How to Close Your Pool for the Winter

It’s important not to wait until the first major frost to close your pool.

The exact timing may vary depending on the region and weather conditions. The goal is to continue maintaining your pool water until it’s time to close the pool, then winterize it before freezing temperatures can damage the plumbing or equipment.

1. Clean the pool

First, remove any leaves and debris from the water, then clean the walls and bottom of the pool.

The goal is simple: avoid leaving organic matter in the water for several months.

2. Balance the water

Before adding pool closing products, test the water and adjust the following levels as needed:

• pH;
• Alkalinity;
• Chlorine. 

Properly balanced water helps maintain water quality throughout the winter and protects the various components of your pool. BMR also offers a free water testing service at participating stores. Our team will test several water parameters for you, including pH, chlorine, alkalinity, hardness and stabilizer levels.

3. Apply the pool closing treatment

Once the water is balanced, apply the recommended treatment to prepare your pool for winterization.

Products that can be used include:

• Azur shock treatment

This product provides a shock treatment for the water before closing the pool.

• Azur 40% or 60% algaecide

A long-lasting algaecide helps prevent algae growth during the colder months. This is the product that makes the biggest difference when reopening your pool in the spring!

• Azur Metal Control

It helps prevent stains that may be caused by metals present in the water.

The quantity and type of products to use may vary depending on the water volume, the sanitation system, and the pool type. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

The Azur pool closing kit brings together the products needed for the closing treatment in a practical solution. A version designed for salt pools is also available at BMR.

This is an interesting option for owners who want to have the main treatment products gathered in one place while avoiding multiple purchases.

Closing is not just about the water. Equipment must also be cleaned and prepared to withstand winter temperatures.

Clean the filter

Take advantage of the pool closing process to clean the filtration system. For a sand filter, use a suitable cleaning product to remove residue that has accumulated throughout the season.

Salt water pool: Clean the cell

If your pool uses a salt water system, clean the cell according to the manufacturer’s recommendations before storing or winterizing it.

A suitable cell cleaner can help remove deposits that have built up over the summer.

Drain the Pump and Water Heater

Drain the water from the pump, water heater and any other equipment that could be damaged by freezing.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your equipment, as the procedure may vary from one model to another.

The main steps include:

1. Blow the water out of the lines

Using suitable equipment, blow air through the lines to remove the water. Work on one line at a time, including the return lines and other pool plumbing lines. Continue until the water has been expelled and air is flowing out of the line. The goal is to leave as little water as possible in the plumbing before the first freezing temperatures arrive.

     2. Add antifreeze specifically designed for pools, when required by your setup

Once the lines have been drained, a non-toxic antifreeze specifically designed for pools can be added when recommended for your setup. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the proper amount and method of use. Never use automotive antifreeze in your pool plumbing. Use only a product designed for this purpose and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

     3. Properly close and protect the lines

After removing the water and adding antifreeze where required, close the lines using the appropriate winterizing plugs to prevent water from re-entering the plumbing during the winter. Make sure each plug is properly installed and provides a watertight seal. Exposed openings and components should also be protected according to the recommendations of your pool and equipment manufacturers.

Depending on your pool setup, remove any accessories that should not remain in the pool over the winter.

These may include:

• Ladders;
• Certain removable accessories;
• Maintenance equipment;
• Swimming accessories.

Clean them and allow them to dry before storing them in a suitable location.

Once the pool and its equipment have been prepared, you can install the winter cover.

Before installing it, it is recommended that you clean it thoroughly. A clean, properly installed cover will help protect the pool from leaves and debris throughout the colder months.

Also make sure that the anchors and fastening devices are secure in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Certain mistakes can make reopening your pool in the spring considerably more difficult or cause damage to the equipment.

Closing the pool when the water Is green

Treat and clean the water first. Closing a pool that already has an algae problem can make reopening it much more difficult.

Waiting until after the first frost

Plumbing and equipment that still contain water may be vulnerable to freezing.

Neglecting the plumbing lines

Proper winterization of the plumbing is essential in Quebec’s climate.

Installing a dirty cover

Take a few minutes to clean the cover before installing it to avoid trapping dirt unnecessarily for several months.

Ignoring the manufacturer’s recommendations

Procedures may vary depending on whether you have an above-ground, semi-inground or in-ground pool, as well as the equipment installed.