However, when it gets colder, you don\u2019t want to be outside every day skimming leaves and insects off the surface and not even get to enjoy the clean pool when you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll go over just why it\u2019s so important to winterize your pool and explain what can happen if it\u2019s not done properly. We\u2019ll also outline all the important steps you need to take to make sure you can enjoy swimming and splashing around next summer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Happens If I Don\u2019t Winterize My Above Ground Pool?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSo, we\u2019ve established that it\u2019s important to winterize an above ground pool to keep it safe during the cold months and prepare it for the next summer. But what are the things that can go wrong if this winterization process isn\u2019t done properly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pipe Damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pool pipes and lines are essential for keeping the water level in your pool at the right point and for ensuring that the water is safe to swim in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During winter, you won\u2019t be running water through the pipes as often, maintaining a steady and consistent water flow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The water that gets left in the pipes can freeze, expand and burst the pipe and lines to your pool, causing some costly repairs to have to be made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Algae Infestations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You may have seen what some pools look like if they get left unused for a long period of time. The chlorine in the water stops doing its job and the beautiful blue water will turn a goopy green color instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Algae can grow really easily on still water without any chemicals to fight them off. This algae then encourages dangerous bacteria to join the pool party, making the water dangerous to swim in again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Filter Damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most pool filters aren\u2019t designed to withstand the freezing cold temperatures of winter, so if you leave them unused in the pool during these months, they\u2019re likely to crack and stop working. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similarly, if ice builds up on a pool filter, it will harden and expand, causing even greater damage to the filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Should I Winterize My Above Ground Swimming Pool?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBelieve it or not, you can actually do some damage to your pool by starting the winterizing process too early, as well as if you do it too late. This is because algae, like any other living organism, needs heat to survive and grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your pool water is still too warm, even when you winterize it, the algae could still be able to seep into your water and grow over the cold months when you\u2019re not using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best time to winterize your pool is when the temperature around the pool drops below 65\u00b0F (18\u00b0C). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t worry if the temperature goes back up above this number, that\u2019s a good opportunity for you to test the water chemistry and check up on how well your winterization efforts are working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9 Steps For Winterizing An Above Ground Pool<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNow that we\u2019ve got all the general information out of the way, here are all the steps you should take to ensure your above ground pool survives the winter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/allaboutpools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/How-To-Winterize-An-Above-Ground-Pool-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n1. Check The pH Balance Of Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This can seem like a daunting, scientific process but it\u2019s actually a lot easier than you might think. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digital pH testing kits are available at a variety of different online retailers and you shouldn\u2019t find it too difficult to find one in a physical store either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Check The pH Balance Of Your Pool Water:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n- The first step you\u2019ll need to take is ensuring your pH water tester kit<\/a> is clean and doesn\u2019t have any other liquids or pool water from a previous year left in it.<\/li>
- Then, simply fill up the provided tube with as much of the pool water as the packaging recommends.<\/li>
- Next, you\u2019ll need to add whatever chemical reactive agent is provided in the kit to the pool water and shake it up to mix it thoroughly.<\/li>
- The pool water will turn a different color and the pH testing kit will come with a handy color guide so you can tell exactly what pH level your water is at.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve done all that and you have your pH reading, you can tell if the water is too acidic or too alkaline. The pH of your pool water should be between 7.2 and 7.6 according to the chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Alter The pH Balance Of Your Pool:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n- If the pH is lower than 7.2, it means it\u2019s too acidic and you\u2019ll need to add some bicarbonate of soda or any kind of specially designed pool alkalinity increaser. There are plenty of specially designed chemicals available online and in stores so just make sure you use one that will increase the water\u2019s alkalinity.<\/li>
