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Take Time to Chill Out and Prep Your In-Ground Pool for Winter

Summer may be waving goodbye, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to forget about your in-ground pool! At Ripple Creek Homes, we know that a well-prepped pool in the fall is like tucking your favorite pet into a cozy bed—it keeps everything safe, sparkly, and ready to shine when the warm weather returns. That’s why in this month’s article we’re going to break down how you can break down that beautiful in-ground pool and get it ready for the chill of winter.

Step 1: Clean Like a Champ

Before your pool takes a long winter nap, it’s time for a deep clean:

• Skim, brush, and vacuum all the leaves, bugs, and random floaty stuff.
• Check filters and clean or replace them—because no one wants a muddy surprise in the spring.
• Balance your water chemistry: pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness all matter for a healthy pool. Think of it as giving your water a spa day before hibernation.

Step 2: Lower the Water Level

Time to say goodbye to “full tank” vibes for a few months:

• Drop the water below the skimmer to prevent freezing damage.
• Drain and store hoses, ladders, and diving boards safely.
• Add winterizing chemicals to keep algae, stains, and scale at bay while you’re enjoying pumpkin spice everything.

Step 3: Cover Up for Comfort (and Safety)

A good pool cover is like a cozy blanket—keeps the water clean, prevents accidents, and stops errant leaves from taking over:

• Use a secure, tight-fitting cover.
• Make sure it’s anchored or weighted so winter winds don’t turn it into a sail.
• Check it occasionally for debris buildup, because even winter naps need a little TLC.

Extra Tips for the Overachievers

• Add a floating winterizer: Keeps chemicals evenly distributed.
• Store your pool toys: Inflatable flamingos can wait until summer.
• Inspect your pump and heater: A little maintenance now can save a big repair later.

Tides Out… For Now

So you see, preparing your in-ground pool for winter doesn’t have to be a chore—it’s a smart, seasonal ritual that ensures your backyard oasis stays sparkling and safe. At Ripple Creek Homes, we love helping homeowners enjoy every season, even when it’s too chilly to swim. So grab your gloves, your goggles, and your winterizing kit—it’s time to give your pool the TLC it deserves!

By Ripple Creek Homes Staff 10-1-2025