1. Balance the Pool water.
Bring in a water sample or test it yourself. Make sure everything is balanced to the following levels.

-pH - 7.2 to 7.8
-Total Alkalinity - 110ppm to 180ppm(vinyl, fiberglass, & painted), 100ppm-150ppm(plaster)
-Make sure Sanitizer levels are properly adjusted.

2. Brush all pool walls and bottom of pool. Vacuum if needed. Clean along water line and pool surfaces with a tile & vinyl cleaner.

3. Add Winterizing Kit.
We also recommend using Pools Magic Spring & Fall. Pool Magic prevents winter waterline ring, preserves pool liners and finishes, and reduces staining and the need for acid washing.

4. If possible allow filter to circulate closing chemicals for 2-3 hours.

5. Drain pool to a level below the skimmers & returns (unless your using an Aquador or similar product to cover skimmer face plate and plugging return).

6. Drain water from the filter, pump, heater, return & drain pipes, and hoses to prevent freeze damage. Blow out all underground lines using a heavy duty shop vac or commercial air blower. For Inground pools use a "Gizzmo" to plug skimmers and prevent cracking and plug return lines. Shut off electricity and gas. Cover pump and heater with plastic.

7. Clean and store filters, skimmer baskets, pump strainer basket, ladders, pool rope, and maintenance equipment. Your test kit and any remaining liquid treatment chemicals should be stored where they will not freeze.

8. We recommend using a good, solid pool cover, rather then a mesh cover, for covering your pool. For Above Ground pools be sure to use an air pillow under the cover to help keep rain water and melting snow from collecting in the middle of cover. Leave 1-3 inches of water around the perimeter of the cover to prevent it from flapping or blowing in high wind areas. Be sure to pump it off large accumulations of water, to much weight on cover may cause the cover to fall in.