How to WINTERIZE An Above Ground POOL

[@SwimUniversity]

The Pool Care Cheat Sheet (Free): swimu.com/cheatsheet The Pool Care Handbook: swimu.com/book The Pool Care Video Course: swimu.com/poolcourse

[@kylestanley4989]

That's funny

[@hen3916]

I have subscribed and paid for further information. Money and time well spent! Swim University has been a lifeline for me as a first time AGP owner. No one including the vendor/store have been as clear and concise as you. Thank you!

[@anthonylee6322]

What about the fish I keep in my pool. Bass, pike. Trout, minnows, catfish and bream ?

[@funnyfarmdad9997]

THANK YOU!! I bought a used above ground pool two years ago and it did not come with a skimmer cover but it did come with a Gizmo. I didn’t drain it at all last year and I guess we got lucky since all I used was the Gizmo. I also didn’t drain all the hoses and we did have a connector freeze and crack. Not making that mistake again.

[@Biohazarus]

Details you may have forgotten (or skim across): for those with a center drain, we add anti-freeze in the line. I lower my pool 1-1/2" under the skimmer, making sure I am lower then the "T" junction between drain and skimmer, under the skimmer. So when melting or raining the water should not over flow out on that opening. I also put 3/4 "Pre-Caulking filler" in the drain portion. And finally, I use a mesh to cover my pool and hold all debris "out"

[@frankstar3417]

Our railings rusted on our 25 year old pool. I took them off sanded them down with Harbor Freight grinder (a sand paper disk) primed and painted with Rustoleum oil base paint. Q1 Does having the cover on during winter promote rust? My skimmer cover leaks a little so I don’t use a gizmo because I don’t want ice build up and a cracked skimmer. I may put some GE silicone on the skimmer cover prior to snapping it on. Like I said you’re great!!!! Thank you Mr Sunshine.

[@kayblackwood9465]

.

[@mtraven23]

In what I thought was a clever move, one year I wrapped the edge of the pool & cover with plastic wrap...to secure it better...That caused all my rails to rust in 1 winter. So, in myexpierence, the cover alone may promote a tiny bit of rusting, but as long its secured with the cable and/or clips (not plastic wrap), you should be ok.

[@kfoster1514]

We're dropping our above ground pool into the ground. Does the same winterization "rules" apply once the pool is dropped in ground? Or should we follow in ground pool winterization?

[@maryjohnson1051]

You are my go to ever since I’ve had my above ground pool installed. Thank you for all the great information!!! ❤ I live outside Nashville TN and was told I don’t need to use pillows- what are your thoughts on this?

[@mosesbarron4200]

My Bestway above ground pool is a pain to disassemble and stuff in the shed, but the manufacturer recommends storage for winter. Perhaps that's just because they vinyl covers are absolute garbage, but I'll go with their recommendations. This is an informative video, but checking your owners manual is a good idea.

[@adrianacastro6024]

Thank you so much for all the information. I have learned so much and you definitely make it easy to lear God bless you and I will keep watching your videos

[@mikeshell4959]

QUESTION: If not lowering the water level and using a skimmer cover instead, don't you also need to cover/protect the return water jet opening as well to keep that from cracking?

[@jodeci888]

What do you recommend for an aboveground pool with PVC?

[@d0ubletap]

so im packing down my above ground pool for the winter. What do i do with my sand filter?

[@AquanutAcademy]

Good info. We like to hold off until 55 before closing. However a lot of people in Greenville SC keep there pools running year round. I keep my intex running even though the top 2" does freeze in the coldest part of the winter.

[@charissez48]

How do you get the pool ladder out, or can you keep it in? I live in Chicago, IL.

[@mattcutia5846]

I have a semi-above ground pool with a wrap around deck. I am installing a winter safety cover that will be attached to the deck. Should I have an air pillow? I live in upstate NY with harsh winters. I wasnt sure how the safety cover will be pulled taught if there is an air pillow. It is a mesh cover.

