Even though we've had a few uncharacteristically warm autumn days, it probably hasn't crossed your mind to go outside for a swim since the end of summer. Before the harsh winter weather arrives, you'll want to make sure you've taken all proper steps to prevent your pool from suffering damage during the season.

Anne Reagan, writing for the home improvement site Porch.com, says you should begin by disconnecting the heat line to the pool. Remove any toys or accessories, and fish out debris such as fallen leaves and sticks.

About a week before closing up the pool for the season, you'll want to test and balance the water chemistry using a home test kit. Pool Supply World, a company based in Rocklin, California, says the proper levels will be outlined in the manufacturer's information. In general, you're looking for a pH level of 7.2 to 7.8, alkalinity between 80 and 120 parts per million, and chlorine between two and three parts per million. This balancing act prevents the formation of algae, mold, and calcium scale.

Clean the pool accessories before putting them away for the winter. Everything from the ladder to the inside of the skimmer should be wiped down. It's also a good time to scrub the waterline to get rid of any residue there.

Reagan says you should regularly "shock" the pool as part of its maintenance, adding a heavy dose of chemicals to remove any excess pollutants. One of these shocks should be delivered during the autumn. Pool Supply World says both chlorine and non-chlorine products are available for this job, while the application of a separate algaecide is also a good idea.

Woody McDowell, writing for About, says you should be careful not to damage the pool when applying these chemicals. A floating device can drift against the wall and leave stains there. Throwing tablets directly into the water will cause similar damage to the floor after the tablets sink to the bottom.

Pentair, a pool equipment company based in Sanford, North Carolina, says the best way to apply a shock is to mix the chemicals in a bucket and pour them directly into the water. Some of these mixtures require you to turn on the filter, so make sure you don't disassemble this equipment until it has served its purpose.

To avoid freezing damage, you'll want to lower the water level below the mouths of the skimmers. McDowell says this process drains water from the skimmers, preventing them from getting damaged. Pentair says you shouldn't completely empty the pool, since the weight of the water will prevent the pool from being shifted by changes in the soil caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

Freezing water can also damage the plumbing lines. Reagan says any pumps, heaters, filters, and other equipment with water in them should be drained out. Some lines need to be blown out, a process which can be done with compressed air or a shop vacuum. McDowell says the lines should be plugged at the pool end once they are emptied.

Pool Supply World says you can remove the interior parts of the skimmers to prevent damage. Most pool equipment does not need to be covered for the winter. However, if you choose to put a cover on, make sure it is not airtight; otherwise, moisture can build up and cause freezing damage or algae growth.

Don't forget to turn off the power to the pool equipment. Reagan says this step should be done by shutting down the main power switches as well as the circuit breaker.

An inflatable flotation device, or pillow, will help prevent any freezing damage over the winter. Pentair says the pillow provides a surface for ice to push up against so that it will not put pressure on the pool walls. Keeping the pillow inflated only about three-quarters of the way will prevent it from being popped by this pressure. The pillow also balances out the water and ice that might form on the pool cover over the winter.

Put the pool cover over the pillow and secure it. Repair any tears, or get a new cover if the old one is too extensively damaged. If the pool is surrounded by a deck, you can put small weights on the cover edges to keep it down.

Monitor the pool cover throughout the winter to make sure there is not too much water or ice building up on it. Pool Supply World says this water can be removed with a cover pump or siphon pump.