how do you get a pool ready for winter it is above ground?

Answer 1

Balance the pool water 1 week prior to closing. Vac the pool.
Drain the water to just below the return (it's lower than the skimmer usually). Blow out all lines and antifreeze them, using plumber's or RV antifreeze. Do NOT use automotive antifreeze. Put your T taped winterizing plug in return (eyeball removed) and in skimmer, remove drain plug from filter, disconnect the pump and drain it ( take it inside out of the weather, AG pool pumps tend to seize over winter). You can leave your filter outside, now that you've removed the bottom drain plug if it's a sand filter. Additionally, if it a sand filter, move the handle to mid way, between any position( eg drain, filter, rinse etc.) This will keep the keystem gasket from tearing in spring. If it's a cartridge filter, you may as well take it in too after draining it. Put in your winterizing kit (most pool stores sell this chemical kit) and use 2 of the empty bottles to put in the skimmer (keeps any water that accumulates in there from breaking the skimmer upon freeze) and cover the pool. If you desire, you can purchase a "pool pillow" that fits under the cover and provides some ability to take ice expansion that would otherwise go to the walls, but it's really not needed and is really an "owner pacifier" than anything else. Do NOT put any logs in there. I've patched a lot of holes from people who've done this.
If that water was balanced and pool clean, when you put it to bed and the cover stays on, you'll have exactly the same conditions when you open it. Garanteed.

Answer 2

In Missouri, I used to drain the pool to below the skimmer intake, then took the filter assembly inside. The pool will flex with the water expansion caused by freezing, but the filter and the lines will break if frozen. A cover works well if you can get it to stay. Otherwise, you can clean out whatever gets into it over the winter, when you do your spring startup.

Answer 3

if you live in an area where it freezes,you want to blow out the lines and add a pool line antifreeze.lower the water level just to the bottom of the skimmer plate.add a quality winter shock and algeacide ,cover and wait paitently till spring.good luck

Answer 4

We drain ours and cover it with the pool cover. I think it is a waste of money and time to continue to put chems in all winter.

Answer 5

If you are not going to drain it, place several "logs" in the water. It will prevent excessive expansion and damage your pool. Then cover it.