Pool Opening Checklist
Bring a pool back into use in the right order, so a pump is not switched on dry and a leak is found before the pool is full rather than after.
WP-04 2 pages
Water and pools · WP-05
Pool Closing and Winterising Checklist
A free printable pool closing checklist — winterising the water, draining the equipment and fitting the cover, so nothing freezes and cracks over winter.
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2 pages. Choose your paper size — both versions are laid out identically, so neither one gets shrunk to fit.
Print it and write on it
Fill it in type and save
The fillable versions have real form fields — open them in any PDF reader, type into them and save. Printing help.
What this sheet is for
Shut a pool down properly, catching the step that actually causes winter damage: water left standing in a pump, filter or pipe that then freezes.
Who it is for
Owners of an in-ground or above-ground pool in a climate with a real winter.
How to use it
- Balance and treat the water before doing anything to the equipment.
- Drain the pump, filter, heater and any exposed pipework completely.
- Store drain plugs somewhere you will find them again in spring.
- Fit the cover last, and check it is secured all the way round.
What is on the sheet
2 pages, in this order:
Page 1
Printed under the title: Shutting an in-ground or above-ground pool down for the cold season, so nothing is left in a pipe or a pump to freeze and crack over winter.
Your climate decides the detail. Winterising products, water levels and how far to drain the plumbing all depend on your climate, your pool type and your equipment — follow your manufacturer's own instructions and your local supplier's guidance. This sheet is the order to work through and the record that you did it.
Write-on lines: Pool / property · Date closed · Closed by
Water and chemistry
- Balance the water and treat it for winter as your supplier recommends
- Lower the water level as your pool type and climate require
- Clean the pool thoroughly before the final treatment goes in
Equipment shutdown
- Backwash or clean the filter before storing it
- Drain the pump, filter, heater and any exposed pipework
- Blow out or drain lines that could hold standing water
- Remove drain plugs and store them where they will be found in spring
- Disconnect and store anything that should not stay out over winter
Cover and final checks
- Fit an air pillow or equaliser if your cover system uses one
- Fit the winter cover and check it is secured all round
- Store chemicals somewhere frost-free and out of the weather
- Note anything that needs fixing or replacing before next season
Page 2
Ruled lines: Notes — damage found, parts to buy before spring
Questions
How far should the water level be dropped?
That depends on your pool type, your cover system and your climate — a manufacturer or local pool supplier can tell you what suits your pool. This sheet records that it was done, not what the level should be.
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