Keeping your pool in good shape through the colder months takes effort, but winterizing it properly can prevent costly damage and make your spring pool opening much smoother (and cheaper). Let’s walk through what to do and how much you can really save by doing it right.
Why Winterizing Matters
- Winterizing is an upfront investment that pays off. The average cost is $200–$300 for an in-ground pool and $150–$200 for above-ground (Fixr). Skipping it can lead to frozen pipes, cracked filters, algae, or even structural damage, with repairs running into the thousands of dollars.
- Proper winterization also lowers spring startup costs. Pools that are closed correctly need far fewer chemicals and less cleaning when reopened. In one case study, homeowners who consistently winterized and used a solid cover saved about 20% on maintenance costs over time (AQUA Magazine).
When to Winterize
Begin winterization once nighttime temperatures consistently drop to around 65°F (18°C), but before freezing conditions set in (Arm & Hammer). If you close too early, algae and organic debris can keep growing under the cover. If you wait too long, freezing temperatures can damage plumbing and equipment. The sweet spot is after swim season ends, but while temperatures are still above freezing.
What Supplies You’ll Need
Getting your pool ready for winter requires a few key supplies, but don’t feel overwhelmed—many of these are items you likely already use during the warmer season.
- Pool chemicals: Shock, algaecide, and stain/scale preventers to balance the water before closing. Using these in the summer helps prevent algae blooms and scale buildup, saving money on chemicals when you reopen in the spring.
- Winter cover: Choose between solid or mesh, depending on your climate and how much debris your pool typically collects. A good cover prevents contamination and protects your liner.
- Winterizing plugs/expansion plugs: Small rubber or plastic stoppers that fit into your pool’s return lines, skimmers, or other openings. They seal off the plumbing so water can’t get in, freeze, and cause cracks or bursts. Essential for protecting pipes during cold weather.
- Tools: Skimmer net, brush, and vacuum are the same ones you use all season long. You’ll just add a blower or air compressor for pushing water out of the lines.
- Pool accessories: Ladders, lights, rails, toys, and filters may need to be removed and stored indoors to extend their lifespan.
👉 Pro tip: Since many of these supplies are part of your regular pool maintenance, winterizing is less about a long shopping list and more about reusing what you have, plus a few seasonal tools.
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Step-by-Step Winterization Guide
Here are the typical steps to winterize a pool correctly (for both above-ground and in-ground, with some variation based on your pool’s features):
- Clean the pool thoroughly
- Skim leaves, brush walls and surfaces, vacuum the bottom. Clean filters if possible. Removing organic debris reduces algae growth and staining.
- Balance water chemistry
- Test and adjust pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, etc. Ideal targets might be: pH 7.2-7.6; alkalinity 80-120 ppm; calcium hardness appropriate for your pool type. Add shock, algaecide and any stain or scale treatments.
- Lower the water level
- Lower the water enough to prevent damage from freezing—how far depends on the pool cover type. Also remove or plug skimmer lines.
- Drain and protect or store equipment
- Turn off pumps, heaters, and filters; drain residual water from plumbing lines, filter casings, and accessories. Lubricate seals and o-rings. Store removable parts indoors if possible.
- Install the cover and secure
- Fit the winter cover securely, anchor it properly, and make sure water or snow build‐up will not damage the cover or pool walls.
- Check periodically over winter
- Even with the cover in place, check regularly for damage. Remove leaves and debris that build up, and make sure the cover stays taut and secure. If pests or animals disturb the cover, by chewing, clawing, or weighing it down, address it quickly to avoid tears or sagging.
Cost vs Benefit: What You Save
Tips to Save Time & Money
- Do what you can yourself—skimming, brushing, testing water chemistry—and leave complex tasks (blowing lines, complicated covers) to professionals.
- Keep documentation: log dates, chemical treatments, and invoices in HouseFacts. Having digital records helps with resale, insurance claims, or troubleshooting next season.
- Use a durable cover; a quality cover protects better and lasts longer, reducing replacement frequency. Store your purchase receipt and warranty in HouseFacts so it’s easy to find if you need a replacement.
Conclusion
Winterizing your pool isn’t an optional chore, it’s essential home care that protects your investment. A properly winterized pool:
- Avoids damage from freezing
- Requires fewer expensive spring repairs
- Needs less chemical treatment and cleaning after winter
By following the right steps now and investing $200–$300, you can save hundreds or even thousands in the long run.
And with HouseFacts, you don’t have to track it all manually; the platform reminds you of seasonal maintenance, organizes receipts and warranties, and keeps all your home records in one place so you’re ready for whatever the colder months bring.
