Simple Steps for Closing Your Pool

• Bring a water sample to your authorized dealer for a complete water analysis. Balance the water (as needed) according to your dealer's instructions.
  
• Clean your pool!  Brush the walls, skim the water surface and vacuum the pool bottom. Pools with wall tile or vinyl need cleaners specific to their particular type of surface. And as always, remember to empty baskets on the pump and skimmers.
  
• Clean or backwash the filter using a degreaser and filter cleaner (Follow the label's instructions).
  
• Protect your pool water with a shock treatment. Run the pump for several hours to thoroughly disperse the product.
  
• Utilize an algaecide to protect your pool against algae. Then add a product to remove metal contaminants from the water (and, again, use label instructions). Run your pump for several hours to disperse the product.
  
• Lower the water in your pool down to the level that is recommended for winterizing (This is the level recommended for your region by your local dealer).
  
• Drain water from equipment at all times of year.  This will include items such as pumps, filters, heaters, chlorinators, hoses and pipes. Ask your dealer if you should protect the pipes and equipment with a non-toxic, swimming pool antifreeze. Remove and store ladders, chlorinators (if offline model), pumps and skimmer baskets.
  
• Cover the pool using a high-quality cover to prevent leaves, dirt, and debris from accumulating in the pool during the winter season.

If, after consulting your dealer, you decide to leave your pool uncovered during the winter months, complete the following additional steps:

• Run the pump at least several hours a day (or continously) if the temperature drops to freezing (or below).
  
• Maintain normal pH and minimum levels of free chlorine.
  
• Keep the pool free of leaves, dirt and debris.