Table of Contents
How to Close Your Above Ground Pool in 10 Steps Step 1: Deep Clean. Step 2: Balance your Water. Step 3: Add Winterizing Chemicals. Step 4: Add Pump Protector. Step 5: Protect Your Return and Skimmer. Step 6: Prepare Your Filter for Hibernation. Step 7: Clear the Pool. Step 8: Set Up Ice Equalizer Pillow.
Can I leave my above ground pool up all winter?
Pools very rarely need to be drained completely. If you have a vinyl-lined above-ground pool, leaving it full for the winter will protect the vinyl liner from shrinkage and other damage. Since these pools are above ground level, keeping them full ensures that the wind will not damage the walls, liner, or frame.
How far down do you drain your above ground pool for winter?
In most cases, you will want to drain the pool to be at least 4 to 6 inches below the top of the skimmer. This allows adequate space for expansion of the water throughout the winter without risking damage to the pool.
What chemicals do you need to winterize your pool?
What chemicals do I need to close my pool? Chlorine. Pool Shock. Soda Ash. Baking Soda. Muriatic Acid. Winter Algaecide. Pool Antifreeze. Stain and Scale Prevention.
How much water should you drain from a pool to winterize?
Lower the Pool Water Level When winterizing your above ground pool, lower the water level around 4″ to 6″ below the skimmer. You can do this with a submersible pump or by siphoning the water out with a short garden hose.
Do you have to take down Intex pool for winter?
Leaving your Intex pool out in colder temperatures can completely rupture your pool lining. That’s a mess you don’t want to clean up or repair. This is why the Intex pools manufacturer strongly recommends draining and disassembling your pool if the temperatures in your area drop to or below 41°F (5°C).
What happens if you don’t winterize your pool?
If your pool equipment isn’t winterized, water can freeze inside of your pump, filter or heater damaging these components so it’s important to keep water flowing through your pool’s system the entire time the temperature is freezing. There are things you can do to prevent costly repairs and replacement: 1.
Are pool winterizing chemicals necessary?
You do not need a pool winterizing kit. You really only need one chemical (algaecide) to properly winterize a swimming pool. You need some other stuff to protect your pool from harsh winter conditions, but only one chemical to add when closing.
Do I need to add chemicals to my pool in the winter?
Ideally, your pool’s chemistry should remain as balanced as possible throughout the winter. There’s a low chance that you’ll need to add chlorine as long as the pool isn’t being used and there is no water circulation.
Do I need to add chlorine to my pool in the winter?
During the winter months, the amount of chlorine needed from your salt cell to keep the pool clean is reduced. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for bacteria to grow in cold temperatures.
Should I drain my pool below the return line?
It’s acceptable to drain the pool a few more inches below that if you live in an area that gets heavy precipitation during the winter months. Some pool professionals even suggest draining the water to as much as 6 inches below the skimmer — about the level of the bottom of the pool’s return jet.
Can Intex pools stay up in the winter?
In warmer climates, Intex advises to keep your pool up, if you prefer. However, you must winterize the pool when keeping it full throughout the winter. If your area maintains tropical climates all year long, you may not need to winterize your pool at all, especially if you use your pool on a regular basis.
How do I clean my Intex pool after winter?
How to Clean a Swimming Pool After Winter: Essential Steps to Take off the Pool Cover. Give the Pool a Quick Inspection. Check the Water Level. Remove Any Winter Equipment. Turn the Pump and Filter Back On. Vacuum and Scrub the Pool. Balance the Pool Chemicals (If Necessary).
What temperature will pool pipes freeze?
If you have an above ground pool with the pool filter system and plumbing above ground (like nearly all above ground pools), pipes and pumps can freeze up in less than an hour of minus 32 degrees.
How do you close a pool for season?
How to Close Your Above Ground Pool in 10 Steps Step 1: Deep Clean. Step 2: Balance your Water. Step 3: Add Winterizing Chemicals. Step 4: Add Pump Protector. Step 5: Protect Your Return and Skimmer. Step 6: Prepare Your Filter for Hibernation. Step 7: Clear the Pool. Step 8: Set Up Ice Equalizer Pillow.
Should I add algaecide when closing pool?
By simply adding algaecide to your water prior to closing, you can prevent algae growth from occurring during the cold, winter months which makes for an easier opening in the spring. You can apply algaecide directly to the pool water and allow the pump to continue to circulate for approximately two to four hours.
Should I add salt to my pool in winter?
Use salt test strips for an accurate reading and when the season starts cooling down, do not add anymore salt to the pool. It is better not to have a lot of salt in your pool toward the end of the season. Balancing your water’s chemistry is important for all pools during closing time.
Should I shock pool in winter?
Shocking the pool during the winter months can certainly help to avoid a green swamp-like pool in the spring. It’s often recommended. However, poor water balance or improper application can lead to unintended consequences, such as discoloration and damage to pool surfaces.
How do I prepare my pool for winter?
Follow the steps below to prep your pool for the winter months. Step 1: Remove pool accessories. Step 2: Deep clean the pool. Step 3: Adjust the water chemistry. Step 4: Lower the water level. Step 5: Drain and store the equipment. Step 6: Add shock and algaecide. Step 7: Cover the pool.
