Cleaning Supplies

• Before closing your pool for the winter, clean it. Scrub the sides with a telescoping brush to remove any dirt or residue buildup. Run your filter pump until the water coming out of the pump looks clean and clear. Skim the water surface to remove all surface debris, including leaves, grass and bugs. Once the sides and surface are clean, run a pool vacuum along the bottom to pick up any remaining sediment. Clean all of the pool accessories after you remove them from the pool. Most you can wipe clean with a soft cloth, but follow the manufacturer's recommendations on any cleaning agents to use to remove tough buildup.
  
  

Chemicals

• Balance your pool water before closing it down for the winter. Use a test kit, available from your pool dealer, to test the levels in your pool. Bring your pool water up to the recommended levels. Your pool dealer can provide detailed advice on which chemicals to use, how to apply them and recommended levels. Chemicals may vary by region and the size and type of pool you have. Right before you close up your pool, apply winterizing chemicals to the deep end. Your pool dealer can also offer advice on winterizing chemicals.
  
  

Protection

• Provide a safe place to store all your pool accessories. Choose a dry, clean area that maintains consistent temperatures between 32 and 104 degrees F. Preferably choose a location free of rodents and bugs to prevent harm to the pool accessories. To protect the pool, cover it with a winter cover, which is sometimes included with the pool; if not, you can purchase one from your pool dealer.
  
  

Other Suggestions and Warnings

• Dry all the pool accessories thoroughly before storing. Store the accessories in their original packaging if possible. Keep small parts together in a bag to make finding them easier the next season. Leaving dirt or debris in your pool over the winter -- or anytime -- can cause staining. Drain all the accessories, such as the filter pump and hoses, completely.