[@maxalmontephotography3898]

Great video! Really needed this as the time to close my first AGP is closing in. My question that keeps confusing me is Adding pool antifreeze! Do you really have to do this step since you didn’t mention it?

[@ericshapiro7323]

I lowered the water level 6” below the skimmer. Not using a skimmer cover. I have valves on my skimmer basket and inlet nozzle. Should I close them or leave open half way? Should I cover the skimmer housing with something? I’m in MA.

[@SwimUniversity]

You should blow the water from the pipes and plug them up

[@AJ-hl9ig]

So here is my question, yes I have all the chemicals ready to winterize. My pool is balanced, do you add all the chemicals at the same time? Or do you add them separately letting it pump thru 1 turn for each chemical?

[@scottcowan8350]

What advice do you have when the skimmer cover doesn’t go on the existing skimmer? The one we bought has a lip like Tupperware. Doesn’t stay on existing. Tried replacing old skimmer but screws are on too tight and in awkward position. From my present perspective, I can’t use a skimmer cover. Thoughts? Advice?

[@Roxyismyfavoritedog]

I want to see a video on actually closing the plugs, valves, outlet, inlet when not draining my intext 49 inch graphite pool. I don't need to hear about the chemicals or the pillow (done and have). I need to SEE how the valves and outlets are actually covered and disconnected. No video shows this. Like my aerator has the small twisting circle on the inside of the pool. I am not removing it for the winter so how to cover it??? its not a plug type. aggggh the frustration to find a simple video on the most important part on how to close the pool for winter and not let the water drain out. If anyone finds a video please link and than you in advance!

[@SwimUniversity]

We’re currently working on this. We’re shooting footage right now.

[@Roxyismyfavoritedog]

@@SwimUniversity awesome!! 👏

[@jeffreygillette7169]

What if you only have a intake and output port? No skimmer port. Do you drain the water to below both?

[@dougdawes3303]

My question too!

[@iamkazie9401]

Just drain it below the output as for the input if you have a plug you can put in there and remove the hose

[@rebeccameyers4507]

Interesting video and pretty spot on, however I have bottom drains and do no know how to winterize the bottom drain and the pipe/valve that goes to the pump/filter suction? I am stumped!

[@iamkazie9401]

Blow air through the line at filter do you have an air valve like tire valve put air to it when you see the bottom drain bubbling close valve at filter immediately you now have pushed the water out with the air

[@rubenmontezuma1443]

Thank you so much ..all set thanks to this great video.

[@jimcarter571]

Hi there. Love your videos, very informative! Just got my first above ground pool. Thus my first time winterizing it…🤔. So my biggest question is because I live in northern Canada where it gets down to -40 degrees Celsius, there’s a lot of variation on how much water to drain out of my pool. I have the winter cover, pillows, chemicals and taking everything inside that is attached to the pool. So exactly how much water should take out of my pool?

[@pastrana37]

Thank you for the Video...I'm never adding algecide,I just Raise the Chlorine Level..Once again Thanks

[@jaidengetit]

Do I have to add antifreeze to my above ground saltwater pool water?

[@jairobarron1162]

First time pool owner. My pool has a solar cover with a roller for the cover in the middle of the pool. It's above the pool and above the deck. Must I remove it before winterizing or should I cover it with the pool cover?

[@chief5981]

Jairo Barron put it away!

[@hannabruland]

I live in Arizona do I really need to cover my above ground pool

[@77powder]

Ok ok I’m doing that right now . Thanks for your video , it’s well done , took a bunch of notes ! Im in Manitoba -Canada . :)

[@rl2jr338]

Can i use the cover that came with the pool?

[@dcoop1020]

What about the shrink wrap ideas ? Local pool store and on line of course offer large roll of shrink wrap to seal up the pool cover?

[@wandapadgett5743]

Can I use those large balls they sell at Walmart in the toy depth instead of a pool pillow?

