As the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures start to drop, it’s time to prepare your above ground pool for winter. To avoid costly damage to your pool and equipment, proper winterization is essential.
One crucial step in this process is draining the pool to prevent freezing and cracking of both the liner and walls. But how much water should you remove from your pool?
The answer varies depending on several factors, including the climate in your area and the type of cover you plan to use. Draining your pool too low can cause structural damage, while leaving too much water can lead to chemical imbalances and algae growth.
“A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.” -Khalil Gibran
By understanding the appropriate level to drain your above ground pool, you’ll ensure a smooth opening next summer, without any unpleasant surprises such as leaks or rusted components.
In this article, we’ll provide you with valuable insights into how far to drain above ground pools for winter. We’ll also include guidance on other necessary winterization steps to keep your investment protected throughout the off-season.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need to Drain Your Above Ground Pool for Winter?
Prevent Damage from Freezing Temperatures
If you live in an area with cold winters, it is important to drain your above ground pool before temperatures drop below freezing. When water freezes, it expands and can cause serious damage to your pool’s walls, liner, pipes, and pump system. Even a small amount of water left in the system can cause costly repairs come springtime.
The general rule of thumb is to completely drain your above ground pool and blow out any remaining water with either a shop vac or compressor. If you are unable to fully drain or remove all water, adding antifreeze to your pool lines can also help prevent any ice formation that could lead to damage.
Maintain Pool Equipment
Draining your above ground pool for winter not only protects against potential damage caused by freezing temperatures but also allows for proper maintenance of your pool equipment.
When draining, be sure to flush your pool’s filter and pump system thoroughly to remove debris and buildup that may have accumulated over the summer months. This will promote better water circulation when you reopen your pool next season.
Save Money on Repairs
As mentioned before, draining your above ground pool before winter helps protect against damage caused by ice formation, which can save you money on costly repairs come springtime. However, there are additional ways draining your pool can save you money in the long run.
By properly maintaining your pool equipment during the off-season, you can extend the life span of expensive components such as pumps and filters. Additionally, removing water from your pool and equipment reduces the risk of mold or bacterial growth, reducing the need for chemical treatments and cleanings later on.
Ensure a Clean Pool for Next Season
Lastly, draining your above ground pool before winter helps ensure that your pool will be clean and ready to use when the warmer weather returns.
Dirt, leaves, and other debris can accumulate at the bottom of an unused pool during the off-season. Draining removes these impurities and prevents them from staining or damaging the pool’s lining. With proper cleansing and maintenance prior to storing your pool away, you can rest easy knowing it will be fresh and pristine come next summer.
“Taking care of my above ground pool has helped me save so much money on repairs over the years. Proper maintenance and winterization are key!” -Karen T.
Draining your above ground pool completely is crucial in order to avoid damages caused by freezing temperatures, maintain equipment, save money on repairs, and ensure a clean and functional pool for the following season. By following these tips and properly winterizing your pool, you’ll be sure to enjoy summers full of backyard fun and relaxation for years to come.
What Happens If You Don’t Drain Your Above Ground Pool for Winter?
If you own an above ground pool, it’s understandable that you’d want to maximize your investment by using it as long as possible. However, when winter arrives, it is crucial to prepare your pool properly for the harsh weather. One essential task is draining your above ground pool to avoid potential damage and costly repairs. This article examines what can happen if you don’t drain your above ground pool for winter.
Cracks in the Pool Walls
In many regions of the US, temperatures fall below freezing during the winter season. When water freezes, it expands. Ignoring this fact puts your pool at great risk for cracks in its walls due to the expansion of water in the pool that hasn’t been completely drained. A few small cracks in the pool might seem minimal but pose a severe risk of enlarging over time and compromising the integrity of the entire structure. As such, pool owners must take care to drain all standing water, including that remaining between the liner and the wall, to prevent cracking or any other structural damage.
Damage to the Pool Liner
The pool liner is one of the most vulnerable parts of the above-ground swimming pools, largely because it sits close to the metal wall. Many people believe that leaving some water in their pool can help protect the liner – however, this could not be further from the truth. In reality, the trapped water can freeze and expand causing significant stress on the vinyl material of the liner, leading to tears, rips, wrinkles, or even complete failure. Preventative measures include totally emptying the pool, blowing out excess water from pipes and equipment with compressed air, and ensuring proper winter covers are secure in place.
