How Do I Choose a Pool Closing Kit?
Choosing a pool closing chemical kit is not simply a matter of buying the largest package or the cheapest option. The right winter closing treatment depends on your pool's sanitation system, pool type, size, and how the pool will be covered during the winter.
A saltwater pool does not necessarily need the same closing chemicals as a chlorine pool. An above-ground pool with a standard winter cover has different requirements from an inground pool with a safety cover. A pool that will remain uncovered over the winter requires an entirely different approach.
We offer four pool winter closing packages designed for these different situations.
Which Pool Closing Kit Do I Need?
Use the basic guide below to determine which package is the best starting point:
| Pool and Closing Method | Recommended Package |
|---|---|
| Saltwater, bromine, or other non-chlorine pool | Non-Chlorine Pool Closing Package |
| Chlorine above-ground pool | Chlorine Above Ground Pool Closing Package |
| Inground pool with a safety cover | Inground Safety Cover Closing Package |
| Pool remaining uncovered for the winter | Pool Closing Package — No Winter Cover |
The most important distinction is how your pool is sanitized and how you are closing it.
1. Non-Chlorine Pool Closing Package
For saltwater, bromine, and other non-chlorine pools
If you have a saltwater pool, bromine pool, or another pool where you do not want to use a chlorine shock as your primary closing oxidizer, the Non-Chlorine Pool Closing Package is the appropriate option.
Package includes:
Why use a non-chlorine shock?
A saltwater pool is still a chlorine-sanitized pool—the salt chlorine generator produces chlorine from salt—but many pool owners prefer a non-chlorine oxidizer as part of their closing treatment.
Oxy Shock provides oxidation without adding a traditional chlorine shock dose. The package also includes enzyme/phosphate treatment and stain protection to address some of the problems that can develop while the pool sits closed.
This package is also suitable for bromine pools and other non-chlorine sanitation systems.
2. Chlorine Above Ground Pool Closing Package
For standard chlorine above-ground pools
For a traditional chlorine above-ground pool being closed for the winter, the Chlorine Above Ground Pool Closing Package provides a combination of chlorine treatment, algae protection, organic-contamination control, and stain protection.
Package includes:
Why are several different products included?
Winter pool water is exposed to different conditions than water during the swimming season. Once the pool is closed, there is no regular swimming activity, cleaning routine, or normal maintenance schedule.
The closing process therefore needs to address several areas:
Resolve provides the primary chlorine treatment.
Algaecide 40 provides additional algae protection during the winter.
Spring & Fall Enzyme / Phosphate Remover helps address organic contaminants and phosphates that can contribute to water-quality problems.
SeriouStain Remover is included to help address stain-forming contaminants before the pool sits closed for the winter.
This package is designed specifically for chlorine above-ground pools.
3. Inground Safety Cover Closing Package
For inground pools closed with a safety cover
An inground pool covered with a safety cover has different closing considerations from a typical above-ground pool.
The Inground Safety Cover Closing Package contains additional algae protection for the longer winter period.
Package includes:
The biggest difference between this package and the standard chlorine above-ground package is the additional Algaecide 40.
A safety-covered inground pool can remain closed for several months, so maintaining algae protection throughout the winter is an important part of the closing treatment.
This package is intended for chlorine inground pools using a safety cover.
4. Pool Closing Package — No Winter Cover
For pools that will remain uncovered over the winter
A pool that remains uncovered is exposed to considerably more environmental contamination than a pool protected by a solid winter cover.
Leaves, dirt, rain, organic debris, and other contaminants can enter the water throughout the fall and winter. Because of this, an uncovered pool needs a much stronger initial treatment.
Package includes:
The 6 kg of calcium hypochlorite shock provides the heavy chlorine treatment needed for this type of closing.
The package also includes 2 litres of phosphate remover and SeriouStain Remover to help manage the additional contamination and stain potential associated with an exposed pool.
Why does an uncovered pool need more attention?
A winter cover acts as a physical barrier between the pool and the environment. Without one, the pool continues receiving leaves and other organic material.
That makes the No Winter Cover Package fundamentally different from a standard closing kit.
If you are leaving your pool open to the elements, don't choose a standard closing package simply because it is intended for the same size pool. The way the pool is being closed matters.