[@kennethjenkins1804]

Great video. Always enjoy learning more. How do you size a pillow for an above ground pool? Mine is 12 x 24 oblong.

[@mikeingeorgia1]

I got my pillow from The Pool Factory. They sell complete winterizing kits based on the size of the pool, so I just looked at the size of pillow they used in the kit for my pool size. They sell the pillows separately from the kits.

[@dcoop1020]

Just bought mine and most common was 4x4 I believe but I would guess it depends on size of pool. Mine is 24ft round. With your size I would do 2 of the 4x4 would not hurt

[@goatxterror]

Should I take down my intex pool 15x48 for Winter or just cover it.

[@iamkazie9401]

Winterize it leave it up

[@emeresbestres1]

@@iamkazie9401 are all the steps he's describing really necessary?

[@HackerUC]

We just bought a house with an above ground pool and since we have never owned a pool, it just occurred to me that we need to keep the pipes and what now from freezing. Anyway, long story short. I just want to prevent freezing, if I just keep it running, will that do the trick? Night temperatures between mid-high 30s and high 20s

[@lindsayroth3873]

I added winter algeacide kit. I did not shock before, new pool owner here. What can I do now? Restart the process with shock, double shock, then winter kit again?

[@robindavis4404]

Is this winterizing process for pools with or without metal walls

[@eleanoriyer6268]

Yikes - we drained our AGP. 18 feet diameter. How do we winterize it? How do we cover it and keep snow and leaves out? We live in Central Maine where water freezes and snow can be plentiful. I wish I had watched your video BEFORE we drained the pool. It's too late to fill it back up. Help!!

[@NotTheSameAsIWas]

Is there anything we can do to keep the pool cover from catching wind underneath an blowing up above the pool like a hot air balloon? We had it tied and clipped last year but the pool is in an open area and flapped around all winter, eventually tearing up the cover.

[@petesandberg3957]

Hang four or five gallon milk jugs half filled with water from the cable.

[@jimpowell4537]

I put a mesh leaf cover over the top of my winter cover. It helps alot but doesn't completely eliminate the cover from lifting in really strong wind.

[@TSBOFRLM]

Saran/shrink wrap it all the way around

[@NotTheSameAsIWas]

@@TSBOFRLM tried that. It eventually slipped off

[@1985cjjeeper]

Put water on it.

[@jordanbeach9404]

Great video, very helpful.

[@MicheleMcDevitt-q7g]

We're I live the snow will fill on top of the cover alot I'm afraid it will cause the cover to clasps into the pool. What should I do?

[@sydneydlewis]

I have the 18 ft coleman swim vista. Should I drain the pool below the intake and returns? I read...somewhere...that I should

[@iamkazie9401]

Syd L i have the intex 16×48 i drained mine below the return removed the plastic valve i have two intakes i used the two top hat style rubber plugs that came with pool put them in the rubber fitting attached to pool and removed the intake hoses i didn't want to drain too far because thats more strain on winter tarp im in Chicago so i know ill have snow on it its our first winter trying this so we'll see

[@sydneydlewis]

@@iamkazie9401 ah ok! I have those top hat plugs too! OK. I will try that! Thanks!!!!

[@brendacaley9333]

You're the best!😊Thank you.

[@stacyharbin8172]

Is a skimmer cover the same as a skimmer plug?

[@code3imagination441]

Thanks for posting this video. I have always wondered about draining the pool before winter.

[@surgicaltech8678]

My pool has a very high cyuranic level and was told to drain it. How much should I drain it without messing my above ground pool

[@holliewest3108]

Can you winterize a Coleman above ground pool? Can you use a intertub floaty instead of the pillow. Can you use the plugs on the intake or should I drain down past the holes. If I do that the tub floaty wont work. Thanks

[@iamkazie9401]

Hollie West im in Chicago and im trying it on an intex 16x48 we drained it below the output and used the black rubber top hat looking plugs in the 2 intake ports its our first year too we put big truck inner tube in middle tied it off at all 4 corners with marine polypropylene rope from home depot bought the IN THE SWIM WINTERIZER kit with all the chemicals covered with a winter cover from great escape keeping our fingers crossed

[@robertomulas407]

I have an above ground Coleman power steel. Do you need to remove the control valve as well?

