Should I empty my pool for winter?

Author: Chadrick Conroy  |  Last update: Monday, June 20, 2022

Close the pool for winter – but don't drain it.
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.

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

Drain the water down to no more than 6 inches from the bottom of the skimmer if you plan to use a standard floating winter cover. Use your pool filter, switched to the "Drain" setting, to empty the pool water.

Why dont people drain their pool in the winter?

Pool lining can dry out when it's left without water overtime. When it dries out, it can expand and stretch, leading to cracks and imperfections. Then, when you fill the pool back up, the water can seep through those cracks and cause damage.

Should I drain pool and start over?

Most in-ground pools will have to be drained and refilled at some point. But cleaning should not be the reason to do it. Pools will need to be drained and refilled every 5-7 years on average, or if there is a major necessary repair. Otherwise, avoid draining your pool if at all possible.

Do you ever need to drain a pool?

Pool industry experts recommend you drain your pool and refill it every five to seven years. No two pools are alike, so there is no set number at which you must drain your pool.

Can I leave my inground pool empty over winter?

How long can a swimming pool stay empty?

Modern concrete pools can usually stand being drained for as long as needed, but there'll still be a risk of popping if the ground water level is high. Fibreglass pools are less resilient. The floor may come loose and float to the top when refilled, even after a short period.

Do swimming pools freeze in the winter?

Mild climate pools often freeze across the surface overnight. However, if the ice sheet becomes thicker than ¼” to ½”, it will put pressure on your pool tile and skimmers as the ice expands. Most pool tile is frost-free, but you should keep the water under the perimeter pool tile band to be safe.

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

The answer is always NO. Above ground pools need the weight of the water in them to provide an optimal level of stability. Without water supporting the wall you run the risk of the pool wall coming out of the track.

Should I remove my above-ground pool for the winter?

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.

How do I prepare my pool for winter?

Follow the steps below to prep your pool for the winter months.
  1. Step 1: Remove pool accessories. ...
  2. Step 2: Deep clean the pool. ...
  3. Step 3: Adjust the water chemistry. ...
  4. Step 4: Lower the water level. ...
  5. Step 5: Drain and store the equipment. ...
  6. Step 6: Add shock and algaecide. ...
  7. Step 7: Cover the pool.

How much do you drain an above-ground pool for winter?

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.

What do you do with above-ground pool in 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.

Does an above-ground pool freeze solid?

Above ground pools use Air Pillows to keep the ice sheet from freezing completely solid across the pool.

Can Intex pools be left up in 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 happens if you don't winterize your 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.

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.

Is it bad for a pool to freeze?

Do NOT let your pool freeze.

While a thin layer of ice is unlikely to damage your pool, if you live in an area with continuous below-freezing temperatures, we highly recommend you winterize and close your pool at the end of swimming season. Keeping your pool open all year long is also an option.

Will an inground pool collapse without water?

Most inground fiberglass and concrete pools are built structurally to withstand the weight of the dirt against them when drained. However, if the groundwater is high enough, it can push the entire pool out of the ground. The pool shell acts like a ship and floats up in the groundwater.

Does draining a pool damage it?

First, if the draining is done at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions, you can actually risk damaging your pool structure and liner. All the water from your pool needs to go somewhere when it's drained, and that usually means the ground.

What can I do with an unused pool?

50 Alternative Uses for Your Empty Pool
  1. Skate park.
  2. Bulldog skate park.
  3. Roller rink.
  4. Racquetball court.
  5. Handball court.
  6. Volleyball “equalizer” court (tall folk in the deep end, short folk in the shallow end)
  7. Dog park.
  8. Cat corral.

Is a pool pillow necessary?

Do I Need A Pool Pillow? While they're not 100% necessary, winter pool pillows are incredibly helpful. They help protect your pool from expanding ice and promote even weight distribution, which is why we highly encourage them for pool owners.

What can I use instead of a pool pillow?

You may have heard pool owners recommend alternatives to pool air pillows, such as tire tubes, yoga balls, or regular innertubes.

How do I keep my pillow in the middle of my pool?

Tie strong string or thin rope to both ends of the pillow; it should have grommets on the edges for this purpose. Place the pillow in the center of the pool. Secure the other ends of the strings to the edge of the pool to keep the pillow in place.

How do you keep a winter pool cover from sagging?

  1. 5.1 Keep The Middle Section Of Your Pool Cover Higher Than The Sides.
  2. 5.2 Use Heavy Objects To Keep The Edges In Place.
  3. 5.3 Fix It As Soon As You See It.
  4. 5.4 Opt For A Portable Pool Cover.
  5. 5.5 Build A Support Structure.
  6. 5.6 Use Pool Pillows.
  7. 5.7 Use H2O Bags.
  8. 5.8 Use A Pool Safety Cover.

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