Now that you have an above ground pool, you are going to have to winterize it. This guide will cover how to winterize an above ground pool whether you are keeping it up all winter, or if you plan to take it down and store it.

After a summer of fun, the not so fun work of winterizing an above ground pool begins! But do not worry, it is not too difficult, and when done properly, it will make spring pool set up much easier! Properly winterizing your pool will keep equipment from being damaged, and will save you time and money.

How to Winterize an Above Ground Pool

Your above ground pool has provided countless hours of fun and parties and with a little prep, taking down your above ground pool or winterizing your above ground pool will ensure you will have more fun next summer.

1. Clean your Pool

Use a soft brush to wipe the sides of the pool and give it a good vaccum. Getting the pool clean is the first stop to winterizing an above ground pool.

2. Balance Chemicals

Balance the Chlorine, pH level, the Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness of your pool. Allow pool to run for 8 hours and clean the filter.

3. Lower the Water

To ensure the pipes do not freeze, lower the water level of your above ground pool to approx 4″ to 6″ below the skimmer

4. Store your equipment

You are going to want to store your pool cover, any pool floaties, your pool vacuum and other pool accessories. Your pool toy storage box makes a great place for this. Since it is watertight, you will not end up with water inside your box. Remove and store your ladder. If you do not have good pool toy storage, check out my post for one that works for you!

5. Inflate Air Pillows or Toss in Styrofoam Blocks

You are going to want to ensure your winter pool cover has something holding it up. Inflatable Air Pillows or Styrofoam blocks (probably 2 or 3) need to be put under the winter cover. This will ensure too much water does not collect on top of the cover.

6. Winter Cover

Cover your pool with its winter cover. Secure it with straps.