Pool Closing Planner

What the planner does

A good closing has two jobs: leave the water clean and balanced, so spring opening is easy, and, in freezing climates, protect the plumbing and equipment from ice damage. The planner turns your test results into an ordered checklist. Shock and balancing doses come from the same chemistry as our shock and pH calculators. Tick steps off as you go; your progress is saved in this browser.

The chemistry part

• Balance first. Bring alkalinity into range if it’s low, then set pH around 7.4–7.6.
• Shock and hold. Raise free chlorine to the shock level for your CYA a few days before closing, and keep it there until the water is clear and loses 1 ppm or less overnight. This confirms there’s nothing left alive to bloom under the cover.
• Close with a reserve. Chlorine slowly runs down over winter, so close at the high end of your normal range.

The freeze-protection part

Water expands as it freezes and can crack pipes, pump housings and filters. In climates with hard freezes:

1. Lower the water (in-ground pools) so skimmers and returns can be emptied.
2. Blow out each line with air until it bubbles, then plug it.
3. Open drain plugs on the pump, filter, heater and chlorinator. Store a salt cell indoors.

In mild climates, many owners skip a full closing. They run the pump a few hours a day and keep chlorine up instead.

Covers and safety

Standing water on top of a cover can drown a child or pet within minutes. Keep it pumped off, and use a safety cover if children are around. Install any cover according to its manufacturer’s instructions.