[@kannankrew]

What pool cover do you recommended?

[@ericahuber3307]

if you don't drop the water pass the out take hose hole wont the water fall out until its below that?

[@lafl333]

Plug it!

[@stoutx4]

Just bought an above ground pool but no using until next spring as well as not connecting pump/filter until then do I need to still use chemicals for winterizing? I did fill the pool as per your advice and have a pool pillow and cover ready to go.

[@iamkazie9401]

William Stout you should get a winterizing chemical kit check out IN THE SWIM on google they have kits for your size pool but require to run the filter to circulate the chemicals i know you said you didn't hook yours up but you need to get chemicals into it maybe you could stir the water with a skimmer on a pole then the floater has a pill that releases slowly over the winter you leave it in then cover just some ideas

[@janejohnson7006]

I only need 1/2 bottle of liquid winterizer (alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride). How canl get rid of the rest safely?

[@cathyamaya9768]

What If I have a detachable floating scimmer?

[@audreyjmun46]

Do you drain water from the filter when you close for the winter? I have a sand filter

[@kathyr.6825]

Yes drain out water and store inside if you can. I’m in ga so I keep in shed. It’s simple to do. Backwash rinde then drain it… there’s a plug near bottom to drain out. Hope that helps

[@SalVetri]

Hey Matt! Great video & channel - I sent you a Twitter DM and just wanted to say thanks and once again great work! The world needs more positive KZbin comments - keep crushing it!

[@theonyxknight]

Great video! You should consider posting links to your favorite items listed in the video. You’d benefit from sharing an affiliate link, and you’d save your viewers some time.

[@Erickguitar16]

Yes!!!

[@perezyorkpa]

How do people without a deck place their skimmer cover if they have to circulate the chemicals? Isn’t it not safe to jump in after ?

[@meganady5729]

Help! I have plugs to use on my outgoing water lines but my pool didn’t come with one for the incoming line. Do I need to do anything with that? I know I need to remove the lines but I’m puzzled as to What to do with the incoming hole.

[@kellyreynolds1322]

We had a new install and they didn't finish the skimmer of the pump set up. We have an above ground pool with an eliminator top on. There is 3/4 of water inside. Do we add chemicals for winter? Is there any risk of damage? The plan is for them to come back in Spring to finish job.

[@carmendelgado105]

I have two neighbors who have pools - uncovered - and it is snowing out. I am here because I am just wondering, “shouldn’t they cover up their pool?” So here I am watching your video! Yup, they should! Too bad I don’t know them at well!

[@JSTX9216]

Omg please tell me if you’re in a northern state bc I’m the house behind or next to this one. My neighbors have an uncovered pool during winter. I don’t think they know how to use it bc they swim in it and it’s green in the summer time 😂😂😂

[@danten7774]

if you use a skimmer cover wont the pool drain down past the return fitting

[@jacobseymour7221]

My pool came with a cover for that. Take off the one in the pool and replace with one that closes the hole.

[@michellemackenzie7014]

Do I need water in my above ground pool, when I close pool?

[@chief5981]

Michelle Mackenzie haha!! If this is a serious question then yes, you keep your pool full through out the winter. Order a good cover, a good winterize kit, unhook and unplug your pump and filter, and you’ll be good to go. Watch some more videos on how to properly close

[@lme30122]

Hey. I don’t wanna cover pool this winter. I’m in Georgia. No snow. If I put old pump on pool so idc if it freezes. I don’t use chemicals in water so if I just keep dirt and debri out and vaccum can I not use chemicals all winter

[@lorizolman6707]

I live up in northern Ohio and my pool is a Bestway power steel deluxe. Of course I have the round skimmers and if I drain my pool below them my pool is only half full. I do have the skimmer plugs but they don’t fit into the holes completely. If I use the plugs do I need to drain my pool below the skimmers?

