As the warm days of summer begin to wane and the crisp air of autumn settles in, pool owners across the country face the inevitable question: when is the right time to winterize my above ground pool? For many, this is a bittersweet task—saying goodbye to sun-soaked afternoons, nighttime swims, cannonball contests, and the best time with family and friends. But you also want to ensure that your hard sided above ground pool remains in top condition for the next season.
Is there a perfect time to wrap up your swim season and look forward with anticipation to next year? Let BrightWater Pools help you check out your options.
False Fall, Second Summer, Real Fall… Timing is Everything: When to Winterize an Above Ground Pool
So, what if the nights are cooling off, but you know for sure that temps are going to spike again for one last, glorious hurrah? Winterizing or closing your pool is up to you, but there are some helpful tips to get you started.
If it’s just a cool week and you can see that the weather will warm again, you don’t have to wrap things up just yet.
The golden rule for winterizing your above ground pool is to close it when temperatures consistently hit 60°-65° Fahrenheit overnight for an extended time. At this point, the water is typically too chilly for comfortable swimming, making it the perfect time to start the winterization process. It is also cool enough not to create an algae bloom, giving you peace of mind when you tuck your pool in and put on its winter cover.
However, the timing may vary depending on where in the United States you live. In northern regions, where temperatures drop more quickly, you might need to winterize your pool by September or early October at the latest. In milder southern climates, pool owners often extend their swimming season well into November. Regardless of your location, keeping an eye on those overnight temperatures is key.
What’s the Difference Between Pool Closing and Pool Winterization?
Pool closing and pool winterization are terms often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different aspects of preparing your above ground pool for the off-season. Understanding the difference can help ensure your pool is properly maintained and protected during the colder months.
Pool closing generally refers to the process of shutting down your pool for the season, which includes tasks like cleaning the pool, balancing the water chemistry, and covering the pool. It’s about getting the pool ready to be unused for a while, ensuring that it remains clean and safe until you’re ready to open it again.
Pool winterization, on the other hand, is a more detailed process focused on protecting your pool and its equipment from freezing temperatures. Winterization includes steps like lowering the water level, adding winterizing chemicals, disconnecting and storing equipment, and installing winter plugs. The goal is to prevent freeze damage and other issues that can arise during the winter months.
In essence, while pool closing is part of the overall winterization process, winterization goes a step further to specifically address the challenges of freezing weather, ensuring your pool and equipment is ready to face the winter and reopen smoothly in the spring.
Extend Your Pool Season with an Above Ground Pool Heater
If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to your pool just yet, consider investing in an above ground pool heater. Hayward® propane or natural gas pool heaters can extend your swimming season significantly, allowing you to enjoy warm, comfortable water even as the nights get cooler. At BrightWater Pools, we offer a range of above ground pool heaters that are easy to install and maintain, so you can make the most of your pool for as long as possible.
Above Ground Pool Supplies to Winterize My Above Ground Pool
Winterizing your pool requires a few key supplies. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need.
- Pool Cleaning Supplies: Skimmer net, vacuum, and pool brush
- Water Testing Kit: To balance your pool water
- Winterizing Chemical Kit: To prevent algae growth and keep the water clean
- Winter Plugs: For the skimmer and return lines
- Air Pillow: To absorb ice expansion pressure
- Winter Pool Cover: To protect your pool from the elements
- Pool Cover Pump: To remove excess water from the cover when necessary
How to Winterize an Above Ground Pool: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to close things up for the season? Winterizing your above ground pool is an essential part of pool maintenance that will protect your investment and make opening it next spring a breeze. Follow these simple steps to ensure your pool stays in excellent condition throughout the winter months if you are in an area of the country where freezing temps are a possibility.
1. Clean Your Pool Thoroughly
Before you begin the winterization process, it’s important to give your pool a thorough cleaning. Scrub the walls with a pool brush or use an above ground pool robotic cleaner with wall-scrubbing capabilities to release any contaminants from your liner. Remove any debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, from the water and vacuum the bottom of the pool. Skim the surface to ensure that no floating debris remains. A clean pool is less likely to develop algae or other issues over the winter.
2. Balance Your Pool Water
Properly balanced water is essential to protecting your pool’s liner during the winter months. Use a water testing kit to check the levels of pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Adjust these levels as needed with the appropriate above ground pool chemicals. Your pool’s pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm), and calcium hardness between 180 and 250 ppm.
Adding a winterizing chemical kit or a Pool FROG® Bam® Pac through your FROG Cycler system will also help prevent algae growth and keep your water clear over the winter.
3. Lower the Water Level (But Don’t Drain It)
Lowering the water level is necessary to prevent freeze damage, but be careful not to drain your pool completely. The water level should be just below the skimmer, leaving enough water in the pool to maintain structural integrity. Draining too much water can cause the liner to shrink or your pool walls to become damaged during cold weather.
4. Disconnect and Store Pool Equipment
Next, disconnect all pool equipment, including the pump, filter, heater, and any other accessories. Drain any remaining water from the pump and filter to prevent freezing. Store all equipment in a dry, sheltered area, such as a garage or shed, to protect it from the elements.
If you have a hard sided above ground pool with a removable ladder or entry system, it’s a good idea to take the ladder or entry out of the pool and store it as well.
5. Install Winter Plugs
To prevent water from entering the skimmer and return lines, install winter plugs in these openings. Then you can disconnect your plumbing. Additionally, you should use an air pillow in the center of the pool to absorb the pressure from expanding ice. This small but important step can prevent serious damage to your pool liner and walls if you use a pool cover.
6. Cover Your Pool
Finally, cover your pool with a high-quality winter pool cover. The cover should be secured tightly to prevent it from blowing off during winter storms. A durable, weather-resistant cover designed to protect your pool from harsh winter conditions is your best option.
If you live in an area prone to heavy snow or ice, consider using a pool cover pump to remove excess water and prevent the cover from sagging or tearing.
Why You Shouldn’t Deconstruct Your BrightWater Pool
One of the many advantages of a hard sided above ground pool from BrightWater Pools is that it’s designed to withstand winter weather without being taken apart every year. Unlike inflatable or soft-sided pools, which may need to be taken down and stored, your BrightWater pool can be winterized in place. This saves you time and effort and ensures that your pool will be ready for use as soon as the warm weather returns.
Wrapping Up the Pool Season
Winterizing your pool may signal the end of summer fun, but it’s a necessary step in frigid climates to protect your investment and ensure your pool is ready for another season of enjoyment. By following these steps from BrightWater Pools and using the right above ground pool supplies, you’ll keep your pool in pristine condition all winter long.
Remember, the key to a successful winterization is timing. As soon as those overnight temperatures consistently hit in the low 60s, it’s time to start the process. And if you want to squeeze more time out of your swimming season, don’t forget to check out our selection of above ground pool heaters. They’re the perfect solution for those who aren’t ever ready to let summer go.
At BrightWater Pools, we’re here to help you make the most of your pool, year-round. Happy winterizing!
