5 Steps to Ultimate Winter Pool Care
Keeping your pool in top condition shouldn’t stop when the temperature drops. Whether you have a permanent installation or a portable garden setup, proper winter pool care is essential to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures and algae growth.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to care for a pool during winter, ensuring a crystal-clear splash come springtime.
Key Takeaways: TL;DR
- Chemical balance is Key: Properly balanced water chemistry prevents scale and corrosion over the long winter months.
- Prevent Freezing: Ensuring your pipes and pump are drained or protected is the single most important step for pool care in winter.
- Clean Before You Cover: Cleaning your pool ready for winter prevents debris from rotting and staining your liner.
As the leaves turn and the air gets chilly, many pool owners make the mistake of “out of sight, out of mind.” However, neglecting your pool care winter routine can lead to cracked pipes, stained liners, and a “swamp” of green water in the spring.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to simplify the winterisation process of pool care. Whether you are looking for tips for winter care for your above-ground pool in the UK or general winter swimming pool care tips, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to keep your pool clean in winter and protect your equipment from the harsh British elements right through to spring.
What You’ll Need
To get started, you’ll need a few essentials from our Pool Cleaning & Maintenance range, including:
- A Water Testing Kit: To check pH and Chlorine levels.
- A Telescopic Pole & Net: For removing surface debris.
- A Pool Brush: To scrub the walls and floor.
- Winterising Chemicals: Including algaecide.
- A Winter Pool Cover: A heavy-duty cover to keep out light and debris.
- A Submersible Pump: Useful for removing excess rainwater from the cover.
How to take care of a pool in the winter: A step-by-step guide
Step 1: Deep Clean the Pool
Before you even think about the cover, focus on cleaning your pool and making it ready for winter. Use a net to remove leaves and a brush to scrub the waterline.
How to clean an above-ground pool for winter
Pro Tip: If you have an above-ground model, the cleaning process involves extra care around the seams where algae likes to hide. Use a vacuum to ensure the floor is spotless.
All these tools are available in our Pool Cleaning & Maintenance collection.
Or, for more detailed instructions on how to keep an above-ground pool clean in winter, read our guide: How to clean an inflatable pool.
Step 2: Balance the Water Chemistry
About a week before you close the pool, test the water. Your pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6. Add a “Winter Shock” treatment to kill any lingering bacteria. This step is vital for keeping a pool clean in winter.
All the winter chemicals you need are available in our Pool Chemicals collection.
Step 3: Lower Water Levels & Protect Pipes
For in-ground pools, lower the water level below the skimmer intake. For above-ground pool winter care, check your manufacturer’s guide; some recommend keeping the water level higher to support the structure against wind, but you must disconnect hoses and drain the pump/filter to prevent ice damage.
Step 4: Add Winterising Algaecide
Add a long-life algaecide specifically designed for winter. Adding this prevents the water from turning green when the sun hits the cover during milder winter spells.
Step 5: Install the Winter Cover
Secure your cover tightly. For outdoor pool care in winter, ensure there are no gaps where debris or sunlight can enter.
For winter care of an above-ground pool, use an air pillow under the cover. This product absorbs the pressure of freezing ice, protecting your pool walls from bowing or cracking.
How to care for an above-ground pool in winter vs. an In-Ground pool: Key Differences
While the chemicals used remain the same, winter care for above-ground pool setups requires greater focus on structural integrity.
- Above-Ground: You must ensure the pool is sturdy enough to hold the weight of snow/ice on the cover. Never “dry store” a vinyl pool that is meant to stay up, as the liner can shrink and crack.
- In-Ground: Focus more on “blowing out” underground plumbing lines to ensure no water is trapped in the pipes and cannot freeze.
Troubleshooting / Common Issues
How often should a pool be cleaned during winter?
Even with a cover, check the water chemistry once a month if the weather is mild. Check the cover for “puddling” after heavy rain and use a pump to remove excess water.
Debris under the cover:
If you find dirt getting in, remove it. Then, check the tension of your cover cables or water bags. A loose cover is the main reason people fail to keep their above-ground pool clean in winter.
Green water in spring:
This usually means the algaecide has run out or the cover has let in too much light. Ensure your cover is a “blackout” style to prevent this and add more algaecide if your water is turning green.
Keep your pool clean and cared for over winter with Discount Leisure Products.
By following these winter pool care tips, you’ve saved yourself hours of scrubbing and hundreds of pounds in potential repairs. A little effort now means a stress-free “pool opening” ceremony in the spring!
Shop the products you need at Discount Leisure Products: Explore our Pool Maintenance & Cleaning Tools & chemicals for brushes, vacuums, and more.
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