When should you close a pool for the winter?
- Weather conditions: Depending on your region, if the weather isn’t that cold yet, it is okay to keep it open even if it is winter.
- Is the pool still in use? ...
- Critical temperature: Once you notice the temperature is gradually starting to get very cold, it is already time to start planning on closing up the pool. ...
Can you leave an above-ground pool up all winter?
It's possible to leave your above-ground pool up all winter with the water in it, since draining it completely may cause it to collapse. However, several steps and precautions are necessary to keep your pool safe through the winter.
Do I need to winterize my inground pool?
Your pool should also be placed in an area that is cool (but not below 31°F) and dry. Although you may not have to take your metal frame down for the winter, you do need to winterize it to give it the boost it needs to endure those cold winter months.
How do I Close my swimming pool for the winter?
Here's our step-by-step guide for closing your above-ground swimming pool for winter. Step 1: Remove all pool accessories & pool equipment Detach and remove any pool accessories such as ladders, floaties, return fittings, solar blankets , pool alarms , pool cleaner , and diving boards.
Do you have to take down an above ground pool?
So, you will need to take down any soft-sided above ground pools that are made up of this type of material, lest the pool will sing a different tune than what it carried during the glorious days of summer.

How far down should I drain my above-ground pool for winter?
Adjust Water Levels In most cases, you will want to drain the pool to be at least 4 to 6 inches below the top of the skimmer. This allows adequate space for expansion of the water throughout the winter without risking damage to the pool.
Should I take down my Intex pool for winter?
This is why the Intex pools manufacturer strongly recommends draining and disassembling your pool if the temperatures in your area drop to or below 41°F (5°C). And so do we. We don't want your cozy winter by the fire to be ruined by a messy pool collapse.
How do I store my above-ground pool for the winter?
If possible, store at room temperature, and keep it away from any nesting mice, birds, or other critters that may chew holes through the vinyl. A large, clean, new trash can placed in the basement or garage may be an ideal location for winter storage.
What happens if I don't winterize my above-ground pool?
Without winterizing your pool, the water could turn green with algae. If the chlorine system stops functioning, you'll say adieu to the beautiful blue pool you know and love. Come spring, your pool will be a homely sight and cause a real dent in your wallet. Bacteria that feed on algae could even cause health risks.
Can I leave my Intex pool up all year?
So, can you keep it up throughout the year? You can leave an Intex pool up all winter if you add chlorine, circulate the pump daily, and use a winter cover. Intex pools are designed to last through the winter, but you have to maintain the filtration system to prevent it from freezing.
Do you leave water in pool up all winter?
But make no mistake: you should NOT be draining water completely from the pool. In winter, the water in your pool is still your friend. Especially when properly winterized, it helps to protect the pool liner, keep it clean and prevent unnecessary damage from debris, harsh weather and other factors.
Should I drain my above-ground pool and start over?
Most pool professionals recommend completely emptying your above-ground pool every three to five years. You'll be able to start over with fresh and properly treated water. Think about how often you use your pool. The more often you use it, the faster the level of total dissolved solids (TDS) will rise.
Should I drain my above-ground pool?
Why Would You Need to Drain an Above-Ground Swimming Pool? Unless you prefer to completely drain your pool instead of going through the standard motions of closing your above-ground pool for the winter, you should only need to drain your pool once every few years.
How do you close an above-ground pool without draining it?
0:392:46Do You Need to Lower the POOL WATER When You Close? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have an above ground pool just make sure you remove the hose off the bottom of the skimmer.MoreIf you have an above ground pool just make sure you remove the hose off the bottom of the skimmer. And make sure you install a winter cover plate. On your above ground pool.
Will pool freeze if pump is running?
Tips To Keep Your Pool and Equipment Safe During Freezing Temperatures. Run your pool pump continuously when temperatures are near or below freezing. You don't need to run your heater, moving water likely will not freeze.
Will pool pipes freeze at 32 degrees?
Pipes can freeze at 32 degrees or below, but it will take a sustained period of time for this to happen. In other words, a pipe needs to be at freezing temperatures for at least half a day before homeowners have to worry about any freezing occurring.
Do I run pool pump in winter?
Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend you run your pump run at least 4-6 hours a day during the fall and winter months. The daily cycle can be divided into multiple cycles, but each cycle should be no shorter than 4 hours, for all the water to pass through the filter at least once.
