Winterizing above ground pool isn’t just about putting a cover over it. It’s a crucial maintenance step that preserves your pool’s longevity. Without proper winterization, your pool can become a breeding ground for algae, suffer from chemical imbalances, or even get damaged by freezing water.
When Do We Need to Winterize Above Ground Pool?
For me it typically begins when the water temperature consistently drops below 65°F (18°C), because waiting too long can lead to algae growth, while starting too early can expose your pool to potential freezing damage.
Step 1: Deep Clean the Pool
Vacuuming, Brushing, and Skimming
Thoroughly vacuum the bottom of the pool, brush the walls to remove algae and dirt then skim the surface to get rid of floating debris.
Remember: Any leftover debris can cause algae growth and staining during the winter months. Making sure your pool is spotless before closing it will save you time and effort when reopening it in the spring.
Step 2: Balance the Water Chemistry
Maintaining the right chemical balance helps prevent corrosion, scaling, and staining. A balanced pool also ensures the effectiveness of winterizing chemicals. Here are my recommended levels:
- pH: Aim for 7.4–7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
- Chlorine: 2.0–4.0 ppm
My tips: It’s better to aim for the higher end of these ranges when closing your pool. This is because the levels will naturally decrease over time.
Now it’s time to shock the pool. It’s best to use non-chlorine pool shock to remove any contaminants that could cause stains or algae over the winter. Usually, one bag (or pound) is needed per 10,000 gallons of clear pool water. If your pool water is hazy or green, double or triple the dose.
After shocking, let the pump run for at least 6 hours. Then, go to step 3.
Step 3: Add Winterizing Chemicals
Algaecides can help keep your pool crystal clear during winter’s nap time. For every 4,000 to 5,000 gallons of pool water, add 4 ounces of liquid algae control (or as recommended). Turn on your filter and slowly pour the algaecides around the pool’s edge. Don’t overdo it in one spot! Let the filter work for an hour or two to evenly distribute the algaecide.
My tips: Feeling overwhelmed by all the pool chemicals? Consider getting a Winter kit! It includes everything you need for your pool during the cold months. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your pool size and water amount, and you’re good to go. It’s as easy as plug and play!
Main benefit of Winter kit
- Convenience: Everything you need to winterize your pool is in one package, saving you time and effort.
- Time-Saving: No need to research, consult, purchase, and portion out individual chemicals separately.
- Cost-Effective: It’s more economical to buy a 3-in-1 kit than purchasing all the individual chemicals separately.
- The chemicals are specifically formulated to work together effectively when used as directed. Plus, stain and scale preventers stop minerals and metals from building up and depositing on pool surfaces, protecting the liner or plaster walls from stains or fading over the winter.
Step 4: Store Pool Accessories
I still remember winter 2021 when we had basically prepared our pool for the winter, but then my wife and I both got COVID-19. Storing accessories became impossible. After we recovered, all our pumps, heaters, and cleaners were damaged and rusted in the cold Ohio winter. So, even though it’s time-consuming, properly storing accessories is really necessary.
List of Accessories to Remove and Store
| Skimmer basket | – Rinse thoroughly to remove any debris or chemical residue – Allow to air dry completely before storing |
| Return fittings | |
| Solar blankets or covers | – Clean the blanket or cover thoroughly with a mild detergent – Fold or roll the blanket carefully to avoid creases – Store in a rodent-proof container or bag |
| Pool alarms | – Remove batteries to prevent corrosion |
| Ladders and steps | – Clean thoroughly with a mild detergent – Dry completely to prevent rust – Store in a dry area, preferably indoors – If storing outdoors, cover with a waterproof tarp |
| Automatic pool cleaners | – Remove the cleaner from the pool – Clean thoroughly, removing all debris from hoses and moving parts |
| Pool toys and floats | -Clean and disinfect all toys and floats – Deflate inflatable items |
| Diving boards | -If removable, clean thoroughly and dry completely – Better store indoors – If non-removable, clean and cover with a waterproof cover |
| Pool lights | – If removable, clean and dry thoroughly – If non-removable, ensure they are properly sealed and protected |
| Thermometers | |
| Pool heaters (if portable) | – Drain completely and clean according to manufacturer’s instructions |
| Chemical feeders or chlorinators | – Clean thoroughly and remove any remaining chemicals |
| Pool pumps (if not winterized in place) | – Clean thoroughly and allow to dry completely – Follow manufacturer’s instructions for specific winterization steps |
| Pool filters (if not winterized in place) |
Additionally, place freeze plugs in the skimmer and return jets to seal off the plumbing.
