Introduction
Wondering how to winterize your pool the right way before the cold weather hits? This complete step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly what you need to do to protect your pool during winter. If you’re tired of costly repairs or green water when reopening your pool in spring, this guide is for you.
Why Winterizing Your Pool Matters
Winterizing your pool isn’t just about covering it up—it’s about preventing damage caused by freezing temperatures, algae growth, and chemical imbalance during the off-season. Proper winterization ensures:
- Your pool equipment and plumbing are protected from freeze damage
- You avoid unnecessary cleaning and repairs in spring
- Water chemistry stays balanced, reducing the risk of algae and bacteria
- Your pool is ready for an easy and stress-free reopening
Neglecting this process can lead to cracked pipes, damaged pumps, green water, and costly surprises come spring.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Pool
1. Clean the Pool Thoroughly
Start by removing all leaves, dirt, and debris from your pool. Skim the surface, vacuum the bottom, and brush the walls and steps.
Tip: A clean pool going into winter is much easier to reopen next season.
2. Balance the Water Chemistry
Test and adjust your pool’s water to ensure it’s within ideal ranges:
- pH: 7.2–7.6
- Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Calcium hardness: 200–400 ppm
- Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
- Cyanuric acid (if applicable): 30–50 ppm
Balanced water prevents staining, scaling, and equipment corrosion during the winter months.
3. Shock the Pool
Add a pool shock product to kill off any remaining bacteria or contaminants. This ensures the water stays clean over the winter.
Note: Use a chlorine or non-chlorine shock depending on your pool type. Run the pump for at least 4–6 hours after shocking.
4. Add a Winter Algaecide
Use a high-quality winter algaecide to prevent algae growth while the pool is closed. This step is especially important if you’re using a mesh cover or live in a warmer winter climate.
Caution: Don’t add algaecide at the same time as shocking—wait at least 24 hours.
5. Lower the Water Level
Depending on your pool type and cover:
- Vinyl liner pool with floating cover: Lower water 1 inch below skimmer
- Mesh cover or solid cover with water bags: Lower water 4–6 inches below skimmer
- Inground pools with attached spa or features: Follow manufacturer guidelines
Avoid draining completely unless advised for maintenance or structural repairs.
6. Drain and Blow Out the Pool Equipment
Turn off all power to the pump, heater, and chlorinator. Drain water from:
- Pump
- Filter
- Heater
- Salt cell (if applicable)
- Pool lines
Use a pool air blower or shop vac to blow out the plumbing lines. Then plug the return lines with expansion plugs.
Tip: Add non-toxic pool antifreeze to lines if you live in a freeze-prone area.
7. Remove and Store Pool Accessories
Take out ladders, diving boards, skimmer baskets, pool cleaners, and other accessories. Rinse them with fresh water and store them in a dry, safe location.
Note: Store your equipment indoors or in a weatherproof shed to prevent cracking or rusting.
8. Cover the Pool Securely
Use a durable winter pool cover or safety cover. Ensure it fits tightly and is anchored securely around the edges to keep out debris and sunlight (which encourages algae growth).
Optional: Use water bags, cover clips, or weights to keep the cover in place, depending on your pool type.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Closing the Pool Too Early
If you winterize before the water temperature drops below 60°F (15°C), algae can still thrive.
Solution: Wait until water temps are consistently below 60°F to avoid algae growth.
2. Skipping Water Balancing
Unbalanced water can damage surfaces and cause stains or scale buildup over winter.
Solution: Always test and balance your water before covering the pool.
3. Forgetting to Blow Out Pipes
Trapped water in pipes can freeze, expand, and crack your plumbing system.
Solution: Use a blower to clear the lines and add antifreeze if needed.
4. Using Household Antifreeze
Car antifreeze is toxic and unsafe for pool use.
Solution: Only use non-toxic antifreeze made specifically for swimming pools.
5. Not Cleaning the Pool Cover
Debris, leaves, and standing water can cause the cover to sag or rip.
Solution: Clean your cover regularly during winter and remove snow or standing water.
Extra Tips & Pool Hacks
Use a Pool Closing Kit
These kits include shock, algaecide, and stain preventer—all in one box. They’re an easy, cost-effective option for first-time pool owners.
Mark Plumbing Lines
Tagging your pool lines with labels before blowing them out can make spring opening much easier.
Install a Pool Cover Pump
A small submersible pump automatically removes rainwater and melted snow from the cover, preventing sagging and debris buildup.
Internal link: Want to protect your pool deck as well? Read our guide on [How to Repair a Pool Deck] for seasonal maintenance tips.
Conclusion
Learning how to winterize your pool the right way saves you time, money, and headaches when spring rolls around. From balancing chemicals to securing the cover, following these steps ensures your pool stays in great shape during the off-season.
Final Tip: Set a calendar reminder to check your pool cover once a month during winter—it only takes a few minutes and can prevent bigger issues later.