- If the pH is higher than 7.6, it means the water is too basic and needs to have an acid added to it. Again, there are chemicals available online and in stores called \u2018pH reducers\u2019 that you can add to achieve a better pH balance.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Shocking Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This step involves adding even more chemicals to your pool water. I know it may seem like a lot at this point, but these chemicals are all designed to be safe to swim in, if used correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can buy chlorine shock chemicals in liquid or granular form online and in stores. There will be instructions on the packaging to indicate how much you should use depending on the size of your pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if your pool is already starting to look a little green or cloudy, you might want to add more of this chemical than the recommended guideline amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This step will help to remove any hidden bacteria in the water that could cause algae to grow <\/a>over winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Clean Your Swimming Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This step is absolutely essential for ensuring the winterization process works properly. If there are any contaminants left in your pool over winter, it will completely ruin all the work you did adding chemicals to your water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brush down all the walls and floor of your pool thoroughly to remove any foreign contaminants that might be stuck to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, use a skimmer to remove all the loose debris, leaves, insects and anything else that might be floating on the surface of your water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have access to a pool vacuum, this can help to speed up the process and make doubly sure that all the potential contaminants have been removed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is also something you can check for every now and then during winter, skimming off anything else that\u2019s gotten into the water if you see something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Remove And Clean All Accessories In Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remember what we said earlier about drains and other pool equipment being damaged by cold weather? Well, this step is important for protecting your accessories from that cold damage, as well as keeping them safe from mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By accessories, we mean things like above ground pool ladders and steps<\/a>, skimmer baskets, pool cleaners and solar blankets. These can all be cleaned and stored away in a dry place, out of direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Drain All Your Pool\u2019s Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Different types of pool will have different equipment to keep it working, so this step will vary depending on how much equipment you have in your pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Believe it or not, you can actually do some damage to your pool by starting the winterizing process too early, as well as if you do it too late. This is because algae, like any other living organism, needs heat to survive and grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your pool water is still too warm, even when you winterize it, the algae could still be able to seep into your water and grow over the cold months when you\u2019re not using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best time to winterize your pool is when the temperature around the pool drops below 65\u00b0F (18\u00b0C). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t worry if the temperature goes back up above this number, that\u2019s a good opportunity for you to test the water chemistry and check up on how well your winterization efforts are working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9 Steps For Winterizing An Above Ground Pool<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNow that we\u2019ve got all the general information out of the way, here are all the steps you should take to ensure your above ground pool survives the winter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n1. Check The pH Balance Of Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This can seem like a daunting, scientific process but it\u2019s actually a lot easier than you might think. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digital pH testing kits are available at a variety of different online retailers and you shouldn\u2019t find it too difficult to find one in a physical store either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Check The pH Balance Of Your Pool Water:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n- The first step you\u2019ll need to take is ensuring your pH water tester kit<\/a> is clean and doesn\u2019t have any other liquids or pool water from a previous year left in it.<\/li>
- Then, simply fill up the provided tube with as much of the pool water as the packaging recommends.<\/li>
- Next, you\u2019ll need to add whatever chemical reactive agent is provided in the kit to the pool water and shake it up to mix it thoroughly.<\/li>
- The pool water will turn a different color and the pH testing kit will come with a handy color guide so you can tell exactly what pH level your water is at.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve done all that and you have your pH reading, you can tell if the water is too acidic or too alkaline. The pH of your pool water should be between 7.2 and 7.6 according to the chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Alter The pH Balance Of Your Pool:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n- If the pH is lower than 7.2, it means it\u2019s too acidic and you\u2019ll need to add some bicarbonate of soda or any kind of specially designed pool alkalinity increaser. There are plenty of specially designed chemicals available online and in stores so just make sure you use one that will increase the water\u2019s alkalinity.<\/li>
- If the pH is higher than 7.6, it means the water is too basic and needs to have an acid added to it. Again, there are chemicals available online and in stores called \u2018pH reducers\u2019 that you can add to achieve a better pH balance.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Shocking Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This step involves adding even more chemicals to your pool water. I know it may seem like a lot at this point, but these chemicals are all designed to be safe to swim in, if used correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can buy chlorine shock chemicals in liquid or granular form online and in stores. There will be instructions on the packaging to indicate how much you should use depending on the size of your pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if your pool is already starting to look a little green or cloudy, you might want to add more of this chemical than the recommended guideline amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This step will help to remove any hidden bacteria in the water that could cause algae to grow <\/a>over winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Clean Your Swimming Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This step is absolutely essential for ensuring the winterization process works properly. If there are any contaminants left in your pool over winter, it will completely ruin all the work you did adding chemicals to your water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brush