Time to winterize that pool

Swimming pool season is coming to an end.

Go ahead, wipe away that tear. Then start planning to close and winterize your pool using these steps from pool-care company BioGuard:

• Conduct a final test of the pool water to ensure it’s balanced. Even if you’re planning to drain the pool, this avoids leaving unwanted residue on pool surfaces.

• Brush the walls of the pool and vacuum thoroughly. Clean the skimmer basket and lint trap.

• Use a special filter cleaner to thoroughly clean the filter. A dirty filter can cake and harden over the winter, leaving a difficult cleanup job.

• With pump and filter on, add the appropriate amount of winter shock — an oxidizing compound — around the edges of the pool. Wait an hour, and then add winter algaecide. Keep the pump and filter on for another hour.

• Drain the pool, then add pool winterizing antifreeze to pipes and equipment.

• Finally, cover the pool to protect from winter winds, leaves, dirt and debris.