How to Prep Your Above Ground Pool for Winter

Winter comes with so many joyous occasions! Holidays, time spent with family, and so many other fun adventures are right around the corner. Unfortunately, it also means pool season has officially come to its end. Before the weather gets chilly and your activities take over the weekend calendar, you’ll want to prep your above-ground pool for winter with these super simple steps. This ensures that everything will be ready to go at the first hint of summer next year!

Chemistry

By now, you’re a regular pool chemical connoisseur. Before you shut down your aquatic paradise, make sure your water is balanced. This prevents the pain of finding corrosion or scale buildup when you open back up. Here’s a quick refresher for perfectly balanced water:

• pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6
• Alkalinity should read 80 – 120 ppm
• Calcium hardness should be kept between 175 and 250 ppm
• Chlorine needs to be 1 to 3 ppm

Accessories

Take down all deck and pool accessories such as ladders, steps, slides, or any other equipment, and store them somewhere safe out of the elements to prevent damage like cracks or warping.

Cleaning

Just like you spring clean your home, you’ll want to clean your pool before winter. Brush and vacuum the sides and floor of your above-ground swimming pool. Dirt and debris that are left to sit can cause staining to your lining.

Winterize

Add your winterizing chemicals to keep your water healthy throughout the rest of the year. Bonnie & Clyde’s has the perfect selection of high-quality chemicals for just such occasions.

Finishing Touches

These final chores on your to-do list are some of the most important:

• Deep clean your filter, pump, and skimmer.
• Remove any unused chlorine from the chlorinator.
• Lower the water level to below your returns and skimmer. (NEVER completely drain your pool — it can collapse.)
• Remove drain plugs from the pump and filter tank.
• Follow any equipment-specific instructions from the manufacturer.
• Cover your pool and pump with a high-quality, durable pool cover.

We know you’re itching to jump back in your swimming pool, and taking the proper steps to prep your above ground pool for winter is the key for a spectacular future swim season. Don’t have a swimming pool yet? Call Bonnie & Clyde’s! We’ve got the perfect pool for the whole family! Get started today, and make next summer the best yet!