Does Pool Size Matter When Choosing a Closing Kit?
Yes.
Chemical quantities must be appropriate for the amount of water being treated. A kit intended for a smaller above-ground pool should not be assumed to contain enough product for a large inground pool.
Before purchasing a closing package, know your approximate pool volume and confirm that the package is appropriate for your pool.
The four packages are differentiated primarily by pool type, sanitation system, and closing method, but dosage requirements should always be followed according to the product labels.
Does My Pool Cover Affect Which Closing Kit I Need?
Yes.
Your cover determines how much of the pool is exposed to sunlight, rain, leaves, and other environmental contaminants.
Solid Winter Cover
A solid winter cover provides a substantial barrier against sunlight and debris. A standard closing treatment may be appropriate depending on the pool's sanitation system and size.
Safety Cover
Safety covers are commonly used on inground pools and require consideration of the conditions underneath the cover. The Inground Safety Cover Closing Package includes two applications of Algaecide 40 along with the other closing chemicals.
No Winter Cover
If the pool is going to remain uncovered, choose the No Winter Cover Package. This package is specifically built around a much heavier chlorine treatment and additional phosphate remover.
What Is the Difference Between a Pool Closing Kit and Buying Chemicals Separately?
A closing package groups together the products needed for a specific closing situation.
Instead of trying to determine whether you need shock, algaecide, phosphate remover, enzyme treatment, and stain treatment separately, the package gives you a starting combination based on the way you are closing the pool.
The important point is that not every pool needs the same combination.
For example, an inground pool with a safety cover is not treated the same way as an uncovered pool. Likewise, a saltwater pool may call for a non-chlorine oxidizer rather than a traditional chlorine shock.
Which Pool Closing Package Should I Buy?
Choose the Non-Chlorine Pool Closing Package if:
- You have a saltwater pool
- You have a bromine pool
- You use another non-chlorine sanitation system
- You want a non-chlorine oxidizer as part of your closing treatment
Includes: Oxy Shock Non-Chlorine Shock, Spring & Fall Enzyme / Phosphate Remover, and SeriouStain Remover.
Choose the Chlorine Above Ground Pool Closing Package if:
- You have a chlorine above-ground pool
- You are using a standard winter closing method
- You want chlorine, algae protection, enzyme/phosphate treatment, and stain treatment in one package
Includes: Resolve, Spring & Fall Enzyme / Phosphate Remover, Algaecide 40, and SeriouStain Remover.
Choose the Inground Safety Cover Closing Package if:
- You have a chlorine inground pool
- You are closing the pool with a safety cover
- You want additional algae protection for the winter
Includes: Resolve, Spring & Fall Enzyme / Phosphate Remover, Algaecide 40 × 2, and SeriouStain Remover.
Choose the No Winter Cover Package if:
- Your pool will remain uncovered
- Leaves and debris will continue entering the pool
- You need a heavier chlorine treatment for the closing
Includes: SeriouStain Remover 600 g, Phosphate Remover 2 × 1 L, and 6 kg of LATER Calcium Hypochlorite Shock.
Don't Choose a Pool Closing Kit Based on Pool Size Alone
Pool size is important, but it is only one part of the decision.
Before ordering your winter chemicals, ask:
What sanitizer do I use?
Is my pool above ground or inground?
What type of cover am I using?
Will the pool remain uncovered?
Those answers determine which of the four closing packages is the appropriate starting point.
The goal of winterizing is not simply to add chemicals and put a cover over the pool. The closing treatment should be matched to the conditions the water will experience while the pool is out of service.
Pool Closing Chemical Packages
Our four winter closing packages are designed around the most common pool closing situations:
- Non-Chlorine Pool Closing Package — saltwater, bromine, and other non-chlorine pools
- Chlorine Above Ground Pool Closing Package — standard chlorine above-ground pools
- Inground Safety Cover Closing Package — chlorine inground pools using a safety cover
- Pool Closing Package — No Winter Cover — pools remaining uncovered through the winter
Choosing the package that matches your pool and closing method is the best place to start. Always test and balance the pool water before closing and follow the dosage and application instructions on each chemical label.
