As the colder months approach, it’s time to start thinking about closing your inground pool for the winter.

      Before starting the winterization process, it is important to clean and balance the water in your pool. Use a pool skimmer to remove leaves, debris, and insects from the water. Then, test the water's pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels and make adjustments as needed. You'll also need to shock your pool to ensure the water is disinfected before closing for the season.

      Next, you need to lower the water level in your pool to about 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer. This helps prevent water from freezing and causing damage to skimmers and other pool equipment. Use a submersible pump to lower the water level and be sure to drain the water out of the pool to prevent it from seeping back in.

      Once the water level drops, pool equipment will need to be cleaned and winterized. Start by removing and cleaning your pool ladder, diving board, and any other removable accessories. Then, backwash and clean the pool filter and remove any remaining water from the pump, filter, and heater. Use an air compressor to purge pipes to remove excess water and prevent freezing.

      Add antifreeze chemicals to the water before covering your pool to protect it during the winter. These chemicals help prevent algae growth, staining and scaling, and also help maintain water quality until the pool reopens in the spring. When adding antifreeze chemicals to your pool, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

      The final step in the winterization process is to cover your pool with a durable, weatherproof pool cover. Make sure the cover is tight to prevent debris from entering the pool and keep the water clean during the winter. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider using a cap pump to remove excess water from the cap to prevent damage.

      Properly closing your pool during the winter will not only help extend the life of your pool equipment, but it will also make it easier to reopen your pool when the weather warms up.