[@annettejones9441]

I have a up ground pool. I take water below the holes, an going to cover the pool this year. How do I keep water from staying on top of the pool cover??

[@Timmerd888]

Air balloon centered in the middle of the pool.

[@apple-guy9394]

Hi I have a question.. I have shutoff valve on both my skimmer hose and return.. do I still need to unplug my hoses out for the winter or can I keep them on as long as I have both valves closed..? Thanks.

[@rodneyhenry27]

How many of you don't realize lot of pool companies don't service above ground pool They will sell you one though

[@pinkboots70]

Found that out the hard way

[@daluz1310]

I have a 32ft rectangle polygroup pool, would i follow the same steps or should i be lowing the water below the intake and outlet hoses

[@peter97379]

Fast and clear info.. thanks.

[@paulawardell6561]

how do you winterize a hard plumbed pool above ground

[@juliotrujillo2683]

you did not mention the water antifreeze.. why?

[@antoniocampos5697]

Thls vedio is helping me verry good tanks

[@Thetryhardgamers23]

Thanks for the honest video. 😊

[@silviabenedetti7974]

Ciao grazie per il tuo video 🙏 È il primo anno che lascio la piscina fuori terra piena d acqua. Se il pH è ok ..faccio cloro shock e metto la pompa in ricircolo per un paio d ore? Non so se usare o meno lo svernante ..abito vicino Roma (Italy) potrebbe fare -1' o max fino a -4 ma è raro. Uso pastiglie a 6 multifunzione.. Serve se lascio il fungo con 2 pasticche? O meglio evitare? Per i cuscini galleggianti posso usare le palle da yoga? 🤗 Grazie 🙏 ciao

[@charissez48]

Sorry, I have the Confer pool ladder with the gate system.

[@tiagoborges6487]

Great video! You saved me a lot of time and money $$

[@UKS12345]

Where do i get the winterizing kit from?

[@noelherrera1785]

Do you see any problem with me using a canvas drop cloth to cover the pool?

[@robertclymer6948]

What about winterizing the PVC lines to and from the pump? In Michigan, it could freeze and burst them? Thanks much!

[@we-put-the-p-in-pool]

not if you drain water below the skimmer, and put a plug in the return (jet) hose line, cover hose ends with plastic bags and rubber bands and hang them up (above ground only)

[@ProTurbo1988]

DO you really need a cover ?? cable always breaks my caps, thank you

[@jananderson5375]

I have the skimmer block, but what about the water "eyeball"? Does that need blocked?

[@crystalwilkinson6163]

I'm curious about this too

[@BigTymeBaller28]

Yes you need to get a plug for it. Most of the time its 1.5" in size and there is 2 different types, I use the threaded type with teflon tape. There are videos on youtube regarding this.

[@beliciacamarena8655]

What chemicals do I need for my above ground pool and what steps to I take first. Is this video for the above ground pool as well.

[@karenmartin9992]

Hmm. No mention of getting any water out of the plumbing so the plumbing doesn't crack. Isn't that also a thing?

[@tlclark65]

He said remove all hoses

[@karenmartin9992]

@@tlclark65 Some of us don't have removable hoses, but yah, ok.

[@cynthiaadams5457]

Thank you for the video!