My tips for each equipment:
The pump
- Turn off the power to the pump at the circuit breaker
- Close the valves on the suction and return lines
- Remove the drain plugs from the pump housing to allow water to drain out completely
- Tilt the pump slightly to ensure all water is removed
- Store the drain plugs in a safe place where they won’t get lost
The heater
- Turn off the gas or power supply to the heater
- Disconnect the heater from the gas line or power source
- Open the drain valves on the heater to allow water to drain out completely
- Remove any remaining water by blowing compressed air through the lines
Step 5: Adjust the Water Level
Drain the pool to just below the skimmer level (3-4 inches below the skimmer opening is great idea). This prevents water from entering the skimmer and freezing, which can cause cracks and other damage.
Step 6: Cover the Pool
You should choose a winter cover that fits securely over your pool and make sure it overlaps the pool edge by at least 12 inches.
Why? Because it is designed to withstand snow, ice, debris or any type of harsh weather conditions during the winter months. They typically come in two types:
- Solid covers: Completely block out sunlight and debris from entering the pool. But the downside is: Difficult for rainwater to drain, leading to water accumulation on the cover and putting pressure on it
- Mesh covers: Allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. The downside is: Not as effective as solid covers in protecting the pool from snow and ice.
Choosing the right cover:
- A region with harsh winters such as Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts…: You should use a solid cover to protect your pool from snow and ice effectively.
- A region with mild winters Florida, South Carolina…: You can use a mesh cover to allow rainwater to drain easily.
My tips to secure a winter cover:
- Place an air pillow (optional) in the center of the pool. This creates an air space under the cover and prevents the cover from sagging into the water (Secure the pillow with ropes tied to the pool wall).
- Ensure the cover is centered over the pool with equal overhang on all sides
- Use a cable and winch system to tighten the cover securely around the pool
- Install cover clips or wall bags to keep the cover in place during strong winds
What is Air Pillow ?
When your pool water freezes, it expands. The air pillow is designed to collapse under this pressure instead of your pool structure. As the surface freezes, the pillow occupies part of the surface area. This allows the expanding ice to compress the pillow inward rather than pushing the pool walls outward. This mechanism protects your pool’s structure during freezing conditions.
Additional Tips
Even after completing the winterization process, you still need to keep an eye on your above ground pool throughout the winter months such as:
- Inspect the winter cover regularly to ensure it’s secure and free from damage.
- Remove any accumulated snow or water to prevent excess weight from damaging the cover.
Small tears in the cover should be repaired immediately, and if you see any signs of algae growth, add the necessary chemicals to maintain balance.
FAQ
How do you winterize an above ground sand filter?
For sand filters, set the multiport valve to the ‘Winter/Closed’ position. If your filter doesn’t have this option, press down on the handle and leave it halfway between any two settings. Next, disconnect the pump and store it indoors or in a shed to protect it from winter weather
Do you drain water from the sand filter for winter?
Yes, you should drain all the water from the sand filter for winter to prevent freezing and damage to the filter.
How far down do you drain your above ground pool for winter?
Drain your above ground pool to about 4-6 inches below the skimmer or return line to prevent freeze damage.
Can a pool sand filter stay outside in winter?
It’s not recommended to leave a pool sand filter outside in winter. Store it indoors to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
