Winterizing an above ground pool is a meticulous process that, when done correctly, preserves the pool’s condition through the harsh winter months, ensuring a clean and efficient reopening in the spring. This guide outlines nine essential steps to prepare an above ground pool for winter, based on practical and effective pool maintenance practices.
1. Clean Your Above Ground Pool For Winter
Cleaning your above ground pool before winter ensures a smoother transition into the next season. The initial step involves vacuuming the above ground pool, brushing down the walls, and skimming the surface to remove debris. This cleanliness is crucial for maintaining water balance and preventing the growth of algae or mold during the pool’s dormant period.
2. Test And Optimize Your Pool Water
Water chemistry is a cornerstone of pool maintenance, requiring attention even during the off-season. Before winterizing your above ground pool, it’s important to test the water. The following 4 pool parameters are important.
- Alkalinity between 80 and 120 parts per million (80 – 120 mg/l).
- Aim for a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6.
- Calcium hardness between 200 ppm and 400 ppm (200 – 400 mg/l).
- Chlorine levels between 1.3 ppm and 2 ppm.
Accurate water testing can be achieved through at-home test kits or professional services provided by local pool stores.
3. Add Winterizing Pool Chemicals
Winterizing pool chemicals are integral to preparing an above ground pool for the cold season. The application of these winterizing chemicals ensures the above ground pool remains in optimal condition throughout the winter, facilitating an easier reopening process come spring. The 5 key steps for chemical adjustment are listed below.
- Adjust Alkalinity: Aim for an alkalinity level between 80 and 120 ppm, using an alkalinity increaser or sodium bicarbonate to raise levels, or muriatic acid to lower them.
- Ensure Ideal pH: The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6. Adjust as necessary using pH increasers or reducers to achieve this balance.
- Maintain Calcium Hardness: Calcium hardness should be within the range of 200 to 400 ppm. Adjust with calcium hardness increasers or dilute with fresh water to achieve the correct level.
- Add Algaecide: While optional, adding an algaecide can prevent algae growth over the winter. Follow the package instructions for the correct dosage.
- Incorporate Clarifying Enzyme Treatment: To further reduce algae growth and prevent liner stains, add a clarifying enzyme treatment according to the package directions.
You could also take it easy and use a pool winter closing kit. These kits contain all necessary chemicals, simplifying the pool winterizing process. Follow the kit instructions carefully for proper use.
By meticulously adjusting the water chemistry and adding the appropriate winterizing chemicals, above ground pool owners can protect their pools from the adverse effects of winter.
4. Clear And Store Pool Plumbing
Protecting the pool’s plumbing from freezing is critical. This step involves disconnecting, draining, and storing all pool lines in a dry place to prevent ice damage and mold growth. Ensuring the pool lines are completely dry before storage is essential for maintaining their condition.
5. Winterize The Pool Skimmer, Filter And Pump
Securing the pool’s skimmer, filter, and pump for winter involves a series of 6 steps to protect these components from the cold. The 6 steps are listed below.
- Remove the Skimmer Basket: Start by taking out the skimmer basket and storing it in a safe, dry place.
- Decide on Skimmer Protection: Choose whether to install a winter skimmer cover plate. This plate seals the skimmer from the elements and allows you to maintain the water level without draining below the skimmer line.
- Monitor the Skimmer: If not using a cover plate, ensure the skimmer can drain properly to prevent water accumulation and freezing, which could lead to cracking.
- Drain the Pump: Remove all drain plugs from the pool pump and other components like the chlorinator and hoses. Store these plugs in the pump basket to keep them together and easily accessible.
- Store Pump Components Indoors: After draining, bring the pump, chlorinator, and hoses indoors to extend their lifespan and protect them from winter damage.
- Address the Filter: Depending on the filter (sand, diatomaceous earth (D.E.), or cartridge) drain it, clean it, and remove all drain plugs. For sand filters, set the multiport valve to “Winterize”. A D.E. filter requires rinsing of grids or fingers, while cartridge filters need the cartridge cleaned with a hose. Store the filter indoors if possible, or ensure all plugs are removed to prevent cracking from freezing water.
By meticulously following these pool maintenance steps, you ensure the critical components of your pool’s filtration system are well-preserved during the winter months.
6. Lower The Pool Water
Adjusting the water level is a critical step in winterizing an above ground pool, influenced by the method used to protect the skimmer. If a winter skimmer cover plate is not utilized, it’s advisable to reduce the water level beneath the skimmer and return lines to prevent potential freezing damage. This precaution helps avoid the risk of ice expansion, which could compromise the pool’s structure.
Conversely, employing a winter skimmer plate allows for the maintenance of the pool’s normal water level. This approach facilitates proper drainage from the skimmer and eliminates the need for water reduction, thereby safeguarding the pool’s integrity. It’s especially beneficial under a solid cover, where lowering the water excessively might increase the load on the cover due to rainwater and snow accumulation. Regular removal of this precipitation is essential to prevent undue stress on the cover.
Never fully drain an above ground pool during winterization. A complete pool drainage can lead to the vinyl liner drying out, significantly diminishing its lifespan. Keeping an optimal water level, tailored to the chosen winterization method, ensures the pool’s preservation through the winter months.
7. Install The Pool Pillow
An air pillow, or ice compensator, placed beneath the pool cover, mitigates the pressure exerted by snow and ice, protecting the pool’s structure. To install the pool pillow, which acts as an ice compensator beneath the winter cover, follow these 5 steps.