Broken Pool Equipment
If your pool equipment doesn’t dry properly, there is a risk that the metals will rust. Rust can lead to severe damage and prevent the equipment from functioning correctly. Specifically, areas prone to accidents include pumps, filters and heaters where condensation or water trapped inside when temperatures drop to below freezing point. Draining also prevents clogs caused by debris frozen in place and is an opportunity to take extra time with additional tasks such as lubrication of moving parts before storage.
“The process of winterizing is critical to ensure the longevity of their equipment and money. Properly stored equipment does not just protect them from bitter winters but can save hundreds of dollars in replacement costs over the long run.” -Josh Arnold
Above ground pools offer excellent opportunities for recreation, relaxation and creating memories during summer months. However, safeguarding this investment requires equal responsibility and attention to detail during winterization processes. Forgetting to drain your above-ground pool increases its susceptibility to costly repairs or even replacements, which defeats the purpose of having one at home in the first place. Once you know how far to drain above ground pool for winter season, always follow the correct procedures and contact experts if need be. With careful handling, your pool can last many years without any structural defects, damages or mechanical failures – allowing you to continue enjoying this valuable asset every summer!
How Much Water Should You Drain from Your Above Ground Pool for Winter?
As winter approaches, it is important to prepare your above ground pool so that it doesn’t get damaged by frost or ice. One of the critical steps in this process is knowing how much water to drain from the pool.
Drain Below the Skimmer
The most common advice you will receive about draining your above ground pool is to lower the water level below the skimmer. The skimmer is the part of your pool where water enters and exits the filtration system. If you don’t drain below the skimmer, then any water left inside could potentially freeze and cause irreversible damage to both the skimmer and the plumbing.
Drain Below the Return Jet
In addition to draining below the skimmer, many experts also recommend lowering the water level so that it sits below the return jet. This gives enough space for water to expand without risk of damaging the metal fittings around the hole where the return line comes back into the pool.
Leave Enough Water to Keep the Cover in Place
While getting rid of all the water might seem like a good idea, when it comes to above ground pools, this isn’t always practical. You should leave enough water in the pool to balance the weight of the pool cover. Depending on the type of cover you have, between 12-18 inches of water can usually suffice. This helps prevent any damage caused by heavy snow piling up on top of the cover itself, which would put extra strain on the braces and frame of the pool.
Consider the Climate and Pool Material
Your specific climate and pool material are two more factors to take into account. Consider the temperature patterns in your location. Is it consistently below freezing during the winter months? Then you will need to empty more water from your above ground pool. Alternatively, if the temperatures only reach near-freezing a handful of times during the colder season, then leaving some extra water in the pool may not be as big of an issue.
The type of material used for your pool liner also affects how much water you should drain out. If you have a vinyl liner or thin wall pool, it is recommended that you lower the water level considerably, at least 3-6 inches below the skimmer opening. Concrete and metal pools, however, generally need less than this.
“The best thing you can do is talk to a professional about your specific pool type, ecology and weather conditions so they can guide you through the exact requirements needed,” says Jason McCoy, president of Pool Concepts Unlimited.
When it comes to draining above ground pools before winter, draining below both the skimmer and return jet line is necessary to protect the pool’s plumbing system. Leave enough water to balance the weight of the cover while adjusting the drainage amount depending on location climate and pool material. By taking these steps, you’ll prepare your pool properly for winter and ensure a smooth transition back into swim season come spring.
What Are the Steps to Drain Your Above Ground Pool for Winter?
Turn off the Pool Pump
The first step in draining your above ground pool is to make sure that the pump is turned off. This will prevent any additional water from entering the pool while you are trying to drain it.
To turn off the pool pump, switch it off using the circuit breaker or timer located near the pump. You should also unplug any electric-powered accessories like heaters, pumps, and filters before turning off the main power source.
Drain the Water
Once the pump is turned off, it’s time to start draining the water from the pool. You can do this by attaching a garden hose to the drainage spout at the bottom of the pool or using a submersible pump.
If you are using a garden hose, make sure that it has been completely drained of air before inserting it into the drainage spout. To do this, fill the hose with water, hold one end over the edge of the pool, and then lower the other end down to the drainage spout until all the air escapes.
With the hose firmly attached and the flow direction set for drainer mode, begin draining out the water by opening up the drainage valve. The process may take several hours depending upon the size of the swimming pool. Be sure to frequently check on the draining process during its cycle, making sure that the hose hasn’t become detached from the spout or signaled overflow around the area being used to dispose of the water.
