Your pool might be closed (or just taking a break for winter), but that doesn’t mean you have to ignore it until spring. In fact, winter is the perfect time to take care of some pool-related tasks that often get overlooked during swim season.

From organizing your gear to prepping for next year’s upgrades, these off-season projects are simple, satisfying, and will make your spring opening much easier.

If your shed, garage, or storage bin looks like a forgotten corner of summer chaos, now’s the time to clean it up. Toss out broken nets, worn-out floats, and expired or damaged chemical containers. Reorganize the essentials and label your bins so they’re easy to access next year.

To-do List

• Check chemical containers for cracks or swelling and dispose of damaged ones safely
• Separate liquid and dry products
• Label storage bins or shelves by category (sanitizers, test kits, tools, etc.)
• Inventory what you have so you’re not double-buying come spring

A clean, organized space now means less stress when the season starts back up. And you can head over to our recent post 7 Tips for How to Store Pool Chemicals Safely During the Off-Season for more detailed information about proper chemical storage.

Even if everything was working fine when you closed the pool, small issues can turn into big ones if left unchecked. Winter is a great time to pull out your equipment and give it a once-over.

Look at:

• Your pump and filter (cartridge, DE, or sand)
• Salt cell, if applicable
• Hoses and fittings for signs of wear
• Pressure gauges and valve seals

Clean what you can, replace what’s wearing out, and plan any repairs while demand is low and parts are easier to get.

If your brush is missing half its bristles or your skimmer net has seen better days, now’s the time to upgrade. Winter is ideal for replacing worn-out accessories and even investing in new tools that make your pool care easier.

Consider:

• A telescopic pole that doesn’t jam
• A better leaf rake or fine-mesh skimmer net
• A more accurate digital test kit
• Upgraded brushes or wall scrubbers

These may not be flashy upgrades, but they’ll make your maintenance routine smoother next season.

Have you been thinking about upgrading your lighting, adding automation, or finally installing that heater? Winter is a great time to research your options, compare prices, and schedule early service before pool pros get busy in the spring.

Popular off-season upgrades include:

• LED lighting or color-changing lights
• Automation systems for pumps and sanitizers
• Saltwater system conversions
• Poolside sound systems or smart controls
• Pool safety cover upgrades

Planning these now means you'll be ready to book early spring installations before schedules fill up. Want even more ideas and inspiration? Check out our list of 21 ideas from last winter!

It might feel early, but building your pool opening checklist now ensures you won’t forget anything when the time comes. Think about what gave you trouble last year, what you want to improve, and which steps you might want to delegate or outsource.

Your checklist might include:

• Equipment reassembly
• Filter cleaning or media replacement
• Water testing and balancing
• Cover removal and cleaning
• Early-season chemical treatment
• Inspection for scale, stains, or leaks

Creating a list for spring now also gives you time to reorder any products or tools you’re running low on, without the springtime rush.

The off-season is your secret weapon. While everyone else forgets about their pool until April, you can use this time to get ahead. By organizing your space, maintaining your equipment, and planning your upgrades now, you’re setting yourself up for an easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable next season.

And when that first warm weekend hits? You’ll be ready.

Want a downloadable version of this checklist?