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With winter coming to an end, it’s time to prepare the pool for the cold months. The best way to do this is with a winter kit that works with the correct number of gallons your pool has. If you were wondering how to winterize an above ground pool, we are here to help you with some solutions.
Preparing your above-ground pool for the cold months means that you have clean water and functional equipment if you want to use it in the spring. Here are some simple steps you can do yourself to winterize an above-ground pool.
Why you need to know how to winterize an above ground pool
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The main function in overwintering your above-ground pool is to ensure that it is protected from any damage that could be caused by the freezing water. Another reason is to keep it as tidy as possible for your next season.
We all know that having a swimming pool next to your house is very nice. Having one, however, means you have to do a lot of work too and understand exactly what you are doing so that you can better maintain your pool.
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If you don’t know how to winterize an above-ground pool, this is the first time you’ve come to the right place. If you’re lucky enough to live in a place where the winters are soft, you may not have to do this to do less work for you.
However, if you know that winter is accompanied by snow and frost, it is important to prepare it for strong winter if you want to keep it in good working order.
Closing above-ground pools means protecting them from dirt and making it easier for you to open them in spring. They also eliminate any kind of additional electricity costs and keep away any kind of frost damage.
How to hibernate an above-ground pool: 8 steps
If your pool is in a climate where it is freezing for a long time, easy-to-follow instructions will help you a lot if you want to close it.
Test and balance your chemical values
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Before closing the pool, test the pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness with a test kit. The best values for winter will depend on the instructions you see in the kit you get, but usually the values are roughly:
- pH: 7.2 – 7.8
- Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
- Calcium hardness: follow the instructions in the winter kit
- Chlorine: 2-3 ppm
Eliminate any algae growth and shock the pool by following the directions to get the right dose.
Clean your pool one last time
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You don’t want to get a bad surprise when you open your pool in the spring. This is why it is important to learn how to winterize an above-ground pool. The water is more easily balanced by cleaning. Any organic particles that remain in it will absorb the algicide and any other chemicals you offer it.
What you need to do is brush the pool to remove any dirt, clean it inside and remove any black residue, clean the tiles and remove oil and foam, and give your pool a final vacuum for the season give.
Add winter-proof chemicals
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Winter chemicals can be found in the kit you get and will protect the water in winter. This is probably the best way to get the chemicals you need to close the pool. Make sure you follow all directions on the product labels.
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A good winter chemical kit usually has a chlorine shock along with winterized algicide. Keep in mind that it is also good to purchase a metal control kit if you have a heater or use well water.
Do not perform algicide and chlorine shock at the same time as they may prevent each other from working properly.
Lower water level
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It is probably a good thing to empty your swimming pool below the skimmer level so that you can also clean the pipe system. If your pool is in the ground, it means you need to clean more pipes.
Use a siphon pump to drain your pool and read the instructions. You can also use the pool filter for this and set the pool so that water is flushed back. However, avoid emptying your pool completely, as hydrostatic pressure can cause damage. Put anti-freeze in the pipes and insert the threaded winter plugs to prevent water from getting into the pipes.
Protect your skimmer
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We’ll start a few steps in discovering how to winterize an above-ground pool, and the next one deals with the skimmer. Remove the skimmer basket and put it in a safe and dry place.
After that, you can decide whether you want to cover it or not. If you want to cover the device, leave some room to breathe, otherwise condensation can occur and freeze damage can result.
Do not remove permanent devices
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Remove all non-permanent items such as ladders, hoses and skimmers to avoid damage during the winter season.
You should also remove the pump and filter equipment and put them all in your house if you can. If you have your own DE, you may also want to take the hose to protect it.
Inflate air cushions
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Closing the above-ground pool for the winter will take some of your time. You also need to inflate an air cushion that absorbs the pressure of freezing water. If you have one in the middle of your pool, the weight of the water will be evenly distributed. This means that your pool cover is less stressed.
The ice that will form will also face inwards and this will prevent damage to the shell.
Install the pool cover
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After you have cleaned and chemically balanced your pool, you still have to answer a question how to make an above-ground pool question winter-proof.
The final step is to cover your pool with a safety cover. Place it over the pool surface and secure it with the cable you bought it with. That’s all, you are done!
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