Banner reading “Pool Closing: A Step-by-Step Guide to In-Ground vs. Above-Ground” over a pool with autumn leaves.

Pool Closing: A Step-by-Step Guide to In-Ground vs. Above-Ground

As summer comes to an end, it’s time to think about pool closing. We know it’s not the most fun job, but it’s a very important one. Closing the pool for winter will save you from big, expensive problems later on. A little bit of work now means less stress and more money in your pocket next spring.

The most important thing to know is that closing an above-ground pool is very different from an in-ground pool. If you do it the wrong way, you could damage your pool. Let’s look at the correct pool closing steps for each type, so you can close your pool with no worries.

Why Pool Closing for Winter is So Important

Pool closing isn’t just about putting a cover on it. It’s a key process that protects your pool and saves you time and money.

  • Stop Freezing Damage: Water that freezes and expands in your pipes or filter can cause them to crack. This can lead to very costly repairs. By removing water from these parts, you protect them from the cold.

  • Save Time and Money in Spring: When you handle your pool closing the right way, you stop algae from growing over the winter. This means when you open it in the spring, the water will be much cleaner. You won’t have to spend a lot of time or money trying to fix green, dirty water.
  • Help Your Pool Last Longer: Taking care of your pool and its parts helps them last for many years. A proper winterize your pool process keeps them working well season after season.
Side-by-side comparison of above-ground and in-ground pool closing—air pillow and safety cover with equipment.

How to Close an Above-Ground Pool

Above-ground pools are usually easier to close because their parts are above the ground. But you still need to follow each step carefully to properly winterize above ground pool.

First, clean your pool. Skim off all the leaves and dirt. Brush the walls and floor, and then vacuum the entire pool. This stops dirt from sitting at the bottom all winter and causing stains.

 Check your water chemistry and fix it. This is your last chance to make sure the water is right before it sits all winter. You should check the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. After that, add a “winterizing kit” with chemicals that stop algae from growing.

 You need to lower the water level. The water should be about 6 to 12 inches below the skimmer and return jets. This stops ice from forming and pushing on the pool walls and parts. You can use a pump or a simple hose to lower the water.

Take off all the hoses that connect your pool to the pump and filter. Drain the pump and filter completely. Make sure there is no water left inside. Store all the equipment — the pump, filter, and hoses — in a dry place like your garage.

A tight cover keeps leaves and other dirt out of your pool. Before you put the cover on, place a big air pillow in the center of the pool. The pillow will push up the cover so that rain and snow don’t sit on it. Then, use a tight cable to secure the cover all the way around the pool.

Take out the pool ladder, steps, and anything else in the water. Clean them well and store them in a dry place. This will stop them from rusting and help them last a long time.

How to Close an In-Ground Pool

In-ground pools need more care, especially for the pipes that are buried in the ground. To properly winterize in-ground pool, follow these steps.

Just like with an above-ground pool, you must clean it very well. Skim, brush the walls, and vacuum the entire pool.

Test your water and fix any problems. Balanced water will help keep your pool from getting stains or scale during the winter.

 Lower the water a few inches below the bottom of the skimmer. This is a must-do step to protect your pipes from the cold.

This is the most important step for an in-ground pool. Using a powerful air machine, you must blow all the water out of the pipes. You’ll see water shoot out of the pool’s returns. Once you see only air, you can plug the pipes with special rubber plugs. If you leave water in the pipes, it will freeze and crack them, which leads to a huge and expensive leak.

Take the drain plugs out of your filter, pump, and heater to let all the water drain out. For your heater, it’s very important to make sure all the water is gone. You can even use a small air machine to blow air through them.

A good cover is your last line of defense.

    • A mesh cover lets water and melted snow drain through.
    • A solid cover keeps out all water and sunlight, which helps stop algae from growing. But you will have to pump water off the top of it.
    • A safety cover is the strongest type. It is anchored to your deck and is safe for people to walk on.

Above-Ground vs. In-Ground: What’s Different?

Both pools need to be closed, but the work is very different. Knowing these differences will help you get the job done right.

Infographic comparing above-ground vs. in-ground pool closing: simple pipes you can unhook; water level lowered to protect walls; cover held by cable — versus complex buried pipes needing a blower; water level lowered to blow out lines; safety cover strapped to deck.

Understanding the Cost of Pool Closing

The pool closing cost can change based on a few things. If you do it yourself, you’ll only pay for the supplies like chemicals and a cover. But if you hire a professional, the cost will be higher. The price for a pool closing service is often based on the type and size of your pool. For example, in-ground pools can be more expensive to close because the process is more complex and takes more time. If you’re looking for a local expert, you can search for a pool closing service near me or even compare pool closing companies near me.

If you’re thinking about building a new pool, you can get a good idea of what it will cost by using our Pool Price Estimator.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a checklist, it’s easy to make a mistake during pool closing. Here are some common ones and what can happen.

  • Forgetting to Balance the Water: If the water isn’t balanced, you could end up with a green, dirty mess in the spring. This will make opening your pool a real pain.
  • Leaving Equipment Outside: Leaving your pump or filter outside in the cold is a bad idea. They can get damaged and break. Always store them inside in a dry place.
  • Using the Wrong Cover: A cover that is too small or big won’t protect your pool. Using a cheap tarp is also a mistake because they are not strong enough and can tear easily.
  • Not Cleaning the Pool First: If you don’t clean your pool before closing, all the dirt and leaves will rot over the winter. This will cause stains on the pool and make cleaning it in the spring a huge job.

FAQs

You can, but we don’t suggest it. It costs more money to keep the pool running, and it puts your pool at a high risk of being damaged by freezing temperatures.

No, only lower it to the right level. Draining a whole pool can cause the walls to crack or shift because of pressure from the ground. Keeping most of the water in helps keep the pool strong.

The cost can change depending on your pool’s size and type. For example, closing an in-ground pool often costs more than an above-ground one because it takes more time and special tools. It’s best to get a quote from a local service to know for sure.

The best time to close your pool is when the temperature is always below 65°F (18°C). This stops algae from growing over the winter.

The steps are the same. But you must take out the salt chlorinator cell, clean it, and store it in a warm, dry place for the winter.

Final Thoughts

While closing your pool for the winter might not be the most fun part of being a pool owner, it is a crucial responsibility. By understanding what your pool needs, you can do the job right. A little work now means you’ll save money on repairs and have a much easier time opening your pool next spring.

Need help with pool closing in the St. Louis area? Our professional team can handle all the work for you. We offer pool opening and closing services near me to make your season transitions seamless. 

Check out our Pool Closing services to learn more!