Essential preparation procedures to protect your pool before installing the winter cover.
Successful winter pool protection is a process that begins well before the cover goes on. Skipping or rushing winterization steps is the most common cause of costly spring surprises — green water, damaged equipment, and expensive repairs that could have been entirely prevented with a systematic closing approach.
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the pool — vacuum the floor, brush walls and steps, and empty all skimmer baskets. Balance water chemistry carefully: pH 7.2–7.6, total alkalinity 80–120 ppm, calcium hardness 180–220 ppm.
Shock the pool with 2–3 times the normal chlorine dose to eliminate contaminants and build up a residual that will carry through the early winter weeks. Add winter algaecide following manufacturer instructions.
Drain and blow out all plumbing lines using a shop vacuum or air compressor to eliminate standing water that could freeze and crack pipes. Remove and winterize the pump, filter, and heater according to their individual manufacturer instructions.
Lower water level 4–6 inches below skimmer openings for in-ground pools, install skimmer plugs and expansion compensators, and remove all pool accessories. Only after completing all these steps should you install your winter cover.