In-Ground Pool in Freezing Conditions

If you live in a climate where your pool water will freeze in the winter, and you have an in-ground pool, follow these steps to close your pool at the end of the season:

1. One week prior to pool closing, add 14 fluid ounces of Pool Magic + PHOSfree per 10,000 gallons via the skimmer.
2. Brush and vacuum the pool thoroughly to remove all dirt, leaves and debris.
3. Add 1 liter of Metal Free per 20,000 gallons by pouring around the pool perimeter.
4. Bring the total alkalinity into the 100-120 ppm range for plaster pools and 120-140 ppm for vinyl liner, fiberglass, and painted pools. Adjust the pH to 7.4-7.6.
5. Adjust calcium hardness to 200-400 ppm.
6. Add one quart of Leslie's Algae Control per 25,000 gallons by mixing with water and pouring around the pool perimeter. Wait one hour.
7. Shock the pool with Leslie's Fresh 'N Clear at the rate of two pounds per 10,000 gallons by broadcasting the product over the pool surface.
8. Bring the chlorine level to 1.5-3.0 ppm.
9. Let the pump run for at least one complete cycle after adding chemicals. Backwash or manually clean the filter.
10. Lower the water level below the skimmer and all return lines (normally about 18 inches below the tile line). Alternatively, a Blowout Extension may be used to remove water from the lines.
11. Remove the drain plugs from the pump strainer basket housing, the pump volute, the filter tank, and the heater.
12. Drain the automatic pool cleaner's booster pump and the automatic chlorinator, if applicable.
13. Turn off the main power supply and remove the on and off trippers from the time clock.
14. Position the multi-port valve handle between any two settings. This will ensure all ports are partially open to allow for freeze expansion.
15. Place all the drain plugs in the strainer basket of the pump and replace the strainer cover.
16. When the water has completely drained out of the plumbing lines, put winterizing plugs into the return line and skimmer line.
17. Add swimming pool anti-freeze to all lines at the rate of one gallon per 10 feet of pipe and place a Gizzmo into the skimmer.
18. Refill the pool to four to six inches below the skimmer inlet in vinyl liner pools or four to six inches below the tile line in gunite (plaster) pools.
19. Remove all articles such as ladders, hoses, over-the-top skimmers, etc. Remove the automatic pool cleaner and drain it completely. Lay the hoses out straight in a non-freezing location.
20. Inflate air pillows and tie air pillows to a stationary object. If more than one pillow is needed, tie them together using the grommets located on the pillow's corners.
21. For plaster pools only: tie a floating chlorinator to one of the air pillows. It should be set at its lowest rate of feed.
22. If the coping or deck of the pool has a rough surface or edge, protect the pool cover by placing foam, old solar cover material or other similar soft materials around the perimeter of the pool.
23. Size the cover.
24. Cover the pool and fill the Water Bags or Hold-Em-Downs.
25. During the winter season, check the chemical balance at least once a month and visually inspect the pool.

During the winter season, check the chemical balance every two weeks. Once a month, inspect the pool by pulling back the cover slightly. If the water has changed color, if stains are developing, or scale is starting to form, test the water. If you have any questions about how to properly prepare your pool for the winter months, visit your local Leslie's store or call 1-800-LESLIES.