How to Winterize an Above-Ground Pool

Winterizing your above-ground pool is important because they are more susceptible to freezing damage than in-ground pools. In-ground pools are surrounded and supported by the ground and dirt around them. This can help the in-ground pool retain heat and avoid chilly winds. Above-ground pools don’t have that kind of support.

To ensure your above-ground pool stays in top shape, you can help it with some treatments and techniques. The experts here at Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas can walk you through it. It may seem complicated at first, but it doesn’t have to be with help.

Tips for Winterizing Your Above-Ground Pool

The first thing you want to do is make sure you have all of your tools and materials. These will work to treat the water, repair the pool’s structure, and strengthen its dexterity overall. At the very least, you need water-balancing chemicals, pool vacuums, and brushes. This will allow you to care for the pool water which is the root of most issues during the winter.

You don’t want the water in your above-ground pool to freeze because water expands when frozen. This can stretch the pool out and wear it out over time so it doesn’t last as long as it should.

Lower Your Pool Water Level

When winterizing your above-ground pool, you don’t want to remove all of the water in your pool. The water does a lot to help your above-ground pool maintain its structure. Without it, it’s likely that a strong winter wind will blow it down or even tear it apart. This can totally destroy your above-ground pool. When you lower the water level by a few inches instead of emptying it, it has the water it needs to stand up. It also won’t hurt your pool too much when the water expands.

Clear Your Pool of Debris

If you check your pool and find that it still has debris in it, you should clean it out. Sometimes things like leaves, dirt, grass, and more can get past the pool cover. Sometimes you miss it as the cover is being put on. Removing the debris will help your pool water respond to other winterization tactics. Also, some pool chemicals will necessitate that you clean it first to work properly.

Add Stain Removal

You don’t want the winter chills to stain anything on the inside of your pool. This can affect its visual appearance and chemical usage. There are many different types of stain removal you can use if you see even a little hint of one forming in your pool.

Balance Your Pool’s pH Levels

Right now your above-ground pool should be closed off with a cover, but you should be able to take a peak and check its pH levels semi-regularly. You can shock it with the correct amount of chemicals if you find that its pH levels are significantly off. If you do, do so when the weather isn’t below or near freezing because you should not shock with the pool cover on. Once it’s done, you can put it back on.

Clean Your Pool Filter

Your pool filter should be cleaned regularly. After your pool water has been treated with chemicals, a pool filter will help with the cleaning process. Depending on the type of filter that you have, you can backwash it, or you may need to remove cartridges to clean it manually.

Remove All Non-Permanent Fixtures

Not all parts of a pool are attached to it permanently. If there’s something that can be removed, you should remove it and store it someplace safe. Even something as simple as a staircase can become a safety hazard if it’s blown over. It can hit someone or something, including your pool, which can lead to permanent damage.

Don’t Leave the Power On

Leaving your above-ground pool on if it or any of its accessories use electricity is not going to help keep the pool water from freezing. You may raise your electric bill though, and put electronic parts of your pool at risk.

Add Pool Pillows

You can’t remove everything from your yard. Something may fall into your yard and hit your pool. What you can do to give its exterior and structural integrity some added protection is tie air pillows to it. The air pillows can add support and shield the above-ground pool from foreign objects that may hit it.

Don’t Forget to Winterize Your Above-Ground Pool

There is a lot to remember when you’re winterizing your above-ground pool, but it’s important so you can jump right in when summer weather comes back. If you need any help finding the right materials like chemicals and cleaning tools, Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas can help.

If you’re interested in getting a new above-ground pool, come to one of our three locations. We can show you our selection so that everything is scheduled and prepared for when the warm season returns. Contact us today for more information.

Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools