Winter is here—while you’re busy swapping out swim shorts for snuggly sweaters, your pool is about to face the chilly wrath of winter. To keep it safe and sound until the thermometer climbs back up, you need to winterize it.
You might think, “It’s just water. What’s the worst that could happen?” But a frozen pool can wreak havoc on your pipes, pumps, and your wallet, making winterizing an absolute must. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes, pumps, and filters to crack, leading to expensive repairs, but proper winterization keeps your pool’s plumbing and equipment protected.
If you don’t know how to winterize a pool, don’t worry—we’re here to walk you through it step by step. Whether you’re worried about freeze damage, algae, or simply want to save on repair costs come spring, this guide will have your pool winter-ready in no time.
Gather Your Pool Winterization Supplies
Before you roll up your sleeves, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s your ultimate checklist for success:
- Pool Cover – Whether solid or mesh, the cover keeps debris out and protects your water. Bonus points if it fits snugly.
- Pool Chemicals – You’ll need chlorine, algaecide, and pH adjusters to keep the water balanced while it’s in hibernation mode.
- Pool Skimmer, Vacuum, and Brush – Give your pool one last thorough clean.
- Winter Plugs and Gizmos – These will seal off your pool’s lines to prevent water from entering and freezing.
- Air Compressor or Blower – Essential for blowing out water from pipes and equipment.
How to Winterize a Pool
Follow these five steps on how to winterize a pool and you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 1. Clean Your Pool Thoroughly
You wouldn’t put dirty dishes in the cupboard, right? Cleaning your pool before winter is just as important. Use a skimmer to remove leaves and debris, vacuum the floor, and give the walls a good brush. The cleaner it is now, the easier it’ll be to open next season.
Step 2. Test and Balance Water Chemistry
Now’s the time to channel your inner chemist. Balance your pool’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Add chlorine and an algaecide to tackle anything that might try to grow over winter. Aim for the following levels:
- pH Levels: Between 7 and 7.6
- Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 180–220 ppm
Pro Tip: Use a pool testing kit to get these just right.
Step 3. Lower the Water Level
Lower your pool water below the skimmer level to prevent freezing. For above-ground pools, the water level should be just below the return jets. For in-ground pools, it’s best to consult your specific manufacturer’s guide.
Step 4. Protect Pool Equipment
This is where your trusty air compressor or blower comes in. Use it to remove all water from your pipes, filter pumps, and heater. Then, seal off the lines with winter plugs or gizmos to ensure water stays out.
For extra safety, disconnect above-ground pool equipment and store it indoors.
Step 5. Add Your Pool Cover
A high-quality pool cover is your pool’s winter shield. Make sure it fits properly to prevent debris from falling in. Periodically check it throughout the season to ensure tightness and remove any accumulated snow or water.
Common Winterizing Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning DIYers make mistakes. Here are a few common ones to dodge:
- Skipping Water Chemistry Testing – Ignoring this step leaves your pool open to unbalanced water and future algae blooms.
- Leaving Water in Pipes – A game-over move. Frozen water in your pipes can cause costly cracks or breakage.
- Using a Poorly Fitted Cover – If your cover isn’t secure, debris and critters can turn your pool into a winter mess.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pool Service
Feeling overwhelmed? We get it. While DIY winterizing can certainly be done, many pool owners prefer to hand it over to the pros. Here’s why:
- Expertise – Professionals know how to properly winterize all pool types, ensuring no step is missed.
- Equipment Protection – They’ll ensure your pipes, pumps, and heaters are fully safeguarded against winter’s bite.
- Time-Saving – Skip the stress and focus on sipping hot chocolate instead.
If you’re looking for stress-free winterization, Outdoor Living Pool & Patio has got your back. Just reach out, and we’ll do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.
Wrap Your Pool in a Winter Coat
Protecting your pool from the harsh winter months is easier than you think when you follow these steps. Whether you’re doing it yourself or leaving it to the experts, winterizing your pool now means saving time, money, and frustration down the road.
Need help? Contact Outdoor Living Pool & Patio to schedule your professional winterization.
