8 Smart Tips for Closing Your Pool This Fall
As cooler temperatures arrive and leaves begin to fall, it’s time to start preparing your pool for winter. Properly closing your pool helps protect your investment from harsh…

As cooler temperatures arrive and leaves begin to fall, it’s time to start preparing your pool for winter. Properly closing your pool helps protect your investment from harsh weather and makes reopening in the spring much easier.
At Splash City, we help Sioux Falls pool owners get their pools winter-ready every year. Here are eight important tips to help you close your pool the right way this season.
1. Thoroughly Clean and Balance the Water
Before closing your pool, give it a complete cleaning. Remove leaves and debris, vacuum the floor, and brush the walls. Once it’s clean, test and balance the water chemistry.
Recommended levels include:
Finish by shocking the pool to eliminate lingering bacteria and algae. Starting winter with balanced water helps prevent stains, corrosion, and algae growth.
- pH: 7.4–7.6
- Alkalinity: 100–150 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
2. Lower the Water Level
To help prevent freeze damage, lower the pool water to about 4–6 inches below the skimmer. This protects skimmers, return lines, and tile from expansion caused by ice during freezing temperatures.
3. Drain and Protect Pool Equipment
Water left inside pool equipment can freeze and cause expensive damage during winter. Be sure to:
Taking these steps now can help extend the life of your pool system.
- Drain pumps, heaters, and filters
- Backwash sand filters
- Clean cartridge or DE filters
- Store removable equipment indoors if possible
4. Add Winterizing Chemicals
Winterizing chemicals help keep your pool water in better condition during the off-season. Many pool owners use winter kits that include:
These products help reduce maintenance and cleanup when spring arrives.
- Algaecide to prevent algae growth
- Stain and scale preventers
- Chlorine floaters for ongoing sanitation
5. Use a Durable Winter Cover
A quality winter cover is essential for keeping debris and sunlight out of your pool. Solid covers are especially helpful for limiting algae growth and protecting water quality throughout winter.
Make sure your cover is tightly secured, and consider using a leaf net to simplify spring cleanup.
6. Remove and Store Accessories
Protect removable accessories by storing them indoors during the winter months. This includes:
Proper storage helps prevent rust, cracking, and weather-related wear.
- Ladders
- Handrails
- Diving boards
- Slides
7. Winterize Plumbing Lines
Any water left in plumbing lines can freeze and expand, leading to cracked pipes. Use an air compressor or shop vac to blow out the lines, then add pool-safe antifreeze for additional protection during extreme cold.
8. Check on Your Pool Throughout Winter
Even after your pool is closed, occasional maintenance is still important. Every few weeks:
Routine check-ins can help you avoid bigger issues later.
- Remove leaves and heavy snow from the cover
- Check for damage from weather or animals
- Make sure the cover remains secure
Splash City Is Here to Help
Closing your pool properly now can save time, money, and frustration when warmer weather returns. Splash City offers winterizing chemicals, pool covers, expert advice, and everything else you need to prepare your pool for the season.
If you have questions or need supplies for winter pool care, the team at Splash City is ready to help.
📞 Call us at 877.289.2713
📧 Email info@splashcityinc.com
🌐 Visit splashcityinc.com to browse pool and spa products
Whether you need a new Sioux Falls hot tub, updated accessories, or help closing your pool, we’ve got your back year-round.
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