Leslie's Standard Pool Closing Kit Instructions

As pool season draws to a close, it's time to start thinking about closing the pool for the long winter months ahead. The Leslie's Standard Pool Closing Kit includes all the chemicals you'll need to protect your pool through the off-season, and will treat pools up to 7,500 gallons in size. Standard Kits include:

• 1 lb Fresh 'N Clear
• 1 pt Algae Control
• 1 pt MetalFree
• 1 WinterPill

Leslie's also carries two other sizes of Pool Closing Kits. If you're looking for instructions for the other sizes, click the links below:

Leslie's Deluxe Pool Closing Kit Instructions (for pools up to 15,000 gallons)
Leslie's Premium Pool Closing Kit Instructions (for pools up to 35,000 gallons)

NOTE: Temperatures should be consistently below 65ºF before attempting to close your pool. For vinyl liner and fiberglass pools, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for winterizing. Always read and follow product label directions for more information about safe handling and application practices.

How to Use a Leslie's Standard Pool Closing Kit

1. Clean the pool. Remove large debris with a leaf rake or skimmer net, then brush all pool surfaces and vacuum the pool floor.
2. Pour 1 pint of MetalFree around the perimeter of the pool with the pump running on high speed.
3. With the pump running at high speed, balance your water according to the following recommended ranges. Remember to never mix chemicals, and always wait at least 1–2 hours between chemical applications. If you need to adjust Calcium Hardness levels, do not add a hardness increaser on the same day as sodium carbonate (Soda Ash) or sodium bicarbonate (Alkalinity Up).
   • Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm (exact range depends on sanitizer type)
   • pH: 7.4–7.6
   • Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
4. Add 1 pint of Leslie’s Algae Control to a bucket of water, then pour the mixture around the perimeter of the pool with the pump still running. Wait 1 hour.
5. Broadcast 1 pound of Leslie’s Fresh ‘N Clear across the surface of the pool with the pump running. Wait 30 minutes.
6. Bring your Free Available Chlorine level to 2.0–4.0 ppm if not there already. Broadcast Leslie’s Chlor Brite (sold separately) evenly over a wide area in the deepest part of the pool with the pump running. Use about 1.5 ounces of Chlor Brite per 5,000 gallons to increase chlorine levels by 1 ppm. Keep the pump running, and wait for at least 8 hours.
7. Add your blue WinterPill to the pool according to manufacturer instructions. This product contains enzymes, so do not add it to your pool if chlorine levels are above the recommended range.
8. Proceed with winterization procedures as you normally would. Clean or backwash the filter, turn off the power, lower water levels below the skimmer (if applicable), winterize your equipment and plumbing lines, remove non-permanent items from around the pool, and install your winter or safety cover. Or, if you need help, schedule pool closing services with a certified Leslie’s technician.

CLICK HERE for printable Leslie's Standard Closing Kit instructions.

For more information about how to finish the winterizing process, download and print our easy-to-follow 5-step Leslie's Pool Closing Guide. Your Leslie's Pool Closing Kit, and the instructions above, will be used in "Step 1: Balance water."

Recommended Products

Winter Pool Covers

Pool Closing Accessories

Pool Cover Pumps