Winterizing Your Pool

Above-Ground Pool Winterizing

Goal: lower water (if needed), protect the skimmer/return, winterize the pump/filter, and lock in balanced water.

1) Balance the water (1–3 days before closing)

• Test and adjust pH / alkalinity into a normal range.
• Make sure you have a chlorine residual (or sanitize before covering).
• Brush walls and vacuum so you’re closing clean water.

2) Clean everything

• Skim, vacuum, brush, empty baskets.
• Backwash/clean filter so it starts winter clean.

3) Lower water (if your setup requires it)

• Many above-ground pools do not need a big drain-down.
• If using a solid cover or you’re adding a skimmer plate, you may lower water slightly below the skimmer opening.

4) Winterize equipment

• Turn off power at breaker (safety first).
• Disconnect hoses from the skimmer/return and drain them.
• Drain pump and filter completely (remove drain plugs).
• Store pump (and hoses) indoors if possible.

5) Protect skimmer/return + cover

• Install a skimmer plate (common above-ground method) or winter plug as appropriate.
• Install winter plugs in returns if needed.
• Cover securely and add a cover pump if using a solid cover.

In-Ground Pool Winterizing

Goal: balance water, remove accessories, blow out lines, plug returns/skimmers, winterize equipment, and install the cover correctly.

1) Balance the water (1–3 days before closing)

• Test and adjust pH / alkalinity into a normal range.
• Sanitize (chlorine) and brush/vacuum so you’re closing clean water.
• If you run a salt system, you’ll typically shut it down for winter once water temps drop.

2) Clean + prep the pool

• Skim, vacuum, brush, empty baskets.
• Remove and store ladders, handrails, toys, and cleaners.

3) Lower water to the correct level

• Lower water below the skimmer mouth (exact level depends on skimmer type and cover).
• Do not drain too low — you can risk liner or structural issues depending on pool type.

4) Blow out lines + plug returns/skimmers

• Blow out return lines until you see air bubbles in the pool.
• Install winter plugs in returns while air is still pushing (to prevent water refilling lines).
• Winterize skimmers using your preferred method (plug/gizmo/antifreeze as appropriate).

5) Winterize equipment

• Drain pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator (remove drain plugs).
• Open air relief on filter; set multiport valve to winter position if applicable.
• Drain heater completely (and follow manufacturer winterizing steps).

6) Install the cover correctly

• Safety cover: ensure anchors are tight and straps are even.
• Solid cover: use water bags/anchors correctly and add a cover pump.
• Keep leaves and standing water under control all winter.