean the salt cell, and store it indoors if possible. Salt residue can harden and corrode over time.

Cover It Right

Invest in a high-quality winter pool cover to protect from debris, sunlight, and contamination. Mesh covers are good for preventing leaves from collecting; solid covers block sunlight and minimize algae growth. Use cover weights or water bags to keep it in place and inspect it periodically throughout the off-season.

Don’t Skip Preventative Care

Add a long-lasting algaecide or enzyme treatment before covering your pool. These specialty pool care products help prevent green water and scum buildup come spring.

If you're not sure whether your water chemistry is dialed in, contact your local professional or feel free to try out testing kits from Taylor Technologies or Lamotte (we do not offer chemical testing kits at Smart Summer). Our products are designed to support both chlorine and saltwater pool maintenance naturally, without over-relying on harsh chemicals.

Where Smart Summer Comes In

At Smart Summer, we know that seasonal pool care isn’t just about shutting things down—it’s about setting your water and equipment up for long-term health. That’s why we’ve created specialty products that work with your water’s biology to help stabilize and protect your pool even through the off-season.

Our Smart Summer Kits are especially helpful before closing your pool. By using our biological clarifiers and phosphate removers, you ensure your water is balanced and supported naturally. This also goes for whether you’re running a saltwater system or a traditional chlorine setup. This helps reduce the risk of off-season algae, buildup, and liner (or gunite/concrete) staining, so when it’s time to reopen, your water is already a step ahead.

With Smart Summer, you’re not just closing your pool; you are truly investing in a cleaner, simpler, and smarter opening next spring.