logo
logo
  • Flowers & Plants
    • Plant Guide
    • Combos
    • Designing With
    • Bird- & Butterfly-Friendly
  • Vegetables
    • Edible Plant Guide
    • Getting Started
    • Herbs
    • Tips
    • Tomatoes
    • In the Weeds
  • Design Ideas
  • Containers
  • How To
    • Start Seeds
    • Plant
    • Water & Feed
    • Prune
    • Divide
    • Deal with Pests
  • Projects
  • Garden Plans
    • Entries
    • Bed & Borders
    • Wildlife Friendly
    • Decks & Patios
  • Magazine
  • Reviews
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Living
    • Outdoor Tools
    • Plants
Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Outdoor Living

How To Winterize an Above Ground Pool in 6 Steps

Last Updated: Aug 1, 2024
By: Garden Gate Review Team
Above ground swimming pool with deck
View all Contents
  • Step 1: Remove Water and Clean the Pool
  • Step 2: Remove Debris from the Pool
  • Step 3: Disconnect Pool Equipment
  • Step 4: Winterize Pool Liner
  • Step 5: Cover the Pool
  • Step 6: Store Pool Equipment
  • Related Posts

Summer may be a distant memory, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave your above-ground pool sitting empty. With just a few simple steps, you can winterize your pool to ensure it’s ready when the warm weather arrives. This post will show you how to winterize an above-ground pool in 6 easy steps.

We’ll also explain how to care for your pool during the colder months and provide tips on preparing your pool so it’s ready to go come spring. So, if you’re looking to extend the life of your above-ground pool, this post is for you. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Remove Water and Clean the Pool

Before beginning any winterizing process, removing any water still in the pool is important. To do this, use a sump pump or a submersible well pump, which you can purchase from a local hardware store. Once you have drained all the water, it’s time to clean the pool. Vacuum out any remaining dirt or debris with a manual or robotic pool vacuum, and use an algae brush or cleaner to remove any remaining residue from the pool wall.

Step 2: Remove Debris from the Pool

Next, you will want to skim the pool’s surface to remove any leaves, bugs, or other debris that may have shown up during the warmer months. If you have a skimmer attached to your filtration system, use that for this purpose. Otherwise, you can use a pool net or leaf rake for this step.

Step 3: Disconnect Pool Equipment

After skimming out the debris, it’s time to disconnect all of your pool equipment. Start by removing your filter and pump hoses and draining them of any leftover water. Then store the filter and pump indoors in a dry place until springtime arrives. Next, disconnect the safety covers, ladders on your pool, and any diving board stands or related equipment.

Step 4: Winterize Pool Liner

Before covering up your above ground pool, it’s important to winterize it so it won’t sustain damage during the colder months. Begin by disconnecting any solar heating systems you have installed and storing them indoors. Then, add a layer of non-toxic antifreeze into the skimmer and return lines of your filtration system to ensure no water buildup in pipes over winter that could cause them to burst due to freezing temperatures.

Step 5: Cover the Pool

Now that you have winterized your equipment and liner, cover up your above ground pool for protection during those cold months ahead. Your cover should fit snugly around your above ground pool so that no debris or animals can get through, and be sure to use cover anchors and straps for additional security if necessary. Avoid using tarp style covers, as these can cause damage to your liner when the ice expands underneath them over the winter.

Step 6: Store Pool Equipment

Once you have covered up your pool with all necessary safety precautions, store all your equipment inside until warmer temperatures arrive again in springtime. Be sure your manual or robotic pool vacuum is unplugged and stored away from water sources so it doesn’t sustain any damage over winter months as well!

Maintaining and winterizing your above ground pool doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the six simple steps outlined in this post, you can winterize your pool so it’s ready to go next season. Taking the time to properly winterize your pool now will save you time and money down the road, and it will also ensure that your pool is in top condition as soon as temperatures start to rise. So don’t wait to winterize your pool, and enjoy the benefits for years to come.

Article Contributors

Garden Gate Review Team

The Garden Gate Review Team is a group of writers, editors, and gardeners, dedicated towards writing trustworthy product reviews that'll help you choose the best products for a beautiful garden and backyard.

Garden Gate is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.

Please reach out to aimperiapt@gmail.com with any questions regarding product testing or specific articles.

Read More About Garden Gate Review Team Here
Pool & Pond

Related Posts

How To Shock a Pool: A Guide for Beginners Pool Maintenance Basics: How To Achieve Optimal Pool Alkalinity WYBOT Cordless Pool Vacuum Review
2143 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
1-800-341-4769
  • Subscription Questions
  • Submit A Tip Or Question
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Reviews
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc.© 2025 Garden Gate Magazine All rights reserved.