down all the walls and floor of your pool thoroughly to remove any foreign contaminants that might be stuck to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, use a skimmer to remove all the loose debris, leaves, insects and anything else that might be floating on the surface of your water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have access to a pool vacuum, this can help to speed up the process and make doubly sure that all the potential contaminants have been removed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is also something you can check for every now and then during winter, skimming off anything else that\u2019s gotten into the water if you see something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Remove And Clean All Accessories In Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remember what we said earlier about drains and other pool equipment being damaged by cold weather? Well, this step is important for protecting your accessories from that cold damage, as well as keeping them safe from mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By accessories, we mean things like above ground pool ladders and steps<\/a>, skimmer baskets, pool cleaners and solar blankets. These can all be cleaned and stored away in a dry place, out of direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Drain All Your Pool\u2019s Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Different types of pool will have different equipment to keep it working, so this step will vary depending on how much equipment you have in your pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n1. Check The pH Balance Of Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This can seem like a daunting, scientific process but it\u2019s actually a lot easier than you might think. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digital pH testing kits are available at a variety of different online retailers and you shouldn\u2019t find it too difficult to find one in a physical store either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Check The pH Balance Of Your Pool Water:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n- The first step you\u2019ll need to take is ensuring your pH water tester kit<\/a> is clean and doesn\u2019t have any other liquids or pool water from a previous year left in it.<\/li>
- Then, simply fill up the provided tube with as much of the pool water as the packaging recommends.<\/li>
- Next, you\u2019ll need to add whatever chemical reactive agent is provided in the kit to the pool water and shake it up to mix it thoroughly.<\/li>
- The pool water will turn a different color and the pH testing kit will come with a handy color guide so you can tell exactly what pH level your water is at.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve done all that and you have your pH reading, you can tell if the water is too acidic or too alkaline. The pH of your pool water should be between 7.2 and 7.6 according to the chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Alter The pH Balance Of Your Pool:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n- If the pH is lower than 7.2, it means it\u2019s too acidic and you\u2019ll need to add some bicarbonate of soda or any kind of specially designed pool alkalinity increaser. There are plenty of specially designed chemicals available online and in stores so just make sure you use one that will increase the water\u2019s alkalinity.<\/li>
- If the pH is higher than 7.6, it means the water is too basic and needs to have an acid added to it. Again, there are chemicals available online and in stores called \u2018pH reducers\u2019 that you can add to achieve a better pH balance.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Shocking Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This step involves adding even more chemicals to your pool water. I know it may seem like a lot at this point, but these chemicals are all designed to be safe to swim in, if used correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can buy chlorine shock chemicals in liquid or granular form online and in stores. There will be instructions on the packaging to indicate how much you should use depending on the size of your pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if your pool is already starting to look a little green or cloudy, you might want to add more of this chemical than the recommended guideline amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This step will help to remove any hidden bacteria in the water that could cause algae to grow <\/a>over winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Clean Your Swimming Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This step is absolutely essential for ensuring the winterization process works properly. If there are any contaminants left in your pool over winter, it will completely ruin all the work you did adding chemicals to your water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brush down all the walls and floor of your pool thoroughly to remove any foreign contaminants that might be stuck to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, use a skimmer to remove all the loose debris, leaves, insects and anything else that might be floating on the surface of your water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have access to a pool vacuum, this can help to speed up the process and make doubly sure that all the potential contaminants have been removed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is also something you can check for every now and then during winter, skimming off anything else that\u2019s gotten into the water if you see something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Remove And Clean All Accessories In Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remember what we said earlier about drains and other pool equipment being damaged by cold weather? Well, this step is important for protecting your accessories from that cold damage, as well as keeping them safe from mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By accessories, we mean things like above ground pool ladders and steps<\/a>, skimmer baskets, pool cleaners and solar blankets. These can all be cleaned and stored away in a dry place, out of direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Drain All Your Pool\u2019s Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Different types of pool will have different equipment to keep it working, so this step will vary depending on how much equipment you have in your pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve done all that and you have your pH reading, you can tell if the water is too acidic or too alkaline. The pH of your pool water should be between 7.2 and 7.6 according to the chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Alter The pH Balance Of Your Pool:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n- If the pH is lower than 7.2, it means it\u2019s too acidic and you\u2019ll need to add some bicarbonate of soda or any kind of specially designed pool alkalinity increaser. There are plenty of specially designed chemicals available online and in stores so just make sure you use one that will increase the water\u2019s alkalinity.<\/li>
