1. This course will cover everything you need to know plus step-by-step guides for how to properly winterize and close your inground, above ground, or Intext/blow-up pool.
  2. The first section of the course applies to every type of pool. There are special considerations for certain types of pools that we'll address in those videos.
  3. Then, there are specific videos depending on the type of pool you have.
  4. And finally, we'll wrap up with troubleshooting, off-season maintenance tutorials, and resources for every situation.

Why You Should Winterize Your Pool
  1. To prevent freezes from damaging pool equipment (like your pump, filter, and heater) and underground pipes if you have an inground pool. 
  2. Surface water freezes can tear through vinyl liners as a result of ice expansion. And plastic parts such as return jets, skimmers, and ladders.
  3. And since you're not swimming in a freezing cold pool, you don't need to maintain it.
  4. It will cost more to keep your pool open all year long. But it also costs money to winterize it. So the price isn't really a concern either way.
  5. The majority of salt systems stop working once the temperature drops below a certain degree. (This is also true for heat pumps).

Do You Have to Winterize Your Pool?
  1. Winterizing your swimming pool is a personal decision.
  2. If you live in a climate that never sees freezing temperatures, then you can keep your pool open year-round if you plan to swim in it.
  3. If you're not going to swim in it for a long period of time, it's a good idea to winterize it even if it never freezes. You'll save money not running the pump and adding chemicals.

What It Takes to Winterize All Types of Pools
  1. Always have a perfectly cleaned pool before you close
  2. invest in a quality winter cover (more on this in other lessons)
  3. Have at least one person to help you close, it'll make it so much easier and faster.
  4. An understanding of how your pool is plumbed if you have an inground pool (more on this later)
  5. Time and a willingness to save money by doing things yourself.

The Basic Steps
  1. Clean the pool and remove any in-pool equipment
  2. Add winterizing chemicals with one last filter cycle
  3. Lower the water or install skimmer covers and plugs
  4. Winterize pump and filter and Blow out lines (inground only)
  5. Add the cover

DISCLAIMER
Please take this course at your own risk. You'll be working with water, electricity, air pressure, and possibly gas if you own a pool heater. By taking this course and closing your own pool, you're responsible for any damages that occur. Swim University is not responsible for anything that happens to your pool. If you're unsure about anything or don't feel safe about closing your own pool, please contact or hire an insured professional.

Ok, now that that's out of the way, Winterizing a pool is not hard and will take less than a day to do saving you $300 to $400 every year depending on the size of your pool. So let's dive in!