It’s important to determine how far you need to drain the water out so that you don’t under or overdo the level change. In warmer regions where there are fewer freezing temperatures than colder areas, it makes sense to leave about 6 inches below the skimmer mouth to prevent freezing and cracking due to contraction and expansion. In other subtropical regions, you can follow a foot or two lower than the water level during the normal bathing months since there are less sub zero-degree temperatures experienced.
Be sure to also remove any additional water like rainwater from on top of the winter pool cover before opening it up in the spring season.
“The best way to protect your pool from winter damage caused by freezing is to drain the water until the remaining amount leaves a small space at the bottom of your skimmer with no less than six (6) inches left below the skimmer as settling will occur.”Poolproducts.com
Can You Cover Your Above Ground Pool Without Draining It for Winter?
If you live in an area with freezing winter temperatures, you know that preparing your above ground pool for the off-season is important. While draining your pool completely may seem like a good idea, it can damage your liner or wreak havoc on your plumbing if not done correctly. The good news is that covering your above ground pool without draining it for winter is possible using these two methods:
Use a Safety Cover
A safety cover is a sturdy and strong option for covering your above ground pool during the winter months. These covers are made of thick fabric or mesh, and they do an excellent job of protecting your pool from debris and preventing accidents. They can support hundreds of pounds, so they won’t collapse under the weight of snow or ice.
To use a safety cover, first, remove any leaves or debris from your pool water’s surface, as these things can speed up algae growth and stain your pool walls. Next, install the anchors around your pool’s perimeter where the cover will be attached. Finally, lay the safety cover over your pool’s top and tighten it down until it’s taut. A well-installed safety cover should keep out all debris throughout the winter, making spring opening much less of a hassle.
Use an Air Pillow
An air pillow is easily one of the most effective ways to protect your above-ground pool from extreme winter weather, especially in areas where the temperature regularly drops below freezing. This method involves inflating a heavy-duty vinyl pillow to float inside your pool’s center to prevent ice formation. An air pillow helps push sheets of ice towards the sides of the pool instead of settling directly atop them, reducing damage risks.
To use an air pillow, first, inflate it to a height of at least six inches but no more than 18 depending on the size of your pool. Place it in the center of the pool area, where an ice sheet is most likely to form throughout the winter months. Next, secure the pillow to the sides with rope or use a cover that comes with an air pillow compartment so it slides in easily.
By installing a safety cover and/or inflating an air pillow, you can keep your above ground pool relatively protected through even the harshest winter conditions without having to drain it completely. Remember, however, to keep monitoring chemical levels regularly and remove any large debris caught in your pool’s skimmer box after heavy snow falls.
“A properly installed winter pool cover is an effective way to protect your swimming pool from harsh weather during the off-season.” -Swim University
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should you drain from an above ground pool for winter?
You should drain your above ground pool to just below the skimmer inlet, which is typically around 4-6 inches below the normal water level. This will allow for expansion of any ice that forms in the pool without causing damage.
What is the optimal water level for an above ground pool during winter?
The optimal water level for an above ground pool during winter is just below the skimmer inlet, which is typically around 4-6 inches below the normal water level. This will allow for expansion of any ice that forms in the pool without causing damage.
What are the risks of not draining an above ground pool enough for winter?
If you don’t drain your above ground pool enough for winter, the water may freeze and cause damage to the pool walls and liner. Additionally, the weight of the ice can cause the pool to collapse or tilt, potentially causing injury or property damage.
Can draining an above ground pool too much for winter cause damage?
Draining an above ground pool too much for winter can cause damage if any ice that forms in the pool is not able to expand without causing stress on the pool walls. It is important to drain the pool to just below the skimmer inlet, which is typically around 4-6 inches below the normal water level.
How do you determine the appropriate amount of water to drain from an above ground pool for winter?
You can determine the appropriate amount of water to drain from your above ground pool for winter by locating the skimmer inlet and draining the water level to just below it. This is typically around 4-6 inches below the normal water level and will allow for expansion of any ice that forms in the pool without causing damage.
When is the best time to drain an above ground pool for winter?
The best time to drain your above ground pool for winter is when the temperature is consistently below freezing and you are no longer using the pool. This will prevent any water from freezing and causing damage to the pool walls or liner.