How to Winterize an Above Ground Pool: Keep Your Pool Safe During the Off-Season
Protecting your investment and getting your above ground pool ready for the warm weather is a must with winterizing your above ground pool. Closing your pool takes time, and even in Florida where winters are milder, the time spent properly closing your pool can prevent damage, save money and make opening your pool in the spring a breeze. If you live in an area with cold winters, we know that you want to keep your pool in top shape all year long, which is why we’ve put together a fun and detailed guide on how to winterize your above ground pool.
1. Clean and Balance the Water
Your first step towards winterizing your pool is to make sure the water is clean, chemically balanced, and cold enough. For starters, fetch all the debris that you can get rid of with a skimmer net; including leaves, twigs, and bugs. Next, you’ll use a test kit to determine the water’s pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness levels and will adjust them as necessary to keep them at the ideal range. This is important because balanced water prevents corrosion, scale buildup and algae growth during the winter months.
Pro Tip: Consider using a pool pillow underneath the cover. This helps to distribute the pressure from ice and snow evenly, protecting the pool walls.
2. Lower the Water Level
Then we balance the water, and then we lower the water level. For an above ground pool, you want to lower the water level down to about 4-6 inches below the skimmer. This is an important step because it will stop water from entering the skimmer and freezing, and damaging the pool's plumbing.
Important Note: Do not completely drain the pool, as this can cause the liner to shrink, crack, or even collapse.
3. Remove Pool Accessories
Next, take all pool accessories off the pool, like ladders, skimmer baskets, hoses and anything else you might have in the pool. How to clean these items, and where to store them away from rain and other elements so they don't be damaged outdoors. If you have a pool cover pump, make sure it’s cleaned and stored properly too.
Pro Tip: Use a dedicated pool storage bin to keep everything organized and easily accessible when it’s time to reopen the pool.
4. Winterize the Pool Equipment
Winterizing your pool equipment properly is the key to keeping it in good running order. Disabling power to the pump, filter and heater initializing these. Run the water from the pump, filter, and any other connected equipment out so that freezing and cracking accidents won’t happen. If your filter is a sand filter, set it to winterize.
Pro Tip: Store the pump and other small equipment in a dry, indoor location to protect them from the elements.
5. Install the Winter Cover
When everything is cleaned, balanced, and stored, it’s time to cover your pool. If you want to keep out debris and prevent algae growth, a good winter cover is a must. Ensure the cover is just snug enough over the pool and fastened down so that the surface does not ride off in windy conditions.
Pro Tip: Consider using a pool pillow underneath the cover. This helps to distribute the pressure from ice and snow evenly, protecting the pool walls
6. Check for Leaks and Tears
Before you call it a day, take a quick look to see if your pool liner, or its cover, has any leaks, tears or damage. If you catch these issues now, you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble and money come spring. If you see any damage, fix it right away with a patch kit or call a pro like Southern Pools of Florida.
Pro Tip: Regularly inspect the cover throughout the winter to ensure it remains secure and free from damage.
7. Monitor Your Pool Throughout the Winter
While your pool is winterized, it’s still important to check on it periodically during the winter. Check for damage to the cover including sagging or holes and wipe off debris there. By keeping an eye on your pool during the off season, you will have a pool in good condition when you are ready to open it again.
Pro Tip: If you experience a particularly mild winter, consider testing the water and adding additional chemicals as needed.
Conclusion
Winterizing your above ground pool may seem like a chore, but with these tips, you can make the process quick, easy and effective. We are here to help you every step of the way from providing winterizing supplies to expert advice and services at Southern Pools of Florida.