How long do Intex above ground pools last?
between 1 to 6 yearsHow Long Do Intex Pools Last? Intex above-ground pools last anywhere between 1 to 6 years on average, largely depending on the type of Intex pool. Most Intex pools are either inflatable or metal frame, so based on the timeframes above: An inflatable ring Intex pool will usually last you 1-3 years.
How do I dry out my Intex pool?
Time to turn off your circulation system, including your pump and filter. Go ahead and disconnect them from their power source, and remove the hoses that attach them to the pool itself. Drain and clean the pump, filter chamber, and their hoses and let them air dry until there's not a drop of water in sight.
How do you drain an Intex above-ground pool?
5:3611:23Intex Ultra Frame Pool Draining and Take Down - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd put the hose directly into the pool. You can put the garden hose on top of the pool wall. But IMoreAnd put the hose directly into the pool. You can put the garden hose on top of the pool wall. But I prefer to put it inside the drain valve. So that the whores will be flush with the pool floor.
How do you winterize a pool?
Steps for Winterizing an In-Ground PoolStep 1: Remove pool accessories. ... Step 2: Deep clean the pool. ... Step 3: Adjust the water chemistry. ... Step 4: Lower the water level. ... Step 5: Drain and store the equipment. ... Step 6: Add shock and algaecide. ... Step 7: Cover the pool.
What is a winterizing kit?
Winterizing chemical kits can be purchased with chlorine or non-chlorine products. Lots of people prefer the non-chlorine type because they prevent the common bleaching and fading of the pool surface. Most kits contain a winterizer, shock, a stain-preventer, and a floater.
What does shocking a pool mean?
Shocking your pool is basically an industry term for super-chlorinating or oxidizing your pool for the purposes of killing off any bad stuff that your regular chlorine doesn’t kill.
What is in a pool stain preventer kit?
Most kits contain a winterizer, shock, a stain-preventer, and a floater. In addition, you will need to buy a good algaecide. At this point, you should have already shocked your pool and it’s time to add the stain-preventer that comes in your kit.
Why is water pool chemistry balanced?
The water pool chemistry needs to be balanced in order for your other pool chemicals to work efficiently. Balanced water will also result in less damage to your pool liner. Normal levels should be:
How to get water out of a pool line?
1. Use a wet/dry vac to blow the water from out of your lines, then plug the lines with expansion plugs; or. 2. Use a swimming pool antifreeze (note: not a regular antifreeze you use for your car) in the lines and just follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For the return line, seal it with a winter pool plug.
What does low pH mean in water?
The pH level is the acidity of the water. A low pH level (under 7.0) can cause corrosion because it’s very acidic. But if it’s too high, it greatly reduces the effectiveness of the chlorine and causes scaling. Scaling creates deposits which can clog your filters and cause cloudy water.
Why is it important to cover a pool in winter?
A winter cover is important for your pool because it will protect the water during the months when it’s not in use. Installing a pool cover can be cumbersome, so I always recommend getting help! Lay the cover out over the pool, making sure there is overlap on all sides. Get it as even as possible all the way around.
Why Store Your Above-Ground Pool Equipment for the Winter?
If it were up to me, all above-ground pools would have their plumbing, pump, filter, and any other accessories in a safe, dry place for the winter. Seems like I’m overdoing it? Well, think for a moment about what this winter is going to bring. Even if you don’t live somewhere that gets particularly icy, you will have to deal with storms and their debris, like dirty rainwater, twigs, leaves, and algae spores. You might even be somewhere where you get high winds. Storing your equipment away for those harsher months will save you a lot of cleaning time and the continuous checkups otherwise required during off-season pool maintenance. The time you take now to store it all away could save you loads of time later—and isn’t that what managing any kind of responsibility is all about?
How to clean an inflatable pool filter?
Since most inflatable and Intex pools have cartridge filters, it’s going to be a breeze to finish this off. Open your filter pump, remove the cartridge, submerge it in cleaning fluid, and let them both air dry. If your filter cartridge is dirty, you’re better off skipping the clean and ordering a replacement instead. Just make sure you get the right filter for your pool type. Got it all sorted out? You’re done!
How to store pool filter in winter?
For cartridge filters, just take the cartridge out, submerge it in water with pool filter cleaner, rinse it out, let it dry, and store it inside. You’ll want to leave the valves open on your filter throughout the winter.
How to remove excess DE from a diatomaceous earth filter?
