Pool Care /
How to Close an Above Ground Pool Safely for Winter
Close an above ground pool by cleaning it, checking water chemistry, lowering the water only as your manual allows, and winterizing the pump and filter.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Sep 8, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Closing an above ground pool: the safest approach
The best way to put your above ground pool away for the season is to get the water in order, heed the instructions on your chemical and pool labels, and winterize all the equipment – pump, filter, hoses and the like – well before a freeze sets in. You should also lower the water no more than your manual advises. And if you are in any doubt, it is wise to bring in a professional.
First things first
Begin with a clean pool. Debris that is left behind will only clog up your equipment and make for a difficult reopening come spring. Not to mention it can trap dirt under the cover.
To start: 1. Skim off any leaves, insects or other floating matter. 2. Give the walls, floor, ladder and accessories a good brushing. 3. Should there be sediment on the bottom, vacuum it up. 4. Before you open the skimmer basket or put hands on any of the circulation parts, the pump must be turned off.
For pools that have taken a beating from storms or overhanging trees, keep at the cleaning until the water is as clear as you can make it. It will help the winter cover do its job.
Water chemistry
Test the water and then stick to what the label and owner’s manual say. There is no room for guessing when it comes to how much chemical to put in, nor should you mix products unless the label says you can.
Before you put the cover on, check that the pH and alkalinity are where they should be, and that any cloudiness, algae or odour has been dealt with. Handle chlorine in accordance with the product label. If the numbers do not make sense to you, or the water is green and contaminated, put down the chemicals and consult a qualified pool pro instead of trying to wing it.
Winterizing the equipment
Once the water is ready, go through the winterizing process for the pump, filter and skimmer as your manual outlines. Do not assume every sand or cartridge filter is closed out in the same fashion; above ground pools are not all alike.
Turn the pump off prior to taking out the skimmer basket. Clean the filter per the manufacturer and put away or drain any hoses and removable items. Ladders, steps and fittings that might hold water need to be removed or protected so they do not freeze. Any plugs or parts from a winterizing kit should be used exactly as directed. Never put your hand into suction equipment while it is running. A part that is stuck or leaking is a sign to stop and call someone who knows what they are doing.
On the subject of water levels
Where to set the water level is often a source of confusion. It is dictated by the design of the pool and the skimmer. In most cases you will want to lower it only to the point your manual specifies. Some require it to be just under the skimmer, others not. Draining it further than necessary can put undue stress on the liner and structure, so don’t do it. If you cannot find your manual, give the manufacturer or a service company a ring rather than making an estimate.
Pitfalls to avoid
There are a few common errors to be wary of: over-draining, neglecting to turn off the pump for maintenance, or leaving debris in the skimmer. Don’t skip the filter cleaning and don’t try to be an electrician if you see a fault. If the water is not safe, do not swim.
Time for a professional?
If the closing procedure for your particular model is not something you are familiar with, or if you notice a leak in the plumbing, damage to the frame or liner, or an electrical component that won’t shut off, make the call. The same goes for water that remains cloudy after you have done your due diligence. A thorough job now means less work in the spring.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)