- Inflate the pool pillow to 50-60% of its full capacity, allowing room for compression under the weight of snow and ice without bursting.
- Place the partially inflated pillow in the center of the pool to evenly distribute pressure and prevent damage to the pool walls and cover.
- Secure the pillow in place using a thin rope tied to the pool sides or an accessory designed for automatic centering, ensuring it remains in the desired position throughout the winter.
- For added stability, utilize the built-in grommets found on some pillows, allowing them to be anchored at all four corners.
- Enhance the durability of the pillow by sealing its seams and valves with duct tape, which helps maintain inflation and reinforces the pillow against leaks.
By adhering to these steps, the pool pillow will be effectively positioned and secured, offering optimal protection against the pressures of winter weather and contributing to the pool’s longevity.
8. Install the Pool Cover
Securing the pool with a cover is a critical step in the winterization process. The cover is placed over the pool and the air pillow, ensuring a snug fit by utilizing a cable and winch system, augmented by winter cover clips for added security. For pools with decks that go around the pool, you can use water bags to make sure the pool cover stays in place. It is crucial to avoid using heavy objects like bricks or stones as weights, as they pose a risk of damaging the pool liner if they were to fall into the pool.
Throughout the winter, vigilance is required to maintain the cover’s condition by keeping it dry. Employing a pool cover pump is recommended to efficiently remove accumulated water, thereby preserving the cover’s integrity and facilitating a cleaner pool environment for the upcoming season.
9. Clean And Stash All Pool Accessories
The final step in winterizing an above ground pool involves meticulous attention to the pool’s accessories, including ladders, toys, and other equipment. It’s imperative to remove these items from the pool to prevent potential damage to the pool liner or the accessories themselves. For instance, metal components left in the pool can rust over time, leading to water contamination and hardware issues.
Each accessory should be thoroughly cleaned using a multi-purpose pool surface cleaner, ensuring the removal of any chemicals, dirt, or algae that may have accumulated over the swimming season. After cleaning, allowing the accessories to dry completely is crucial to prevent mold and mildew growth during storage.
Once cleaned and dried, these items should be stored in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can degrade the materials over time, reducing the lifespan of pool accessories. Proper storage protects these items and ensures they are in optimal condition for the pool opening in the next season. This careful handling and storage of pool accessories contribute significantly to maintaining a clean, safe, and enjoyable pool environment.
By following these nine pool winterizing steps meticulously, pool owners can effectively close their above ground pools, preserving their condition and ensuring a smooth and efficient reopening in the spring.
When To Winterize An Above Ground Pool?
Winterizing an above ground pool is contingent on local climate conditions. Specifically, the process should commence when temperatures consistently fall below 60°F. This threshold is significant because algae, which compromise water clarity, thrive in warmer conditions.
By waiting for cooler temperatures, the risk of algae infestation is minimized. Moreover, this timing allows ample opportunity for thorough pool cleaning, testing, and balancing prior to closure.
In regions experiencing intermittent warm spells during winter, these periods can be utilized to adjust water chemistry, further ensuring pool cleanliness until spring.
What You Need To Close An Above Ground Pool?
To winterize your above ground pool, the following 6 items are essential.
- Winterizing chemical kit or individual components such as pH increaser, alkalinity increaser, calcium hardness increaser, pool shock, and algaecide
- Above ground pool skimmer cover to prevent debris accumulation
- Expansion plugs for sealing openings and return line plugs to secure water return lines
- Winter cover, along with a cover winch and cable for secure fitting. Also some cover clips to firmly attach the cover to the pool frame
- Swimming pool antifreeze, necessary in climates prone to freezing
- Pool air pillow, crucial for preventing water accumulation on the cover
Gathering these materials prior to closing your pool ensures a thorough and effective winterization process, safeguarding your pool against the winter elements and making springtime reopening smoother.
Why Should You Learn How To Close An Above Ground Pool?
Understanding how to close an above ground pool is crucial for maintaining its condition through the winter, especially in harsh climates. The process offers 4 benefits.
- Prevents Contamination: Regular pool care is manageable during summer when the pool is in use. However, during winter, the pool is vulnerable to debris, insects, and other contaminants. Closing the pool properly helps prevent these issues.
- Reduces Maintenance Work: An uncovered pool can accumulate debris, requiring extensive cleaning and water rebalancing come spring. Winterizing the pool significantly reduces this workload.
- Minimizes Risk of Freeze Damage: Proper closure safeguards sensitive pool components against the cold, reducing the likelihood of freeze damage.
- Saves Time and Money: By avoiding contamination and damage, winterizing the pool saves considerable time and expenses in repairs and maintenance.
In essence, learning to close an above ground pool properly is an investment in the pool’s longevity and enjoyment for seasons to come.
What Are The Differences Between Closing An Inground Ground Pool And An Above Ground Pool?
The process of winterizing inground and above ground pools shares certain similarities, such as water chemistry balancing and cleaning. However, distinct differences exist, primarily due to their structural and equipment variances. Inground pools often necessitate line blowing and antifreeze addition, unlike above ground pools where draining equipment suffices. Furthermore, closing inground pools feature more intricate equipment needing specific winterization steps, such as heater preparation and built-in skimmer protection. Both pool types require winterizing chemicals and covers.
The key to effective pool winterization lies in adhering to the appropriate procedures for each pool type, ensuring protection during the off-season and seamless functionality upon the return of warmer weather.