For diatomaceous earth (DE) filters drain all water out of the pump and filter, and then rinse off the grids with a hose to remove excess DE. Again, leave the valves open on this one.
How to winterize a sand filter?
If you have a sand filter, set your multiport valve to “winterize” and remove the drain plug at the bottom. Allow the filter to completely drain. If your valves has any other extras, like a sight glass or a bleeder valve, remove those, too. If your filter is too heavy to carry inside, it’ll be fine as it is: outside, with all drain plugs removed.
How to store pool lines in the spring?
Whether or not you’re dealing with freezing temperatures, taking down and storing your pool lines will make setting them up again in the spring a lot cleaner. Less gunky, let’s say. The best part? All you have to do is disconnect the lines, allow all the water still lodged in them to run out, then let them air dry outside—we don’t want any festering-for-months mold to appear on pool opening day. Once they’re completely dry, you’re ready to store your pipes. Oh, and word from the wise: do not—I repeat, do not —do this while your circulation system is on, or even connected to power.
What do you love about above ground pools?
If you ask an above-ground pool owner what they love the most about theirs, chances are they’ll mention one particular word: flexibility. And this time of year, that’s a great trait to have. The fact of the matter is that the world is constantly changing around us—and one of the most noticeable changes, for better or worse, is the weather. Eventually, that first brisk morning comes and the realization that summer is ending sinks in like a high-leap cannonball. And although flexibility when it comes to your pool is a major strength, it can often lead to a little extra step at the beginning and end of pool season: storing your pool and/or your pool’s equipment for the winter.
How to store pool accessories in winter?
All of your pool's accessories, such as the vacuum, hand skimmer, ladder and any other plastic items, require storage throughout the winter. Remove them from the pool and store them in a dry area. Rain, wind and freezing temperatures cause damage to pool accessories left outside during the winter. Also, brushing down the sides of the pool and vacuuming it to remove the debris help prevent staining.
How to prevent pool from freezing?
Drain the filter and pump connected to your pool. Removing and storing the filter, pump and any hoses connected to your above-ground pool is also necessary. This prevents damage from freezing.
Why do you cover an above ground pool?
Covering the above-ground pool with a winter pool cover helps prevent foreign material from settling in the pool. After threading the cable through the loops on the cover, tighten it with the winch provided to ensure the wind does not tear it or blow it off.
When did Amanda Maddox start writing?
Amanda Maddox. Amanda Maddox began writing professionally in 2007. Her work appears on various websites focusing on topics about medical billing, coding, real estate, insurance, accounting and business.
Can you leave an above ground pool up all winter?
It's possible to leave your above-ground pool up all winter with the water in it, since draining it completely may cause it to collapse. However, several steps and precautions are necessary to keep your pool safe through the winter. Advertisement.
Can I Leave My Summer Escapes Pool Up in The Winter?
As per guidelines, Intex will always recommend you disassemble your pools and store them before the winter begins. This is because most parts of the component cannot withstand the temperature when kept outside. At less than 32 o F, the ice could damage the pool and pool components.
What does it mean to winterize a pool?
Generally, winterizing pools means leaving your pool outside during the winter while removing other components that the ice can easily damage. It also involves adding chemicals to your water to prevent algae and other forms of bacteria from contaminating your pool while you are off.
When was Intex pool updated?
Last Updated on March 17, 2021 By thepoolindustry. Having to keep your pool up all year long depends on the manufacturer. Like every other manufacturer, Intex has its dos and don’ts when it comes to how its product is to be used.
Why fill vinyl with water?
Filling up the vinyl liner with water provides stability to the frames and walls, preventing it from being damaged by the wind. Also, filling the vinyl with water helps protect the vinyl material from shrinking from the cold temperature.
Does Intex winterize pools?
Intex has provided the necessary toolkit to winterize your pools based on the different climates. If you stay in regions below 41 o F, you will find your kit that fits your area. The same applies to those that stay in the warmer region of above 41 o F.
Can Intex pools freeze?
Apparently, winterizing Intex pools do not follow suit as their pool component is made of fragile materials, making them susceptible to the freezing temperature. As much as their products are built to be easy to set up and store, these delicate materials cannot survive the chilly weather.
Is Intex safe to store in the winter?
The frames and walls are built with fragile materials, making them unsuitable for staying out through the winter. Therefore, Intex has advised to disassemble and store in a safe place during the cold season .
