How to CLOSE (Winterize) an Inground POOL | Swim University

Matt walks you through the process of closing an inground swimming pool. Watch how to prepare the filter system, blow out the pipes, and put on the winter pool cover.

⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Winterizing Your Inground Pool
00:15 - Step #1. Clean And Test Pool Water
00:29 - Step #2. Drain Pool Below Skimmer
01:08 - Step #3. Blow Out Pool Lines
02:45 - Step #4. Add Winter Pool Chemicals
02:57 - Step #5. Add Winter Cover

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[SwimUniversity]

When do you close your inground pool for the winter?

[gregshick]

I've been closing my pool for 10 years and every year I would struggle to remember how to do it. This was an excellent clear video on the process luckily having an almost identical setup. Thanks!!

[TheCoolbreeze]

1.) Clean Pool 2.) Drain below skimmer using main drain/backwash--Once running filter water is clear, switch to waste. 3.) Blow lines dry, first remove all return fittings, drain plugs and skimmer baskets., set valve to "re-circulate" change source to skimmer. shop vac the skimmer waste water out-plug it once dry. then plug the return lines. change source to main drain line after a few minutes of bubbles from the bottom quickly move it back to off (not skimmer or main.) 4. add winterizing chemicals. 5. cover. and lock safety gates. 6. Enjoy a well-earned beverage.

[deedubz]

Here i am again for the past 5-6 years watching the same video for closing my pool. Thanks again for the info

[donsuchy]

Once again used this video to close my pool, thanks! Starting to feel like you’re here with me, we closed my pool!

[LovetoPlayGuitars]

Basic things like which drain on the pump and a psi range would've made this more useful. Thanks for other info.

[superspike]

Simple and straightforward, easy to understand instructions. Thank you!

[flyingburritobro]

A couple opinions I have after doing this for 20 plus years. I live in the upper Midwest and it gets cold with large snow loads. I do not use antifreeze and have never had an issue. If you blow out the lines correctly you will have no problem as long as you are using a gizmo in the skimmer. Winterizing chemicals are a money grab. Assuming the water chemistry is correct and the pool
Is clean when closed, it will be the same when opened. With the proper cover completely blocking sunlight there is no need to add more chemicals. You can waste money and put more chemicals in your water but there is no need.

[lizardo]

I got my first closing next month, this video really helped alot

[cadamy]

This is by far the clearest video I've ever seen for closing a pool. Thank you!

[donsuchy]

Just wanted say thanks, I use this video each year to close my pool!! I owe ya a couple beers!

[Hand_Banana]

So how do you build up pressure if you remove all the plugs before blowing the lines?

[mrkakashi]

Hi Matt - Great video! Two quick questions. 1) Would it be better to keep the drain plugs in to keep it air-tight while we blow the lines? 2) When & how do we add the anti-freeze? Through the skimmer right before we plug the gizzmo in?

[HandyDandyu]

I know I'm 3 years late, but I have separate feed valves from my skimmer and floor drain, so I lower my water below the skimmer with the skimmer valve closed, then open the valve to suck the water out of the skimmer and line. Then I blow it back from the skimmer to the pump with a shop vac. Way more effective. I also don't add chemicals after blowing out the lines. Add them before so they fully dissolve and the chemistry balances out before testing. If you can't circulate the water, there's no way your chemicals will circulate and your readings will be off. Most people will not get bubbles out of their floor drain. That's OK as long as you pressurize the line enough to push the water below the frost line and close the valve on the drain line while still under pressure. That way you get an air lock in the line that will prevent the water from coming back up above the frost line.

[bdavi]

What kind of air compressor is best to use? Recommended psi?

[craigzilla]

I was wondering about blowing out the lines.. how do you keep the water out of the main drain without plugging it up? Wouldn't gravity just pull the water back into the line? It's deep underground, so I also wonder if it would be ok...

[qmerk]

you said air compressor OR shop vac. how would i blow out the lines with a shop vac?

[jigneshsoni]

Came across your video while trying to find instructions about blowing out the main drain for winter. I am confused how my pool plumbing is setup. I connected air compressor to blow out all my lines. I was able to blow out my 2 skimmers and all the returns. But I am not able to do this for the main drain. I have tried so many things but just can't figure this out. No matter what lever I change....I just do not see bubbles coming out from main drain. Any idea what is going on?

[jkmbox]

Thanks for the video, quick question about the main drain. I saw bubbles coming up from the main drain, but after a short time no more bubbles, does that mean the airlock has engaged? should I be seeing bubbles coming up from there for as long as I have the air-compressor running ?

[joelroblin]

What if my pool doesnt have a drain on the floor? Where would it be ? And what would I do for that part?