The first thing you need to do is take care of the water. Start by checking your pH level. It should be about 7.5. If it isn't, simply add some dry acid or soda ash.
Next on the list is the chlorine. You want to raise the level of chlorine to somewhere around 6 to 10 ppm.
Now add a special winterizing product that will ensure your swimming pool is will protected from algae during the coming winter months.
Once you have added everything required you will need to leave your pump running for a good 12 hours. This will make sure the chlorine and winterizing product is completely distributed throughout the water.
To get the water level in the swimming pool correct you should switch off your skimmer valve and let the water drain until it is 6" below the skimmer's bottom. This will prevent flooding due to rainwater.
Prepare your summer cover for storage by giving it a good clean with either a pressure washer or some fresh clean water. Once it is thoroughly cleaned it can be put away and your winter cover taken out of storage.
Before fitting the winter cover place something in the pool to prevent wall damage if the water in your swimming pool freezes. Anything that will absorb the expansion will do such as some empty chemical containers half filled with water. When you fit the winter cover, make sure it is tight to prevent anything from getting underneath.
Make sure children know the swimming pool is now closed and off limits to visitors. A pool cover is designed to keep leaves, dirt etc. out of the water. It is not designed to take the weight of a person or even a pet. If you do have mall children their are products now available that are winter/safety covers. After a few days you will probably have to tighten the cover again so keep an eye on it for the first few days. You should then check your cover a couple of times a week throughout winter to ensure it is still secure and tight.
With the cover securely in place you should now drain the water from your filter, pump and heater. You will find a drain plug at the bottom of each. If you don't do this, when the water freezes inside the equipment it will most likely damage them beyond repair.
Once early spring arrives and the worst of the weather is over, you should run your pump for a good 6 to 10 hours, depending on the size of your pool, to circulate the chlorine and long life algicide throughout the entire swimming pool.
You will find lots more tips on caring for your swimming pool at swimming pool advice
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