Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer closure having a sealing face plate positioned across the open end of the skimmer inlet and held thereon by a bolt extending through the center of the face plate and through a transversely extending brace member abutting interior, transversely spaced shoulders integral with the skimmer housing. The face plate is tightened into sealing engagement against the skimmer inlet by a nut threaded onto the end of the bolt and abutting the brace member so that the skimmer can be drained without draining the pool water during the winterization of the pool.