Winterizing an Above Ground Pool: Instructions

If you have an above ground pool you need to know how important proper winterizing is for all components of your pool. There are special procedures for the pumps, filter, water treatment, valves and pool itself. Most likely you have a substantial investment in your pool so proper care and preparation for winter is very important. Failure to properly shut the complete pool system will result in heavy damage or destruction of your pool.

The enemy here is water and the catalyst that turns the water into an enemy is freezing temperatures. Your above ground pool has major components that will crack or even split wide open if water freezes within them. Because there are many twists and turns of pipes and valves in your system it is not enough to simply turn off the water to the pool. Just opening a drain at the bottom of the pool is not always sufficient preparation for winter and it's cold temperatures.

Each pool has it's own characteristics, and you should always follow the directions that came with your pool. Here are general steps to take to properly winterize your above ground pool. The water supply to the pool needs to be totally disconnected not just turned off. The point where water normally enters, and was just cut off should be connected to a good air supply and a good level of air pressure pushed all the way through the system so it clears out as much water from lines and values as possible. This might need to be done on both sides of any filter system you have in place. If the filter system is sand, the sand should be removed and the sand pot cleaned with the air flow cleaning flush to be done after the removal of the filter sand.

The sand should be air dried in the sun until absolutely and totally dry. It should be bagged in a dark plastic bag with silica desiccant added to the bag to ensure it remains moisture free. All valves on the spa system should be put in an open position. Any pipes or equipment entry points should not be left open and should be closed tight in some manner to make sure insects and animals to not enter for the winter time.