Above-Ground Pool Winterizing: What to Remove, What to Leave, and What to Protect
Winterizing an above-ground pool in Ontario means preparing the entire system for freezing temperatures—not simply covering the pool. Some equipment should be removed, some components need to be drained and protected, and the pool itself needs to be prepared for months of cold weather.
Knowing what to remove, what to leave in place and what needs protection can make the closing process much easier.
What Should You Remove?
The exact equipment depends on your pool setup, but many above-ground pools have several components that should be disconnected or removed before winter.
Pool Accessories
Remove items such as:
- Ladders
- Floating equipment
- Automatic cleaners
- Skimmer baskets
- Solar covers
- Thermometers
- Toys
- Cleaning equipment
Clean and dry these items before storing them in a protected location.
Leaving equipment outside all winter exposes it to unnecessary freezing and weather damage.
What About the Pump?
Your pool pump should be properly winterized according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Water should not be left inside equipment where freezing can cause damage.
Disconnect the pump and drain it as required. Store removable equipment somewhere dry and protected from freezing temperatures when the manufacturer's instructions call for indoor storage.
The correct procedure depends on the specific pump and plumbing configuration, so don't assume every system is winterized exactly the same way.
What About the Filter?
Your filter also needs to be prepared for winter.
For a sand filter, the filter tank and associated plumbing need to be winterized according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The filter should not be left with water trapped in areas where freezing can cause damage.
If you have a cartridge or other type of filter, follow the manufacturer's winterizing procedure.
Protect the Plumbing
One of the most important parts of winterizing is removing or managing water in the plumbing system.
Water expands when it freezes.
If water becomes trapped in plumbing or equipment, the resulting expansion can damage components.
Depending on your system, winterizing may involve:
- Disconnecting hoses
- Draining plumbing
- Blowing water from lines
- Installing winterizing plugs
- Removing water from equipment
The exact method depends on your pool and equipment.
What Should Stay in the Pool?
The pool itself remains filled during normal above-ground pool winterization.
Do not assume that completely draining an above-ground pool is the correct way to winterize it.
Above-ground pools rely on the water inside the pool to provide support to the pool structure and liner. Removing all the water can create its own problems.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific pool.
Don't Forget the Liner
The liner is one of the most important components to protect during the winter.
Before closing, inspect it for damage and make sure it is properly positioned.
Avoid leaving sharp objects, toys or equipment in the pool that could damage the liner.
If you notice a significant problem with the liner at the end of the season, deal with it before closing rather than assuming it will somehow correct itself over the winter.
Add the Correct Closing Chemicals
Once the pool has been cleaned and the water has been properly balanced, add your winterizing chemicals according to the product instructions.
Different pool systems can require different products.
For example, a chlorine pool may use a chlorine-based shock and algaecide, while a saltwater or non-chlorine system may use a different closing treatment.
Chemical dosage should always be based on the product label and the actual volume of water in the pool.
If you need help picking a closing kit, check out our blog!
Install an Air Pillow Where Appropriate
An air pillow is commonly used with above-ground winter covers.
The pillow sits beneath the winter cover and creates a raised area in the centre of the pool.
This can help reduce the pressure associated with ice expansion and can also help prevent the winter cover from sitting completely flat across the water.
PTL Direct offers air pillows in several sizes, including:
Choose a size appropriate for your pool and follow the installation instructions.
Secure the Winter Cover
Once everything else is prepared, install the winter cover.
Make sure it is properly positioned and secured.
An above-ground winter cover needs to be able to withstand the conditions it will encounter over the winter, including wind, snow and ice.
Inspect the cover before installation and replace it if the material has deteriorated or the cover is damaged.
What Should You Store Indoors?
Anything that can be removed from the pool area and is not designed to remain outside through an Ontario winter should be cleaned, dried and stored in a protected location.
This can include:
- Ladders
- Pool cleaners
- Vacuum equipment
- Poles
- Skimmer accessories
- Solar covers
- Chemical feeders where applicable
Organizing everything in the fall also makes spring opening much easier.
A Proper Winterization Protects Your Investment
An above-ground pool represents a significant investment. Proper winterization helps protect the liner, equipment, plumbing and pool structure throughout the winter.
The key is not to treat closing as one simple step.
Clean the pool. Balance the water. Add the appropriate chemicals. Winterize the equipment and plumbing. Protect the liner. Install the air pillow where appropriate. Secure the winter cover.
