How to Winterize Above Ground Pool: Complete 2024 Guide

Tools & Supplies Needed

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Quick Answer

Winterizing your above ground pool requires balancing water chemistry, thorough cleaning, lowering the water level below skimmers, adding winterizing chemicals, removing or protecting equipment, and installing a quality winter cover. The process takes 4-6 hours and prevents costly freeze damage while making spring opening much easier.

Pre-Winterization Water Chemistry Balance

Start winterization 1-2 weeks before your final pool closing to ensure proper chemical balance. Use a quality test kit like the Taylor K-2006C to test and adjust these levels:

• pH: 7.4-7.6 (critical for preventing scale and corrosion during winter)
• Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm for chlorine pools, 60-80 for salt water systems
• Free Chlorine: 1-3 ppm at closing (don't shock right before closing)
• Calcium Hardness: 200-300 ppm for vinyl liner pools
• Cyanuric Acid: 30-50 ppm (don't add stabilizer if using winterizing chemicals)

If your pool is green or cloudy, perform a SLAM (Shock Level And Maintain) process using liquid chlorine before winterization. This involves maintaining chlorine at shock level for your CYA reading until you can maintain overnight chlorine loss of 1 ppm or less.

Deep Cleaning Process

Thorough cleaning prevents algae blooms and staining during winter months:

1. Brush all surfaces: Pay special attention to steps, corners, and behind ladders where algae spores hide
2. Vacuum to waste: Remove all debris without returning dirty water to the pool
3. Clean the waterline: Use a waterline cleaner or mild abrasive to remove oils and buildup
4. Backwash or clean filter: For sand filters, backwash until water runs clear. For cartridge filters, clean with filter cleaner and let dry

Equipment Removal and Protection

Proper equipment handling prevents expensive freeze damage:

Items to Remove Completely

• Ladder and handrails
• Skimmer baskets and return fittings
• Automatic pool cleaners and hoses
• Pool lights (if removable)
• Any solar equipment or accessories

Pump and Filter System

For above ground pools, you have two options:

Complete Removal (Recommended): Disconnect and store pump, filter, and heater indoors. This eliminates freeze damage risk entirely. Drain all equipment completely, including pump housing and filter tank.

Winterization in Place: If removal isn't possible, drain all water from pump housing, filter tank, and plumbing lines. Remove drain plugs and store them in the pump basket. Add RV antifreeze to pump housing if temperatures drop below 20°F regularly.

Water Level and Plumbing

Unlike inground pools, above ground pools require specific water level management:

1. Lower water level: Reduce water to 4-6 inches below the skimmer opening, but keep enough water to prevent liner floating or ice damage to walls
2. Blow out return lines: Use a shop vacuum or leaf blower to remove water from return plumbing
3. Install winter plugs: Insert expansion plugs into skimmer and return openings to prevent water entry
4. Protect skimmer: Add a skimmer guard or Aquador to prevent freeze damage if water level rises

Winterizing Chemical Treatment

Add winterizing chemicals in the evening for best distribution:

1. Algaecide: Add 1 quart of quality winterizing algaecide per 15,000 gallons. Avoid copper-based algaecides that can stain liners
2. Winter chemical kit: Follow manufacturer's directions for kits containing algaecide, clarifier, and enzyme products
3. Optional chlorine: Add 1 gallon liquid chlorine per 10,000 gallons, then run pump for 2-4 hours before final shutdown

Important: Never add chlorine and algaecide simultaneously - wait at least 4 hours between applications.

Winter Cover Installation

A quality winter cover is your pool's primary protection:

Solid Winter Covers

Best for above ground pools because they block sunlight completely, preventing algae growth. Install cover tightly with:

• Cover clips every 3-4 feet around pool perimeter
• Cable and winch system for pools over 24 feet
• Cover pump to remove standing water and prevent sagging

Safety Considerations

Warning: Winter covers are not safety covers. They cannot support weight and pose drowning risks. Never walk on winter covers and ensure children cannot access the covered pool area.

Common Winterization Mistakes to Avoid

• Draining the pool completely: This can cause liner shrinkage and wall collapse from ground pressure
• Adding shock before closing: High chlorine levels can bleach liners and interfere with winterizing chemicals
• Skipping the cleaning step: Debris and algae spores will multiply under winter covers
• Using cheap covers: Thin covers tear easily and don't provide adequate protection
• Improper water level: Too high allows freeze damage to equipment, too low risks liner and wall damage

Climate-Specific Considerations

Mild Winter Areas: You may choose to run equipment monthly during winter instead of full winterization. Maintain 1-2 ppm chlorine and check chemistry monthly.

Severe Freeze Areas: Consider partial draining if temperatures regularly drop below 10°F. Consult manufacturer guidelines for your specific pool model's freeze line recommendations.

Spring Opening Preparation

Proper winterization makes spring opening significantly easier. Keep winterization notes including final chemical readings and equipment storage locations. Schedule spring opening 2-3 weeks after your area's last freeze date for optimal timing.