A pool can look properly closed on the day the cover goes on and still be vulnerable by January. Many expensive winter problems start with a small step being missed, such as water left in a line, a loose winter plug, poor water condition or a cover that is not secured correctly.
Barrie and Simcoe County pools face freezing temperatures, thaws, rain, wind and heavy snow over several months. The closing process needs to match the pool type, plumbing, equipment and cover system. This guide covers nine pool winterization mistakes Ontario homeowners should avoid.
9 Pool Winterization Mistakes to Avoid in Ontario
1. Closing Too Early or Waiting Too Long
Closing too early can create problems if water temperatures are still high. Warmer water can encourage algae growth under the cover, leaving homeowners with a more difficult cleanup in spring. On the other hand, waiting until temperatures are consistently near freezing leaves less room to correct an issue before a cold snap.
The right timing depends on the pool, the weather pattern, and the condition of the water. A clean, balanced pool heading into closing is easier to protect than one already carrying debris, algae, or poor water chemistry. If you are booking service, provide current photos and confirm whether the pool is above-ground or in-ground, along with any access restrictions. Those details help establish the appropriate scope before the crew arrives.
2. Treating Every Water Level the Same
Lowering the water is not a universal instruction. The correct level depends on the pool type, return fittings, skimmer configuration, cover style, and whether the pool has features that must be protected. Taking too much water out can leave a vinyl liner unsupported or expose it to avoidable stress. Taking too little out can leave fittings and plumbing vulnerable when water freezes.
Above-ground pools deserve particular care. Their walls, liner, top rails, and cover system work together through the winter. A homeowner who lowers water based on a general online rule may create a problem that was not present before. The goal is not simply less water. It is the right water level for that pool’s closing method.
3. Leaving Water in Plumbing and Equipment
This is one of the most expensive mistakes because trapped water expands when it freezes. That expansion can crack pipes, fittings, pumps, filters, valves, and other components that may appear fine during closing.
Draining visible water is not always enough. Pool plumbing has low points, bends, and equipment connections where water can remain. A proper winterization process accounts for the entire circulation path, not just the equipment pad. Lines need to be cleared and protected according to the pool’s setup, and fittings should be secured once the work is complete.
At Lakeshore Pool & Deck, heater winterization is included in the standard pool closing service when the pool has a heater. It is handled with the pump, filter, plumbing and other applicable equipment. Homeowners should identify all equipment in the request form so the quote reflects the actual setup.
4. Skipping the Final Check of Plugs, Valves and Fittings
A pool closing can fail because of one missed detail. A winter plug that is loose, a valve left in the wrong position, or a fitting that was not sealed correctly can allow water back into a line after it has been cleared.
This is where a documented process matters. Before the cover is installed, the pool should receive a final visual review. Afterward, homeowners benefit from completion photos that show the covered pool and the finished equipment area. Photos do not replace skilled work, but they provide a clear record of what was completed and make it easier to spot questions while conditions are still manageable.
5. Closing a Dirty or Unbalanced Pool
A winter cover hides the water, but it does not stop debris or existing contaminants from affecting it. Leaves, sediment, algae, and unbalanced water can sit under the cover for months. By spring, that can mean staining, difficult water recovery, or extra strain on the liner and equipment during startup.
Remove debris before closing and address visible water issues rather than assuming winter chemicals will solve everything. Chemical treatment should match the pool’s condition and the closing plan. Standard winter chemicals are included in Lakeshore’s standard closing price, while heavily contaminated water or specialty treatment may require an additional charge that is reviewed first.
6. Using a Cover That Does Not Fit or Cannot Be Secured
A cover is not just a finishing touch. It is a working part of the winterization system. It helps keep debris out, manages light exposure, and protects the water while the pool is out of service. A torn, undersized, loosely anchored, or poorly tensioned cover can collect water and debris, shift in wind, or place stress on the pool structure.
For above-ground pools, check the cover cable, winch, clips, and edge fit before the season turns. For in-ground pools, assess the condition of the cover, anchors, water bags, or other securing method used by that pool. The correct approach depends on the cover system already in place.
Avoid placing sharp objects, rough lumber, or improvised weights where they can damage the liner, deck surface, or cover. If a cover has reached the end of its usable life, replacing it before winter is generally safer than hoping it holds through snow and wind.
7. Ignoring Snow, Rain and Meltwater
Snow is not automatically a problem, but weight and water accumulation can become one. A winter cover needs periodic observation, especially after major storms, high winds, or a thaw followed by refreezing. Do not walk on a cover or attempt to break ice with sharp tools. Both can damage the cover and create a safety hazard.
Meltwater management also matters around the pool. Water should not be directed toward the equipment area, under an above-ground pool wall, or against a deck structure. Check that downspouts, grading and nearby drainage do not create a concentrated flow toward the pool area.
If your in-ground pool has a sump well, empty it two days before Lakeshore arrives for the closing appointment. This gives the area time to drain and helps the crew assess the condition properly.
8. Forgetting the Deck and Access Area
Winterization is centered on the pool, but the surrounding structure deserves attention. Loose deck boards, unstable stairs, damaged railings, and shifting gates can make off-season access unsafe. They can also make spring service more difficult when the area needs to be opened up again.
Before winter, clear loose furniture and items that can blow into the cover. Inspect deck surfaces for obvious fastener issues, damaged boards, or areas where water has been collecting. If access to the pool equipment runs through a gate or deck opening, make sure it can still be reached without forcing or dismantling part of the structure.
9. Assuming a Generic Checklist Fits Every Pool
Online checklists can be useful reminders, but they cannot account for the condition of your liner, plumbing layout, equipment or cover system. Water-level and cover instructions can also vary by manufacturer and pool type.
The best results start before the appointment. Share current photos of the pool, cover, equipment pad and access route. Confirm the pool type, identify visible concerns and review the written scope before work starts.
For homeowners who prefer professional support, Lakeshore Pool & Deck approaches seasonal closings with scope confirmation and completed-work photos, so there is a record of the work performed before winter settles in.
What to Check After Your Pool Is Closed
A closed pool should not be forgotten until spring. After the first significant wind event or snowfall, look from a safe position for a shifted cover, loose hardware, unusual pooling, or damage around the equipment area. Continue occasional checks through thaw cycles, when meltwater and changing temperatures reveal issues that were not visible on closing day.
If something looks wrong, address it early. A loose cover cable, an area of standing water, or a concern around a fitting is usually easier to assess before repeated freezing and snow load make the problem larger. Winter is hard on pools, but a well-scoped closing and a few careful observations can keep a small concern from becoming a spring repair.
Book a Professional Pool Closing in Barrie
Lakeshore Pool & Deck provides above-ground and in-ground pool closings in Barrie and nearby Simcoe County communities. Our current standard starting prices are:
- Above-ground pool closing: $319 + HST
- In-ground pool closing: $429 + HST
The standard service includes water lowering, plumbing and equipment winterization, standard winter chemicals, customer-supplied cover installation, salt-system winterization and completion photos. Add-ons and non-standard conditions are reviewed before the quote is confirmed.
Request your pool closing online and choose your preferred week in about two minutes.