Pool Winter Care

At The Pool Place, we carry everything you need to properly shut down your pool and protect it through the winter season. Our pool winter care products and supplies help make closing your pool easier, safer, and more effective.

We carry many sizes of winter pool covers for above ground and inground pools. Call or stop by The Pool Place to pick up the right pool cover and winterizing supplies for your pool.

Proper Pool Winter Care Instructions

The following instructions are for a Pool Place Sharkline above ground pool with a Hayward EC50 diatomaceous earth filter and Prevail chlorinator system. For instructions tailored to your specific pool, stop by one of our locations and speak with a pool specialist.

Pool Winterizing Steps

Step 1: Vacuum the pool completely to remove all dirt and debris.

Step 2: Follow the directions in your Pool Place winterizing chemical kit. If you are unsure which kit to use, let one of our specialists know your pool size and they will provide the appropriate kit. Using the correct winterizing chemicals is important for an easier spring pool opening. It is much cheaper and easier to winterize your pool water properly than to rebalance unwinterized water in the spring.

Step 3: Shut off your filter.

Step 4: Drain the water down to the return line.

Step 5: Remove the filter, sanitizer, hoses, in-wall skimmer basket, and any ladders or stairs from the pool.

Step 6: Open the Prevail unit and remove the cartridge. If there is any chlorine left, the cartridge can be sealed in a plastic bag for next season. Rinse the Prevail unit thoroughly.

Step 7: Drain the filter and take it apart by removing the bolt from the band clamp. Be sure to mark the top and bottom of the filter for easier reassembly. Lay the filter with the fingers on its side and wash with a strong stream of water from a garden hose. Wash until each finger is white again, then wash out the inside of the tank. Put the filter back together and tighten the bolt in the band clamp until it is snug. It does not need to be very tight. Store the filter and pump somewhere that does not drop below freezing.

Step 8: Install the skimmer plate over the skimmer opening in the pool. This helps stop ice from entering the skimmer, which can damage both the skimmer and the pool wall.

Step 9: Remove the eyeball fitting from the return and install a plug. This also helps protect the pool wall.

Step 10: Install your air pillows, also called ice equalizers. Air pillows are not used only to hold up the cover. When pool water freezes, the ice expands. With an air pillow, the ice expands and pushes harmlessly on the pillow. Without a pillow, the ice can push outward on your pool, potentially splitting the wall and damaging the pool.

Step 11: Fasten the winter pool cover to the pool:

A. Pull the cover across the pool
B. Weave a cable through the grommets
C. Use a cable winch to pull the cable tight under the top rails
D. Optional: Use 1 to 2 cover clips between each upright to help prevent the cover from lifting
E. Optional: Wrap the edges with Winter Cover Seal to further help prevent the cover from lifting

Winter Cover Care Tips

The majority of rainwater should be pumped off the cover in the fall and spring. Leaving about 1 inch of water on the cover is ideal. This small amount of water helps keep the cover from blowing around and is not enough weight to cause damage.

Once the water starts to freeze, do not touch the pool until it completely thaws. The edges of the ice can be sharp and may slice your liner if disturbed. Do not worry about ice and snow building up on top of the pool because the water directly below the cover is also frozen and will support the weight.

For help choosing the right winter pool cover, winterizing chemical kit, or pool closing supplies, visit The Pool Place and speak with a pool specialist.