Can you leave an above-ground pool up during winter?

Author: Prof. Gerda Hackett  |  Last update: Sunday, July 3, 2022

Pools very rarely need to be drained completely. If you have a vinyl-lined above-ground pool, leaving it full for the winter will protect the vinyl liner from shrinkage and other damage. Since these pools are above ground level, keeping them full ensures that the wind will not damage the walls, liner, or frame.

Can above ground pools be left out in the 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.

Can you leave Intex pool up over winter?

In warmer climates, Intex advises to keep your pool up, if you prefer. However, you must winterize the pool when keeping it full throughout the winter. If your area maintains tropical climates all year long, you may not need to winterize your pool at all, especially if you use your pool on a regular basis.

What do you do with an above-ground pool in the winter?

How to Close Your Above Ground Pool in 10 Steps
  1. Step 1: Deep Clean. ...
  2. Step 2: Balance your Water. ...
  3. Step 3: Add Winterizing Chemicals. ...
  4. Step 4: Add Pump Protector. ...
  5. Step 5: Protect Your Return and Skimmer. ...
  6. Step 6: Prepare Your Filter for Hibernation. ...
  7. Step 7: Clear the Pool. ...
  8. Step 8: Set Up Ice Equalizer Pillow.

How do I keep my above-ground pool from freezing in the winter?

6 Tips to Avoid Winter Damage to Your Above Ground Pool
  1. 1) Keep Excess Water Off Your Winter Cover.
  2. 2) Keep Leaves from Piling Up.
  3. 3) Clean Off Any Snow Buildup.
  4. 4) Use an Ice Equalizer Pillow to Prevent Ice Damage.
  5. 5) Stay on the Lookout for a Rapidly Receding Water Level.
  6. 6) Address Any Pool Buckling Immediately.

Can You Leave a Intex Pool Up During the Winter?

Should you cover above-ground pool for winter?

If you have a vinyl-lined above-ground pool, leaving it full for the winter will protect the vinyl liner from shrinkage and other damage. Since these pools are above ground level, keeping them full ensures that the wind will not damage the walls, liner, or frame.

What temperature will a pool freeze?

The weather needs to be at or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7°C) the pool pipes to freeze solid. At 32°F (0°C), water will begin to freeze up and will eventually freeze solid but after some hours or days.

Do you have to cover pool in winter?

Must You Use a Winter Pool Cover? No, but winter covers protect your pool from stains, algae growth and poor water balance that could damage pool surfaces. Pool covers block both debris and sunlight, to conserve your winter chemicals and protect soft and shiny surfaces.

When should you close your pool for the winter?

Most experts recommend waiting at least until temperature drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) to winterize your pool. However, if you can wait longer until your pool is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), you will have a much lower risk of problems occurring.

What happens if you don't close your pool in the winter?

Your Pool Could Crack

Surface cracks are very common in pools that don't get winterized. Harsh conditions can lead to cracks as well as any water that is left inside the pool. That water will likely freeze and could lead to surface cracks.

Is it too early to close my pool?

Definitely close your pool before the temperatures fall under 30°F (-1°C) at night. As long as the pump is running, the water is moving, so it won't freeze. But if you lose electricity during a storm and it gets down below freezing, the water will freeze in the pump and filter.

When should you close your above ground pool?

It is best to close your pool when the temperature of the water is consistently below 60 degrees. Once the water temperature drops below 60 degrees, microorganisms and algae cannot grow and become dormant for the winter season.

Can you leave your pool open all winter?

Yes! You don't have to close the pool, and you can keep it open year 'round, with or without a pool heater. Or for those in very cold climates, you could also consider a very late closing and early opening, winterizing and closing the pool for just 3 or 4 months, instead of the normal 6 or 7 months.

What happens if you don't cover your above-ground pool?

If you don't cover your above-ground pool, it's going to get dirt, leaves, and other debris in it. Even if you don't have any trees nearby, the wind will still blow debris into the water.

What happens if pool water freezes?

Do NOT let your pool freeze.

Not only can a thick sheet of ice damage your vinyl pool liner, but the expanding nature of freezing water can wreak havoc on your pumps and even burst your pipes - leading to thousands of dollars in damage to both plumbing and decking.

Will my pool pipes freeze in one night?

If you have an above ground pool with the pool filter system and plumbing above ground (like nearly all above ground pools), pipes and pumps can freeze up in less than an hour of minus 32 degrees.

Should I run my pool pump in freezing weather?

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. Disconnect any aerators and lines to slides. Booster pumps for pool cleaners don't need to run continuously.

How do you heat a pool in the winter?

5 Ways to Keep Your Pool Warm this Winter
  1. Gas Heaters. Gas heaters use propane or natural gas to heat your pool. ...
  2. Solar Blankets. Solar blankets are a simple solution to getting more use out of your inground swimming pool. ...
  3. Solar Pool Heaters. ...
  4. Air-Source Heat Pump. ...
  5. Water-Source Heat Pump.

How much water should I leave in my above-ground pool for winter?

If you have an above-ground pool with a vinyl pool liner, drain the pool to about 1 inch below the bottom of the skimmer mouth. It's acceptable to drain the pool a few more inches below that if you live in an area that gets heavy precipitation during the winter months.

How do you close an Intex pool for the winter?

  1. Clean and Prepare to Drain Your Pool. ...
  2. Attach the Hose to the Drain Connector. ...
  3. Connect the Drain Connector to the Drain Valve. ...
  4. Allow Your Pool to Drain. ...
  5. Finish Draining. ...
  6. Reattach Loose Parts. ...
  7. Clean Your Pool. ...
  8. Deconstruct the Frame and Let the Liner Dry.

What month should I open my pool?

The month of March is the BEST time to open your swimming pool. If you wait any longer for the temperature to rise higher than 65 degrees algae and other organics will start to grow.

What's the coldest water you can swim in?

No matter where you're swimming, avoiding water below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb for the average swimmer. The truth of the matter, though, is that 70 degrees is still pretty chilly. You'll probably have a better time if you wait for warmer water. In fact, you'll be safer, too.

How do I open my pool after winter?

How to Open Your Inground Swimming Pool
  1. Get the Gunk Off Your Pool Cover. ...
  2. Whisk Away the Winter Pool Cover. ...
  3. Clean and Store Your Pool Cover. ...
  4. Skim the Pool. ...
  5. Remove Plugs and Ice Compensator. ...
  6. Reinstall the Chutes and Ladders. ...
  7. Just Add Water. ...
  8. Set up and Run Your Filter and Pump.

Can I open my pool in March?

BEST TIME TO OPEN POOL—MARCH AND EARLY APRIL...

When opening your pool in the early months of March and April means less chance of algae growth. This, of course, will depend if you winterized your pool properly. Keeping the pool clean and algae-free means catching it before it goes into full bloom.

How long does above-ground pool last?

2018. A high-quality above ground pool from Valley Pool & Spa should last between 10 and 20 years depending on how well you care for it. However, your pool liner will not last as long as your pool. Contact a pool expert at our store to see if you need a new liner before you decide to replace your entire pool.

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