Should You Drain Above Ground Pool for Winter? Safety Guide

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The Critical Truth About Draining Above Ground Pools

I need to be direct about this: you should never completely drain your above ground pool for winter unless specifically required by your manufacturer. This is one of the most damaging mistakes pool owners make, often resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs or complete pool replacement. The water in your pool isn't just sitting there - it's providing crucial structural support that keeps your pool walls stable and properly shaped.

Why Complete Drainage Leads to Disaster

Above ground pools are engineered to hold water, and the water pressure against the walls is what maintains their structural integrity. When you remove all the water, several serious problems can occur:

• Wall collapse or buckling: Without water pressure, pool walls can bow inward or completely collapse, especially under snow load
• Liner damage: Pool liners can shrink, crack, or tear when exposed to freezing temperatures without water protection
• Ground heaving: Frozen ground can push up on an empty pool bottom, causing permanent damage to the floor and walls
• Wind damage: Empty pools become vulnerable to strong winds that can shift or damage the structure

The Safe Winter Water Level

Instead of complete drainage, you'll want to lower your water level to approximately 4-6 inches below the skimmer opening (verify with your pool manufacturer's recommendations). This prevents water from freezing in your skimmer and return lines while maintaining enough water to support the pool structure. The exact level depends on your specific pool design and local climate conditions.

Proper Above Ground Pool Winterization Steps

Follow this comprehensive winterization process to protect your pool safely:

Chemical Balance First

Before lowering water levels, ensure your water chemistry is properly balanced. You'll want to adjust pH to 7.2-7.6 and add winterizing chemicals according to manufacturer instructions. Use our pool volume calculator to determine the correct chemical amounts.

Equipment Protection

1. Disconnect and drain all equipment: Remove pumps, filters, and heaters, draining all water from these components
2. Blow out plumbing lines: Use a shop vacuum or air compressor to remove water from all plumbing lines
3. Add antifreeze: Pour pool-safe antifreeze into skimmer and return lines to prevent any remaining water from freezing
4. Remove accessories: Take out ladders, diving boards, and other removable components

Covering and Final Protection

Install a quality winter cover that's specifically designed for your pool size. The cover should be properly secured to prevent wind damage and debris accumulation. Consider adding a cover pump to remove excess water and snow buildup throughout winter.

Special Considerations for Harsh Winter Climates

If you live in an area with severe winters, you may need additional protection measures. Some pool owners install air pillows or ice equalizers in the center of the pool to absorb ice expansion pressure. However, the water level should still never be completely drained.

What If You've Already Drained Your Pool?

If you've already completely drained your pool, you need to take immediate action, especially if freezing weather is approaching. Refill the pool to at least half capacity as quickly as possible to restore structural support. You can then properly winterize following the correct procedures.

Common Winterization Mistakes to Avoid

Beyond complete drainage, here are other critical errors that can damage your pool:

• Leaving equipment connected and filled with water
• Using automotive antifreeze instead of pool-safe antifreeze
• Failing to properly balance water chemistry before closing
• Using inadequate or improperly secured winter covers
• Ignoring manufacturer-specific winterization instructions

For a complete step-by-step winterization process, consult our detailed pool winterization guide which covers all pool types and regional considerations.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many pool owners can handle basic winterization, consider professional assistance if you're dealing with complex plumbing systems, have never winterized a pool before, or live in an area with extreme weather conditions. The cost of professional winterization is minimal compared to the expense of repairing or replacing a damaged pool.

Remember, your pool represents a significant investment in your property and family enjoyment. Taking the time to winterize properly - without complete drainage - ensures you'll have a functional, safe pool ready for next swimming season.