Proper closing of the pool at the conclusion of the summer season will help ensure an easy opening for the next season. If the pool is not properly treated now, the water and pool surface will all be heavily fouled when the pool is reopened and plumbing and equipment could be damaged, thus requiring significant time and expense to get the pool back in operation. Note: For steps 5 through 7 add the chemicals by premixing in a pail of water and carefully distributing around edge of pool. This will help ensure better distributing as the circulation system will be shut down by this time.

1. Brush down wall and floor and vacuum up all loose debris from pool bottom.
2. Clean the filter or cartridges using a good quality pool filter cleaner. It will be far easier to clean the filter now than in the spring and will assure good filtration on start up.
3. If the water level is to be lowered for the winter, do so now and then proceed to step 4.
4. Completely drain all water from pipes, pumps, heaters, filters, and other pool equipment to prevent damage due to water freezing. Use anti-freeze especially made for pool use, if necessary.
5. Shock treat with a non-chlorine shock. This will eliminate organic contaminant that would otherwise help support algae growth.
6. Add an algaecide to eliminate algae growth throughout winter.
7. Add a sequestering agent to prevent any calcium precipitation or stains due to metals. The sequestering agent will also help protect any metal components and equipment.

Note: In mild climates where the pool is left full and uncovered for the winter it is suggested that the filtration system continue to operate and the sanitizer, algaecide, and sequestering agent be added regularly in addition to following steps 1 and 2 above.