What Month Should You Winterize Your Pool?

Swimming Pools Blog

If you’re in Maryland, DC, or Northern Virginia, the sweet spot to winterize a backyard pool is mid–to–late October—and no later than Halloween. That timing lines up with our first real cold snaps and helps you stay ahead of freezing temps, algae, and leaf drop. If a hard freeze is forecast sooner where you live, close before that date. (Read more)

Why October Works Best (DMV Region)

  • Beat the first freeze. Closing before the season’s first freeze protects plumbing and equipment. (Read more)
  • Control debris & algae. Falling leaves + cooler nights make late October ideal for covering a clean, balanced pool so it stays clear until spring. (Read more)
  • Stay on schedule. By Halloween, if you haven’t closed yet, you’re pushing it—Mother Nature wins. (Read more)

Quick rule of thumb: In the DMV, aim for mid–October. If the 10-day forecast shows the first hard freeze earlier than that, move your close-date up. (Read more)

Your Pre-Close Checklist (One Week Out)

  1. Balance & shock (pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness). (Read more)
  2. Deep clean: vacuum, brush, skim, empty baskets. (Read more)
  3. Lower the water level (below the skimmer for fiberglass pools; follow your manufacturer’s guidance). (Read more)
  4. Protect equipment: drain pump, filter, heater; blow out lines. (Read more)
  5. Cover securely with a properly fitted winter safety cover. (Read more)

The Easiest Way to Button Up: A Proper Safety Cover

A high-quality winter safety cover keeps debris out, blocks sunlight (solid) or drains water (mesh), and locks taut into deck anchors for serious child- and pet-safety. (Read more)

At Calm Water Pools, we offer Latham® solid and mesh winter safety covers—each custom-measured for your exact pool. We sell the covers and Latham coordinates free pickup of your existing cover, measures it for precision, and gives you an exact quote before production. (Installation isn’t included.) Most orders finish quickly once approved (seasonal timing can vary). (Read more)

👉 Explore options and request your quote here: Winter Safety Covers.

Solid vs. Mesh at a Glance

  • Solid: Blocks sunlight to help suppress algae; may require pumping off rain/snow. (Read more)
  • Mesh: Lets water drain through while keeping out debris—great for wet or snowy winters. (Read more)

What If I’m Not Ready by October?

Life happens. If you miss the target window:

  • Close ASAP before the first freeze—even a quick, careful close beats none. (Read more)
  • Do the essentials (balance, clean, lower, drain equipment, cover). That combo protects your shell, surface, and gear until spring. (Read more)

FAQs (Fast)

Do you install covers?
No—Calm Water Pools sells the cover. Latham handles free pickup/measuring and fulfillment. (Read more )

How long do good covers last?
With proper care and storage, quality safety covers are a long-term investment that can protect your pool for many seasons. (Read more)

Ready to close on time?

Lock in a custom fit that makes winter a non-event. Start with Winter Safety Covers, or call 240-372-4440 for help choosing solid vs. mesh and setting up your free cover pickup and measuring. (Read more)