For many of us, September means it's time to close the swimming pool for winter.

Experts agree that extra care and attention to your pool before winter pays dividends in its ability to winter without incident and in ease for you in reopening it next spring. The main reasons for winterizing your pool are to protect it from damage caused by freezing water and to keep it debris-free so that reopening it next spring is simpler.

A swimming pool is an important investment so extra winterizing care is important to protect it -and you- since liability is in play whether the pool is open or closed.

With that in mind, it may be helpful to divide the winterizing job into several parts.

First, gather and store (or securely cover) pool accessories, such as ladders, slides and floating furniture away from the pool area. Don't forget wall fittings, pool cleaners and vacuums.

Next, inspect the pool for damage, paying attention to rips and cracks in the pool liner. They are easier to spot in vinyl liners common in above-ground pools. A good rule of thumb is if you've added water to keep the water level up, something needs fixin'. Be sure to look at the anchors and ties on the pool apron or sides of the pool. Repair or replace them if needed so that winter weight from ice and snow does not cause them to fail and allow the pool cover to slide into the pool.

Clean the pool of debris thoroughly by skimming and using a good leaf rake. Balancing pool water chemistry with the addition of chemicals is a three step-process that swimmingpool.com believes should attain the following levels: pH level of 7.6-7.8; alkalinity of 80-100 and calcium hardness to 150-200.

Shock the pool with chlorine or chlorine substitute to 10-12 parts per million, allowing it to recede to 1.5-3.5 ppm before adding algaecides or wintering chemicals.

Now you're ready to backwash your filter and empty water from hoses, fittings and channels that will remain in the pool over the winter. If you're a DIY-er, consider using poolandspa.com's down-to-earth guide (including using duct tape!) to clearing and emptying water system parts. Poolandspa preaches a “no freeze crack” gospel with regard to plastic parts and channels that will remain in the pool all winter.

How much to reduce water level in a pool depends on the pool. For example, an in ground pool with decorative tiles along the sides means the water level should be 4-6 inches below the tiles or the lowest plumbing line. The water line on above ground pools is typically an inch or two beneath the return, and may need winter freeze plugs and skimmer freeze guards - but always check your pool instructions or ask your pool dealer because requirements may differ.

Putting on the pool cover is the least technical but critically important step. Obviously, the pool cover keeps debris out of the pool but it also can create a space barrier that allows freezing pool water to expand safely underneath the cover. Most experts recommend floating air pillows in the pool before the cover is put on. But large balls or tires will do the trick as well.An optional leaf guard over the pool cover also makes it easier to remove unwanted leaves from your cover once autumn ends. Finally, you'll want to consider a cover pump to help remove excess water from accumulating.

For visual learners, the websites cited and YouTube provide video that explains the pool winterizing process.