How to winter an above ground pool in two hours

We love our do-it-yourself above ground pool all summer long, but how do you prepare a pool for freezing weather? Read the 10 steps on how to overwinter an above ground pool without draining the water, so it’s ready to enjoy again next summer.

See how we installed our 24-foot above-ground pool ourselvesAnd the Read here for more tips and a checklist for winterizing your home.

How to winterize a common question about an above-ground pool

Here in central Utah, We have a large pool above ground In the backyard is our favorite place to be from about May through September. Worth our investment and DIY!

When the weather is heading towards freezing, it’s time to winter in the pool. We prepare our pool for winter in just a few steps – and *without* draining the water. Watch the video above and read more tips below to learn how to easily prepare an above ground pool for the winter.

Here are also some of the main questions people have about winterizing the pool.

When to decorate an above-ground pool in the winter?

Before nighttime temperatures drop below freezing is the best time to prepare your pool for the winter. I ended up overwintering in the middle of October before all the leaves had started to fall off. Having leaves in the pool is not good for the pH of the water so if you can cover the pool before it starts to fall it will save you a lot of time and headaches.

It is best to process it in the winter in warmer conditions, because then the water is not cold to the touch while you are cleaning it.

Do I need to get all the water out of my above ground pool for the winter?

number! You can leave the water in the pool to help protect the liner and the pool and not have to waste water every year by refilling it in the spring. I have been letting water in all year for the past 2 years without having to drain the entire pool.

However, I would double check with your pool manufacturer to see if it is okay to leave in the water all year round. It can depend on the pool and your local climate.

How much do you drain your pool for the winter?

If you are in an area that freezes, lower the water 4 to 6 feet below the skimmer and inlet hole. This will prevent water from freezing around your fittings and reduce the risk of icing damage to the skimmer and inlet fittings.

How long does it take to winter for an above ground swimming pool?

For my 24 ft (15,000 gal) pool with vinyl liner, it took me about 2 hours to do all the winter prep steps myself.

How much does wintering cost for a pool?

The cost of prepping your pool for the winter is your time and a few supplies. Here are the chemicals i used to winterize my pool.

• pool shock (chlorine granules) to kill bacteria/algae.
• the jayked To prevent algae growth.
• [OPTIONAL] metal magnet To keep the pool water crystal clear.

Winter total cost: ~$50

10 steps to a winter above ground pond

Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your pool’s specifications.

1. Clean up all debris with the scraper.

I used the same Long telescoping pool column and a Paper rake attachment A skimmer that we use all summer long to skim the pool and clean up any leaves, large debris, toys, etc.

After skimming the big debris, I set the pool broom up for a while to clean up the rest of the small debris.

It’s also a good idea to remove all noticeable algae with a pool brush to scrub it off all surfaces before adding the algaecide.

2. Remove ladder(s), pool accessories and toys.

Both the ladder that comes with the pool and We bought an extra ladder Easy to remove. I completely separated mine from the pool and deck and stored them under deck for the winter.

I also unplugged the pool light that was attached to the edge of the pool. Last year I left it inside and damaged the ice with the screws holding the light in place. It is best to remove all pool accessories that you do not need during the winter months.

3. Treat the water with swimming pool chemicals to get the correct water chemistry.

I use both Swimming pool shock (chlorine granules) And the Algaecide As mentioned above to raise chlorine levels (increase the acidity level in the water) and ensure that no bacteria or algae grow while covering the pool during the winter and spring. You can also go to any pool supply store and get a winterization chemical kit and a test kit for the best chemicals for your area.

These winterizing chemicals are just an extra dose of our regular pool cleaners, basically, to maintain pH and alkalinity when not in use.

• The pH of the pool water should be between 7.4 and 7.8.
• Alkalinity should be between 100 parts per million (ppm) and 150 ppm, with the ideal number being in the middle of 125 ppm.
• Chlorine levels should be between 1 and 3 ppm.
• Calcium hardness is between 200 ppm and 350 ppm.

To test the waters I like to use AquaChek Pool and Spa Test Strips. This will test the water’s calcium hardness, chlorine, alkalinity, and pH.

You can also add files metal magnet If you want more water purity.

4. Put on the solar pool cover.

I like to put Solar pool cover At the pool before a tough winter pool cover. Personal preference, and it makes for easy storage!

5. Turn the filter off and backwash/rinse it.

Switch a file Sand and water filter Multi-port valve to ‘backwash’ until the water runs clear through the filter. Then I turn it to “rinse” for a few seconds, then “shut off”.

6. Outlet cover and inlet removal.

For the winter, I added a rectangular skimmer The ingredients are skimmed. It is easy to install. I also removed an adjustable outlet port.

7. Disconnect and drain the hoses.

Loosen the hose clamps and disconnect all hoses from the pump and sand filter.

All of this exchange is part of the reason for our decision Landscaping around the pool instead of just hardscape collocation!

I chose to leave the outlet drain pipe (shown at 2:45 in the video) so that any extra water from rain or sleet can drain out, to maintain the water level.

8. Unplug and remove the pump.

Disconnect the pump from the power source and disconnect it from the filter. Clean and drain the pump filter and store it in the shed for added protection.

Our pump removes easily from the base with a few plastic staples, which I store inside the pump.

9. Drain the sand filter and set it to winterize.

On our sand filter, I just open the valve(s) on the bottom and let it drain. I don’t always cover our valves, but it’s a good extra protection to protect the multiport valve on top from ice damage.

10. Close the final winter cover.

Add the winter cover and tighten it securely with the included cable and winch so it won’t be disturbed by wind and winter weather.

The lid gets full of water from the rain/snow, so I keep an eye on it and pump out the water when it builds up enough.

I tried using an airbag in the middle under the hood for a year, but the pillow popped a few weeks into the winter and I never replaced it. Everything seemed fine at the end of the season so I didn’t add the air cushion this year at all.

More tips for winterizing your home and yard