[@christinareeder7729]

I have 18 foot above ground pool...the guy who closed it drained it WAY down !! Lower than I have ever seen it.... Probably 12 inches below my return jet.can that be bad? I live in Minnesota

[@christinareeder7729]

I am worried about the weight of ice and water on my pool cover causing the cover to tear...and all the juck falling into the pool

[@tavialamara]

Wait so I need to remove all of the sand from my filter?! I just put it in there two months ago! 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@tlclark65]

No, just remove drain cap and let the water drain out of the filter. Leave cap off during the winter

[@pauljohnmarcelino2121]

I think I'm just gonna get my kids to fold up the above pool. Should give them the needed exercise lol

[@marmalademaggi]

My pump quit at the end of the season. While that was convenient timing in some ways, I now am not sure how to vacuum and also winterize the filter. Help anyone…? 😅

[@justinkarp4038]

I've been battling a green above ground pool for the last couple weeks. I've triple shocked it numerous times and it's still green. I've had my pump on continuously for 2 weeks. I noticed a bunch of debris on the bottom which I can barely see due to green water. So I vacuumed that out. Also, I'm having loads of trouble keep my pH down. Keeps creeping up above 8 and even 9 to 10 in some cases and that's with adding pH down every couple of days. Also my chlorine levels stay super high many days after shocking. My balance levels seem fine other then alkalinity drops some and I add baking soda and then try to lower pH constantly and the pH is always the battle. Can't seem to get it between 7.2 and 7.6 almost ever. Had it to 7.6 and triple shocked and its back to 8.2 the next morning. I'm at a loss and I was hoping to get the water clear before winterizing the pool for freezing season which starts in October. Any suggestions?

[@greenfairy1313]

Baking Soda is basic and will raise the ph of your pool. Lower numbers are acidic. Try some ph down chemical and waste the water when you vacuum. You can add some clarifying chemicals then let the debris settle before you vacuum it out.

[@traviswilson8549]

Would need all your numbers for the pool chemistry in order to help out better.

[@jamesbcrazy8]

U need to wait a little after shocking the pool to test again, the shock is going to boost all the chemicals in the pool to fight all the contaminants etc, it will all drop back down if not sunlight will help bring a lot of it down

[@jacobseymour7221]

This happened to me often and I learned that whenever I messed with my PH my pool went green because high PH promotes algae blooms. So my go to is first put in muriatic acid to lower PH. And when I say lower I mean low. Forget about 7.6 because adding shock raises PH. After that I shock times about 7 times normal amount. Just kill it. You can't over shock. Next day the green is blue and cloudy. Eventually it clears. I tell you, whenever I try to raise the PH to get it right my pool slowly gets cloudy then green.

[@frankstar3417]

Thank you. You’re great.

[@RobertAgarHutton]

Hi, I'm a new pool owner - in England so it may get cold (maybe a bit of snow or frost) but - I want to use my pool all year round - so are there any tips for keeping the pool useable?

[@TSBOFRLM]

That’s what I want to know

[@stephaniedamiano2471]

Had to like the video and get you to that 667. But it was still great.

[@adkack6187]

More complicated than needed. cold weather always kills algae and the water is always clear when openung,

[@brittanyingleton1589]

Hi so I’m a first time above ground pool owner and we closed our pool a couple weeks ago now because we live up North. I bought a leaf net for the pool, my question is can I leave that on all winter? Or should I take it off soon and have nothing over the pool.? Also my pool has already went green even after use the pool closing kit. I hope that will be fixable in the spring when we reopen it without having to grain the pool completely? After watching your video I ordered a pool pillow for it. I’m super stressed about this and I’m going to be inquiring in my local city to see if there is a company that will open and close my pool in the future.

[@wcshef1971]

Hello! Former language arts teacher here... it's "excess" water... not "access" water. :) Otherwise, we will do most of what you suggested! Winter is Coming!

[@pcstew3]

If I get the skimmer cover do I have to drain down?

[@lme30122]

He said this is his video. I mean he talked a out tbis in his video.

[@doreanabland1296]

Tubes are just as good as a pillow aren’t they 🤷‍♀️

[@EmmaLee192]

Yeah I’m not doing all this… pool covers gonna go on and that’s that!

[@robertforgue6752]

Informative video but I’ll be hunting for a video of someone actually completing these steps now. I’ll also be hunting for a complete pool closing kit rather than gathering these items. This video seems like a lot