How to Winterize Your Above Ground Pool in 11 Simple Steps
As the temperatures drop and the end of the swimming season approaches, it's time to prepare your above ground pool for winter. Winterizing your pool helps protect it from the harsh cold, prevents costly repairs, and ensures it's ready for a smooth reopening next spring. Follow these 11 simple steps to winterize your above ground pool and keep it in top shape for the next swim season.
1. Gather Your Winterization Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary equipment and chemicals to winterize your above ground pool:
- Winterizing chemical kit
- pH increaser, alkalinity increaser, and calcium hardness increaser
- Pool shock and algaecide
- Clarifying enzyme supplement (optional but recommended)
- Skimmer cover
- Expansion plugs and return line plugs
- Winter pool cover
- Cover winch, cable, and cover clips
- Water bags (for pools with walk-around decks)
- Swimming pool antifreeze (if necessary)
- Pool air pillow
2. Clean Your Pool Thoroughly
Before you close your pool for the season, give it a good cleaning. Vacuum the entire pool, brush the walls, and skim the surface to remove debris. A clean pool makes it easier to balance your water and prevents algae and mold growth over the winter months.
3. Test and Balance Your Water
To ensure your pool water stays in good condition, test the pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels. Aim for the following ideal ranges:
- pH: 7.4 – 7.6
- Alkalinity: 100 – 150 ppm
- Calcium hardness: 175 – 225 ppm
- Chlorine: 1 – 3 ppm
Balance the water accordingly to protect your pool's surface and components during the off-season.
4. Add Winterizing Chemicals
Once your water is balanced, it's time to add winterizing chemicals. These chemicals help maintain clean, clear water and prevent algae growth over the winter. Follow the instructions on your winterizing chemical kit to ensure you add the correct amounts.
5. Clear and Store Pool Lines
To prevent freeze damage, drain the pool’s pump and filter lines completely. Disconnect and store all hoses and equipment in a dry place, making sure to let them air dry before storing. This prevents mold and ensures your lines are ready to go next spring.
6. Protect Your Skimmer
To prevent ice damage, remove the skimmer basket and either cover the skimmer or drain the water below the skimmer line. If you’re using a skimmer cover, you won’t need to drain the water, but if you aren’t using one, draining is essential to prevent freeze damage.
7. Winterize the Pump and Filter
Remove and store the pool pump and filter indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures. For sand filters, set the multiport valve to "Winterize," remove any plugs, and store the filter in a dry area. For D.E. or cartridge filters, drain and rinse them, then store them indoors for the winter.
8. Clean and Store Pool Accessories
Remove and clean pool accessories such as ladders, toys, and any other items you don’t want to leave in the pool. Cleaning and drying these accessories will help prevent rust, damage to your pool, and contamination when you reopen the pool.
9. Lower the Pool Water Level (If Necessary)
If you're using a skimmer cover, you don’t need to lower the water level. However, if you’re not using a skimmer cover, lower the water level below the skimmer and return lines to prevent freezing. Never drain your pool completely, as this can damage the liner.
10. Install the Pool Pillow
To protect your pool cover from ice and snow, place a pool air pillow in the center of the pool. This will help distribute the pressure from ice and snow evenly. Inflate the pillow to about 50-60% of its capacity, then secure it in place with a rope or a centering device.
11. Install the Pool Cover
Finally, place the winter cover over your pool, ensuring it's snug and secure. Use a cover winch, cable, and cover clips to fasten the cover tightly. If you have a walk-around deck, use water bags to help keep the cover in place. Remember to regularly check the cover throughout the winter to remove excess water and debris.