If you have a portable pool, such as an Intex® pool, then taking it up and down every year can be a lot of work. If you live in an area where temperatures don’t drop under 41°F in the winter, then you may be able to winterize your pool like you would an above ground pool.
However, since smaller pools are more susceptible to ice damage, if the weather is likely to drop below this during winter, you should break down and store your pool to prolong its lifespan.
The supplies that you need to winterize your pool will vary depending on the climate you live in and the exact pool that you own, but this is a general list that will cover most areas and pools.
Debris can easily clog your pipes, so thoroughly clean your water and vacuum your pool to remove any leaves, dirt, and other debris before draining. You should also check any local ordinances regarding draining your pool after it’s been treated with chemicals.
Disconnect your pool from all power sources, and remove any attached accessories like a ladder or skimmer. Clean and dry all of the parts before storing them in a clean, dry area over the winter. If your strainer grid (the part that’s screwed in and connects your pool to your filter) is exceptionally dirty, then remove it and replace it next spring.
Whether you have an inflatable or a metal frame, the same instructions apply to draining your pool. Check the drain plug inside the pool, and ensure it’s securely in place. Find the drain connector that came with your pool, and attach the female end of your garden hose to the thin end of the drain connector.
Once your hose is securely hooked up, point the other end away from your house and any other structures. This is because emptying water near the foundations of a building can cause severe structural damage.
Do one last check to make sure that your hose is in the proper draining position before removing the cap from the drain valve and pushing the drain connector into it. This will disrupt the inner drain plug, causing water to flow out of your pool. Tighten the connection between the connector and valve to ensure it remains secure while draining.
Draining your pool may take some time, so be sure to check in on the progress occasionally throughout the process. Ensure the connector remains tightly connected and that the hose is still directed away from any buildings.
But you don’t have to wait for the pool to drain! Now is a great time to start to clean the pool walls with an all-purpose cleaner and a soft cloth.
The water will eventually reach a level at which it’s unable to drain any further. Gently lift the side of the pool away from the drain to help drain the last bits of water until your pool is empty.
Remove the drain connector and your garden hose, and then replace the inside drain plug and outside drain valve cap. This way, they get folded up along with the rest of the pool, and you won’t lose them over the winter.
Wipe down the inside of your pool with a soft cloth, warm water, and an all-purpose cleaner. Thoroughly rinse your pool, and be sure to drain any excess water.
You then want to let the liner air dry completely. Once all the water has evaporated, sprinkle a little talcum powder or cornstarch over it to absorb any remaining moisture and prevent sticking.
If your model has a frame, reverse the assembly instructions in your owner's manual to take it down. Clean and dry the pieces before you store them in a clean, dry location over winter.
This process is like folding up a fitted sheet. To bring the sides of the circle in, keep folding it in on itself. Your owner’s manual might have specific instructions. It doesn’t need to be perfect (as long as your liner is completely dry), but the neater you fold it, the less space it will take up, and you may be able to store it in its original packaging.
Any water that remains in your filter or pump can lead to mold and bacterial growth over the winter. Make sure that all of the water is drained out of your accessories, clean them with a multi-purpose cleaner, let them air dry, and then store them in a clean, dry area over the winter.
It’s often not worth the effort to clean and reuse small pool filter cartridges, so now is a good time to replace them with a new cartridge. If it only needs a light clean, you can use a filter cleaner. However, if cleaning becomes difficult, it’s due for a replacement. If you have a sand filter, then use a sand filter cleaner.
Keep all the parts of your pool indoors in a dry area that isn’t exposed to any freezing temperatures. Keep all your attachments together in the same place, so you’re not stuck looking for them next season.
