End-of-Season Pool Cleaning: Your Complete Guide to a Stress-Free Close-Up

As summer wraps up and pool days wind down, it’s tempting to just throw a cover over the water and call it done. But closing your pool the right way is crucial if you want to prevent costly damage, algae growth, and time-consuming cleanups when reopening next season.

This guide will walk you through:

• A full pool closing checklist
• When to start end-of-season prep
• Winterization and water chemistry tips
• Mistakes to avoid before covering your pool

Let’s make your off-season maintenance easy and worry-free.

Quick Summary: Why End-of-Season Cleaning Matters

Failing to clean your pool properly before closing it can lead to:

• Algae outbreaks and murky water
• Damaged pipes or pumps from freezing (if in colder climates)
• Corrosion from unbalanced water
• Stains on liners and tiles

✅ Proper winterization = faster, cheaper opening in spring.

When Should You Start Closing Your Pool?

In warmer states like Florida, many homeowners keep their pools open year-round—but for seasonal closures or low-use months, aim to start once the water consistently drops below 65°F (18°C).

Why this temperature?

• Algae stops growing under 65°F
• You use fewer chemicals
• You avoid working in colder weather

Step 1: Balance the Water Chemistry

Water chemistry is key before sealing the pool for weeks or months. Imbalanced water can corrode equipment and breed bacteria—even under the cover.

Target levels before closing:

• Chlorine: 1.0–3.0 ppm
• pH: 7.4–7.6
• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): 30–50 ppm

Once balanced, consider adding a winter algaecide or non-chlorine shock to help the pool stay clean during downtime.

🧪 Learn more: Testing Pool Water Levels

Step 2: Deep Clean the Pool

Before covering your pool for the season, make sure it’s spotless. Any organic material left behind will rot under the cover, feeding algae and staining surfaces.

Deep cleaning checklist:

• Vacuum the pool floor thoroughly
• Brush walls and waterline tile
• Skim out all leaves, bugs, and debris
• Empty skimmer and pump baskets
• Backwash or clean the filter

If your pool has heavy use, consider shocking it 24–48 hours before closing.

Full tutorial: How to Shock a Pool

Step 3: Winterize the Equipment (If Needed)

Even in Florida, reducing equipment usage in the off-season helps cut costs. If you live in a freeze-prone area or just want to shut down for a few months:

• Lower the water level below the skimmer (if not using a skimmer plug)
• Drain water from the pump, heater, filter, and pipes
• Blow out lines with an air compressor
• Plug return jets to prevent water backflow
• Remove, clean, and store ladders, diving boards, pool vacuums, and toys

🧊 In colder climates, use pool antifreeze in lines after blowing them out.

If you’re unsure about your area’s needs, it’s always smart to call a professional for seasonal pool closing.

Step 4: Clean and Secure the Pool Cover

A cover protects your pool from debris, rainwater, algae, and sunlight. But it only works well if it’s clean and installed properly.

How to cover your pool:

• Use a mesh or solid safety cover that fits tightly
• Remove any standing water or leaves from the cover regularly
• Use water bags or weights for above-ground pools
• Ensure no gaps or exposed areas around edges
• Store solar covers or floating blankets indoors to prevent UV damage

📍 Learn the difference between cover types from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these end-of-season pitfalls to protect your pool:

1. Skipping the deep clean
   → Leftover debris can decay and cause staining or algae.
2. Forgetting to check water balance
   → Unbalanced pH or chlorine causes corrosion or cloudy water.
3. Covering too early
   → Wait until the water cools to prevent algae blooms under the cover.
4. Leaving accessories in the pool
   → Toys, skimmers, and ladders can stain the liner or get damaged.
5. Neglecting the filter
   → Dirty filters create problems when you reopen the pool.

Closing a Saltwater Pool? Read This

Saltwater pools need a slightly different approach:

• Turn off and clean the salt cell
• Use a non-stabilized chlorine shock before closing
• Check the salt levels and pH, which tend to drift after heavy use
• Clean the generator thoroughly and inspect for corrosion

💡 Compare systems: Chlorine vs Saltwater Cleaning

Should You Drain the Pool Completely?

No—don’t fully drain your pool unless advised by a professional. Doing so can:

• Damage liners
• Cause fiberglass or concrete shells to shift or crack
• Create pressure imbalances under the surface

Keep water in the pool, just lower it to the correct level for your type of cover and climate.

Post-Cleaning Add-Ons for Easier Reopening

To make next season a breeze, consider these final steps:

• Add a metal sequestrant to prevent stains
• Use an enzyme treatment to break down organics
• Toss in a floating chlorinator with a slow-dissolving tablet
• Label and store pool chemicals properly for next year

🔗 Know More: Fall Pool Closing Guide for South Florida Pool Owners

Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

Prefer a Pro to Handle It?

M&M Pool & Spa Services Corp offers affordable end-of-season pool cleaning packages for homeowners across South Florida.

Our team handles:

• Complete water testing & balancing
• Equipment cleaning and winterization
• Professional-grade pool covering
• Skimmer prep, filter servicing, and more

🔗 Know More: Winter Pool Maintenance Tips for South Florida Pools

Ready to Close Your Pool? We’ve Got You Covered

Avoid the mess, prevent off-season headaches, and ensure your pool is protected and prepped for the months ahead. Whether you’re a DIYer or want a pro to handle it all, M&M Pool & Spa Services Corp is here to help.

👉 Let us help you wrap up the season—stress-free.