Ontario winters can damage pool plumbing, equipment, liners and covers when water is left in vulnerable areas. If you are learning how to winterize a pool in Ontario, the safest approach is to separate homeowner preparation from the technical work required to protect the circulation system.
A pool closing should match the pool type, plumbing, equipment and cover. Above-ground and in-ground pools do not always use the same water level, fittings or winterization procedure.
When Should You Winterize a Pool in Ontario?
Many Barrie-area pool closings take place from mid-September through October. A common guideline is to close once the water is consistently near or below 15°C, while still scheduling before repeated overnight freezing begins.
Closing very early can leave warm water under the cover, which may encourage algae. Waiting until freezing weather arrives increases the risk to exposed hoses, fittings and equipment.
The right week depends on:
- Water temperature
- Overnight forecasts
- Surrounding trees and falling leaves
- Pool and equipment condition
- Crew availability
- Cover type
- Any known leaks or repairs
For a closer look at local timing, read When Is the Best Time to Close Your Pool in Barrie?.
Start With a Clean Pool
The condition of the water at closing affects what you may find in spring. Before the appointment:
- Remove leaves and visible debris
- Empty the skimmer and pump baskets
- Brush the walls and floor
- Vacuum the pool if needed
- Bring the water to a clean, balanced condition
- Tell the closing company about algae or cloudy water
Standard winter chemicals are intended for clean, balanced water. Heavy debris, algae treatment and pre-closing vacuuming may require additional service.
Use pool chemicals only according to the product label. Do not mix products, and do not place concentrated chemicals directly on a vinyl liner.
Confirm the Pool Type and Equipment
A closing request should identify whether the pool is above-ground or in-ground and list the equipment connected to it.
Helpful details include:
- Approximate pool size
- Number of pumps and filters
- Heater
- Salt system
- Additional skimmers or returns
- Attached spa
- Waterfalls or other water features
- Cover type
- Gate width and equipment access
- Known leaks or damaged fittings
Clear photos of the pool, equipment pad, cover and access route help confirm the scope before the appointment.
Water Level Depends on the Pool
There is no single winter water level that is correct for every pool.
Vinyl liners require water for support. Removing too much water can increase the risk of liner movement, wrinkles or other damage. The correct level depends on the skimmer, returns, winterizing fittings and cover system.
Above-ground pools may use a skimmer plate or another approved setup. In-ground pools may need a water level suited to a water-bag cover or safety cover.
The closing crew should determine the required level from the actual pool configuration. A pool should never be emptied for a routine winter closing.
Plumbing and Equipment Need Complete Protection
Water expands when it freezes. Pumps, filters, heaters, hoses, valves and plumbing lines must be left in the correct winter condition.
The technical work may include:
- Draining accessible equipment
- Clearing vulnerable plumbing lines
- Protecting skimmers and returns
- Installing appropriate winter plugs or fittings
- Winterizing the pump and filter
- Winterizing the connected standard heater
- Preparing the salt system, if present
- Securing valves and removable components
Plumbing layouts vary, especially on in-ground pools with multiple lines, water features or attached spas. High-pressure air and unfamiliar valve systems can damage equipment or leave water trapped in a line. Homeowners who are not trained and properly equipped should have the circulation system winterized professionally.
Inspect the Winter Cover Before the Appointment
Lay out the cover and hardware before closing day when possible. Check for:
- Tears or worn seams
- Missing straps, springs or clips
- Damaged anchors
- Leaking water bags
- Missing cable or winch
- Incorrect cover size
- Material that has become brittle
An above-ground cover normally secures around the pool wall. An in-ground pool may use water bags or a safety cover attached to deck anchors.
The existing cover and available hardware should be ready near the pool. Replacement covers, water bags and hardware are normally separate from a standard closing unless included in the written quote.
Special Preparation for In-Ground Pools
If the pool has a sump well, empty it two days before the scheduled closing. Tell the crew where it is located and whether groundwater has been an issue.
Also identify:
- Extra pumps
- Separate spa equipment
- Water features
- Multiple equipment areas
- Automatic covers
- Locked equipment rooms
- Any plumbing changes made during the season
These details can change the time, equipment and pricing required for the closing.
What Homeowners Should Do After Closing
Check the pool periodically throughout winter without walking onto the cover.
Keep an eye on:
- Cover position and visible damage
- Loose straps, cables or water bags
- Excessive debris
- Standing water where the cover manufacturer recommends removal
- Access gates and surrounding objects
- Changes after major wind, ice or snow events
Follow the cover manufacturer’s instructions. Never step onto a standard winter cover, and keep children and pets away from the pool area.
Professional Pool Closing Prices in Barrie
Lakeshore Pool & Deck’s standard 2026 closing prices are:
- Above-ground pool closing: $319 plus HST
- In-ground pool closing: $429 plus HST
Standard packages apply to the defined pool size, equipment and access limits. Extra plumbing, attached spas, water features, additional pumps, cleaning, replacement supplies and repairs are reviewed separately.
You can compare the two service types in Above-Ground Versus In-Ground Pool Closing in Barrie.
Request Your Pool Closing
Visit the Lakeshore pool closing page and choose above-ground or in-ground. The online request takes about two minutes.
Lakeshore Pool & Deck serves Barrie, Innisfil, Oro-Medonte, Springwater, Essa and Bradford West Gwillimbury. After reviewing the details, Lakeshore will contact you to confirm the scope, quote and appointment. For questions, call 289-512-9696.