How to Winterize Your Pool 

Summer is officially over. We may get a few more nice days, but if you have an above ground outdoor pool, it’s time to consider packing it in for the year. Make yourself one last margarita and then get to work winterizing your pool with these easy steps.  

Remove ladders and accessories 

If the ladder isn’t plastic, it can be stored in the pool, but it does need to be lowered so it can fit under the pool cover. Everything else - including baskets, hoses, filters, pumps, and heaters - need to be stored somewhere more temperate over the cold winter months.  

Look for damage or leaks 

If you have cracks or other damage, now is the time to have it fixed. The cold temperatures that are about to come will only make the problem worse. Look around the pool and inspect it carefully for problems.  

Clean and prep the water 

Clean the pool and remove any debris that might be left. Use a pool test kit to adjust your pH and chemical levels so you can prevent corrosion. Generally, you are looking for the following levels: 

  • pH: 7.4–7.6 ppm 

  • Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm 

  • Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm 

  • Chlorine: 2.0–4.0 ppm 

You can also add algaecide to the water to kill any stubborn bacteria and algae that tries to live in your pool over the winter. Backwash the filter, according to your manufacturer’s directions.  

Partially empty the water 

If you have decorative tiles in your pool, lower the water levels below that so they don’t freeze and crack. Otherwise, if you have a solid cover for your pool, you can lower the water a few inches below the skimmer. Make sure not to lower it more than 18” as that can cause stress to your cover. If you have a solid winter pool cover, you only need to lower the water levels 3-4” below the skimmer opening. Make sure you also drain water from the pump, filter, heater, and all the tubing, to avoid damage from freezing. 

Cover your pool 

Do a final skim if necessary and then cover your pool, careful to avoid letting debris in again. Inspect the cover for any damage or rips and use the appropriate patches for your specific cover as necessary. Secure any water bags, straps, anchors, or cables that are required.  

Summer will come again. But for now, it’s time to get your pool ready for hibernation by winterizing it before it accidentally becomes a very expensive skating rink! 

plumbingEditor of Action Plumbing Blogpool, winter, plumbing