10 Things to Check Before Closing Your Above-Ground Pool

Closing an above-ground pool for an Ontario winter involves more than putting a cover over the water. Before you shut everything down, take the time to inspect the pool, equipment, liner, plumbing and winter cover. Catching a problem in September is much easier than discovering it after the pool has been exposed to months of freezing temperatures.

Here are 10 things every above-ground pool owner should check before closing.

1. Check the Pool Water

Before closing, test your pool water and make sure the chemistry is properly balanced.

Check your:

• pH
• Alkalinity
• Calcium hardness
• Sanitizer level

Starting the winter with balanced water helps protect the pool and makes spring opening easier.

2. Thoroughly Clean the Pool

Don't close a dirty pool.

Brush the walls and floor, vacuum the pool and remove leaves and other debris.

Anything left in the water can become a problem while the pool is covered.

Pay particular attention to debris sitting along the bottom and around the walls.

3. Inspect the Liner

September is an excellent time to look closely at your liner.

Check for:

• Tears
• Cracks
• Fading
• Loose sections
• Separation around fittings
• Areas where the liner appears unusually stretched

A small problem can become much more difficult to deal with after winter.

If your liner is already showing significant wear, consider replacing it before the next swimming season rather than waiting until spring.

4. Check the Skimmer and Return Fittings

Inspect the skimmer, return fitting and other wall openings.

Look for cracks, leaks or damaged components.

These areas are particularly important because they connect the pool wall to the circulation system.

5. Inspect Your Pool Equipment

Before shutting everything down, inspect your:

• Pump
• Filter
• Heater
• Chlorinator or salt system
• Hoses
• Valves
• Connections

If something isn't operating correctly at the end of the season, now is the time to identify it.

Don't assume that equipment that barely worked in September will somehow be fine next spring.

6. Properly Winterize the Plumbing

This is one of the most important parts of closing an above-ground pool.

Any water remaining in vulnerable plumbing or equipment can freeze and expand.

Follow the manufacturer's winterizing instructions for your specific pool and equipment.

The exact process can vary depending on the plumbing configuration and equipment being used.

7. Check Your Winter Cover

Before installing the cover, inspect it carefully.

Look for:

• Tears
• Holes
• Damaged seams
• Broken cable or hardware
• Excessive stretching
• Areas that no longer fit correctly

A cover that is already damaged is unlikely to improve over the winter.

If you need a replacement, ordering before the fall rush gives you more time to find the correct size.

8. Check Your Air Pillow

If your above-ground pool uses an air pillow, inspect it before installation.

Look for leaks, punctures and damaged attachment points.

An air pillow is placed beneath the winter cover and can help reduce the pressure created by ice expansion across the pool surface.

It also helps create a raised area under the cover, which can make spring cleanup easier.

9. Make Sure You Have the Right Closing Chemicals

Don't wait until you're standing beside the pool with the cover ready to discover you're missing the chemicals you need.

Prepare your closing products in advance.

Depending on your pool and sanitation system, your closing supplies may include shock, algaecide, stain and scale treatment and other winterizing products.

Always follow the label instructions for dosage and application.

10. Inspect the Pool Wall and Structure

Finally, take a walk around the entire pool.

Look for:

• Rust
• Corrosion
• Damaged uprights
• Loose hardware
• Bent components
• Damaged bottom track
• Movement or shifting around the pool

This is particularly important with steel above-ground pools.

If you notice a structural issue, address it before winter rather than leaving the problem until spring.

A Little Preparation Can Save a Lot of Work

The best pool closing is one that leaves you with very little to worry about during the winter.

Clean the pool, balance the water, properly winterize the equipment and plumbing, inspect the structure and install a secure winter cover.

Taking an extra hour to inspect everything in the fall can save you considerable time and expense when you open the pool again.

Need Pool Closing Supplies?

PTL Direct carries above-ground pool winter covers, air pillows, pool closing chemicals and winterizing supplies for homeowners preparing their pools for an Ontario winter.

Check your equipment and supplies early so you're ready when it's time to close.