- If the pH is higher than 7.6, it means the water is too basic and needs to have an acid added to it. Again, there are chemicals available online and in stores called \u2018pH reducers\u2019 that you can add to achieve a better pH balance.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Shocking Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This step involves adding even more chemicals to your pool water. I know it may seem like a lot at this point, but these chemicals are all designed to be safe to swim in, if used correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can buy chlorine shock chemicals in liquid or granular form online and in stores. There will be instructions on the packaging to indicate how much you should use depending on the size of your pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if your pool is already starting to look a little green or cloudy, you might want to add more of this chemical than the recommended guideline amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This step will help to remove any hidden bacteria in the water that could cause algae to grow <\/a>over winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Clean Your Swimming Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This step is absolutely essential for ensuring the winterization process works properly. If there are any contaminants left in your pool over winter, it will completely ruin all the work you did adding chemicals to your water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brush down all the walls and floor of your pool thoroughly to remove any foreign contaminants that might be stuck to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, use a skimmer to remove all the loose debris, leaves, insects and anything else that might be floating on the surface of your water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have access to a pool vacuum, this can help to speed up the process and make doubly sure that all the potential contaminants have been removed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is also something you can check for every now and then during winter, skimming off anything else that\u2019s gotten into the water if you see something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Remove And Clean All Accessories In Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remember what we said earlier about drains and other pool equipment being damaged by cold weather? Well, this step is important for protecting your accessories from that cold damage, as well as keeping them safe from mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By accessories, we mean things like above ground pool ladders and steps<\/a>, skimmer baskets, pool cleaners and solar blankets. These can all be cleaned and stored away in a dry place, out of direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Drain All Your Pool\u2019s Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Different types of pool will have different equipment to keep it working, so this step will vary depending on how much equipment you have in your pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Shocking Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This step involves adding even more chemicals to your pool water. I know it may seem like a lot at this point, but these chemicals are all designed to be safe to swim in, if used correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can buy chlorine shock chemicals in liquid or granular form online and in stores. There will be instructions on the packaging to indicate how much you should use depending on the size of your pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if your pool is already starting to look a little green or cloudy, you might want to add more of this chemical than the recommended guideline amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This step will help to remove any hidden bacteria in the water that could cause algae to grow <\/a>over winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This step is absolutely essential for ensuring the winterization process works properly. If there are any contaminants left in your pool over winter, it will completely ruin all the work you did adding chemicals to your water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brush down all the walls and floor of your pool thoroughly to remove any foreign contaminants that might be stuck to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, use a skimmer to remove all the loose debris, leaves, insects and anything else that might be floating on the surface of your water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have access to a pool vacuum, this can help to speed up the process and make doubly sure that all the potential contaminants have been removed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is also something you can check for every now and then during winter, skimming off anything else that\u2019s gotten into the water if you see something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember what we said earlier about drains and other pool equipment being damaged by cold weather? Well, this step is important for protecting your accessories from that cold damage, as well as keeping them safe from mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By accessories, we mean things like above ground pool ladders and steps<\/a>, skimmer baskets, pool cleaners and solar blankets. These can all be cleaned and stored away in a dry place, out of direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Different types of pool will have different equipment to keep it working, so this step will vary depending on how much equipment you have in your pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Clean Your Swimming Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Remove And Clean All Accessories In Your Pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Drain All Your Pool\u2019s Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Draining](\"https:\/\/allaboutpools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Draining-Above-Ground-Pool-e1636577174962-1024x770.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Above](\"https:\/\/allaboutpools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Above-Ground-Pool-In-Winter-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n