Whether you have a permanent in ground or above ground swimming pool there are steps you need to take to preserve it over winter.
The best time to perform this maintenance is early Fall before the leaves begin to fill your pool. This will reduce the amount of cleaning you need to perform but it will also reduce the amount of mold that will transfer into your pool from wilting leaves.
Final Cleaning
As you do throughout the season you should perform a final cleaning of your pool.
Remove all debris and pay close attention to cleaning your jets and filter inlets.
Apply a shock treatment with algaecide and allow it to flow through your pump for an extended period of time.
While cleaning you should check for any structural problems including lifting tiles, loose railings around your pool or just anything that needs to be taken care of.
You should also clean the outside of the pool if this is something you haven’t done that much all season.
Lower the level of the water
Using a Utility Pump you want to lower the level of water in the pool below your jets and intake.
Lowering your water level will allow you to drain your pump and supply lines.
If you have a tile boarder around the top edge of the pool then you should lower the water below that level.
Read your manufacturers instructions or consult with a pool service company if you live in an area that will see extensive amount of freezing temperatures.
Drain and Winterize your Pump
If you live in an area that will see freezing temperatures then you must drain and winterize your pump and supply lines.
If you can move your pump inside to a heated area that would be the best situation but since most of us can not then you should winterize your pump by running antifreeze through the pump system to remove the water and then draining the antifreeze and sealing the system.
No matter how hard you try a small amount of liquid is likely to remain in the pump.
Even a small amount of water can cause damage when it freezes and expands. Antifreeze will give you approximately 30F extra protection. Just remember to flush your lines the next spring.
Covering The Pool
It is important that you use a safe pool cover for extended protection over the winter months.
Remember that you may travel during the winter months and you want a cover that is safety rated.