As the weather cools and fall settles in, many Quebec homeowners know it’s time to think about closing the pool.
Closing your pool properly helps prevent damage caused by freezing, protects your equipment and makes spring pool opening much easier.
In this guide, we’ll explain when to winterize your pool, how to prepare the water and the key steps to follow for a successful pool closing, whether you do it yourself or with professional help.
When Should You Close Your Pool in Quebec?
In Quebec, the ideal time to close your pool is generally in October. The most important factor to watch is the water temperature. Indeed, to prevent algae from proliferating, it is recommended to wait until the water temperature drops to around 10 °C (≈50-55 °F).
If you close your pool too early, spring opening will be more difficult because algae will have had time to develop. Conversely, it is essential to close the pool before the freeze comes, in order to avoid damage to plumbing or equipment.
How to Prepare Your Pool Before Closing
Continue to treat the water and keep the pump running on a normal schedule until closing day. We also recommend bringing a water sample to our store for testing. Aim for Total Alkalinity 80-120 ppm and pH 7.4-7.6 before winterize.
It is also time to think about leaves. If your pool is near trees, installing a temporary leaf net can save you a lot of cleaning time. It will prevent leaves from falling to the bottom and staining the liner.
Two days before closing, apply a shock treatment to eliminate residual contaminants. Let the pump run to distribute the product. The day before closing, add a winter algaecide to prevent algae growth over the winter.
How to Winterize a Pool: Step-by-Step
Winterizing a pool requires a few specialized products to get through the winter without issues. Depending on whether your pool runs on chlorine or salt, the choice may vary. But you will usually need a shock treatment, an algaecide and pool antifreeze. Also plan for closing accessories to protect the plumbing.
The amount of product required depends on the size of your pool and its maintenance system. That’s why we recommend visiting our store: our team can test your water and provide personalized recommendations.
Once you have everything you need, you can start winterizing your pool:
Step 1: Cleaning the Pool
Remove the solar cover, ladder or steps, and any accessories. Give the pool a final thorough cleaning: skim out the leaves, vacuum the pool and brush the walls. The water should be clear before winterization.
Step 2: Cleaning the Filter (backwash)
Before shutting it down for the season, clean the filter to remove accumulated impurities:
- Sand filter: backwash for 2 to 3 minutes until the sight glass water runs clear, then rinse for 1 minute. You can use a sand filter cleaner depending on the condition.
- Cartridge filter: remove the cartridge, rinse it with garden hose, soak it in the cleaning solution and store it in a dry place.
- Salt system: clean the electrolytic cell if necessary.
Step 3: Lower the Water Level
Set the filter handle to the drain position and lower the pool water level until it reaches about 20 inches below the skimmer for an above-ground pool.
For an in-ground pool, aim for 4 to 6 inches below the return jets.
Important: Never drain the pool completely.
Step 4: Winterizing the Hardware
Once the water level is lowered, you need to protect the plumbing and accessories to prevent damage from freezing. Here are the steps to follow:
- Disconnect the hoses: remove the hose connecting the skimmer to the pump, the one between the pump and the filter, as well as the hose from the filter to the return jet. Be sure to collect the O-rings so they don’t get lost. If your pool has a heat pump, disconnect the hoses attached to it as well.
- Drain the pump: remove the drain plug located under the pump housing and take out the basket. Store the pump in a dry place, safe from freezing (ideally indoors in a heated space).
- Drain the filter: unscrew the drain plug at the bottom of the tank and let all the water out. Set the valve handle to the Winter position. Also remove the pressure gauge and sight glass.
- Drain the heat pump: remove the drain plugs at the base of the unit and let all the water drain completely. Then cover the unit with a fitted winter cover to protect it throughout the season.
- Prepare the skimmer and return jets: remove the skimmer basket and door, as well as any accessories (e.g., skimmer light). Insert a plug into the return jet, and place a gizzmo or a piece of styrofoam in the skimmer to absorb ice pressure.
- Protect the main drain (if present): pour pool antifreeze through the skimmer, then insert a foam rope into the drain line.
Note: for in-ground pools, where pipes are buried, it is recommended to use a blower to completely purge the plumbing.
Step 5: Installing the Cover of Leaf Net (Optional)
The final step is to protect the pool for the winter. Using an opaque winter cover or a leaf net is not mandatory, but it makes maintenance and spring opening much easier.
- Opaque winter cover: it completely covers the pool and blocks sunlight, which helps reduce algae growth. This is a good option if you want to minimize maintenance in the spring.
- Leaf net: especially useful in early fall if your yard is surrounded by trees. It prevents leaves from sinking to the bottom and staining the liner. You can remove it once most of the leaves have fallen, or leave it on all winter depending on the model.
Why Hire Professionals to Close Your Pool
An incorrect water level, poorly purged plumbing or forgetting an accessory can lead to costly damage in the spring. Entrusting pool closing to experts ensures that everything is done properly and without hassle.
With the experience of a professional team, you save time and gain peace of mind knowing your pool will be well protected all winter long.
Book Your Pool Closing with Trévi Châteauguay
Our team offers a complete closing service for both above-ground and in-ground pools. We use the right products and techniques, tailored to the Quebec climate. All you need to do is enjoy the fall. We’ll take care of the rest!
