Off-Season Care: Maintaining Your Above-Ground Pool During Winter

When the swimming season ends, your above-ground pool doesn't simply disappear. Without the right winter pool maintenance, you could be facing damaged liners, cracked equipment, or a swampy green mess when spring rolls around. At PTL Direct, we know the value of off-season pool care. Here’s how to protect your investment all winter long with a few simple steps.

The Ultimate Guide to Above-Ground Pool Maintenance During Winter

1. Clean and Prepare the Pool Before Closing

Before you cover anything up, get your pool in order. Skim out every last leaf, insect, and piece of debris from the water. Even small organic materials left behind can rot over the winter and throw off your water chemistry.

Next, balance the water. Aim for a pH between 7.2 and 7.6, chlorine levels around 1.0 to 3.0 ppm, and total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm. Balanced water prevents corrosion, scale buildup, and staining during the colder months.

Finally, give your pool one last good scrub. Vacuum the floor and brush down the walls to stop algae and grime from taking hold over winter. A clean pool is easier to reopen, and it protects your liner.

2. Lower the Water Level and Drain Equipment

Lower the water level below the skimmer opening to prevent freezing water from damaging it. This step varies slightly based on your pool model, but a good rule of thumb is a few inches below the skimmer.

Drain all hoses, filters, and pumps. Residual water can freeze, expand, and crack even the toughest components. Disconnect the equipment, let it dry out, and store it indoors if possible.

This is also the time to remove and store ladders, skimmer baskets, and any other accessories. Keeping them inside prevents rust and damage.

3. Add Winterizing Chemicals

With your water clean and your equipment drained, it’s time to winterize. Start with a chlorine-based pool shock to kill bacteria, then add algaecide to prevent green or mustard algae from blooming under the cover.

Place a chlorine floater in the water if your winter doesn’t reach freezing temperatures. Avoid mixing incompatible chemicals, like using bromine and chlorine together, as this can create dangerous reactions or stain your liner.

These winter pool maintenance steps keep your water stable and reduce the need for heavy chemical correction in the spring.

4. Cover the Pool Properly

Choose a cover made specifically for above-ground pools. It should be UV-resistant, durable, and sized correctly for your pool. Use a winter cover cable and winch to secure it tightly around the pool’s edge.

Sagging covers collect water and debris. Use cover clips or a cable-and-winching system to create a snug seal. A pool pillow placed in the centre helps distribute ice pressure evenly and protects your pool walls from expanding ice.

5. Monitor Your Pool Through the Winter

Just because the pool is covered doesn’t mean you can forget about it until May. Set monthly reminders to inspect the cover for sagging, debris accumulation, or damage.

Use a broom, not a shovel, to remove snow. Sharp tools can tear your cover. Watch for ice dams that might strain the pool structure and check for any leaks around the base.

A little attention through the winter goes a long way toward avoiding big spring headaches.

Common Winter Pool Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping chemical treatment entirely. This invites algae, bacteria, and stains.
• Leaving pumps, filters, or hoses outdoors. They can crack or warp in freezing temperatures.
• Failing to secure the pool cover. Wind can rip it off, leaving your pool exposed.

Each of these mistakes can undo your hard work and cost you more time and money when reopening.

Benefits of Proper Winter Pool Care

When winter hits, your pool doesn’t get the luxury of hibernation. Skip the maintenance, and you risk showing up to cracked pipes, green water, and a liner that’s seen better days. But with a little attention during the off-season, you can skip the stress and start your next swim season with confidence.

Think of winter care as a reset. Balanced water, covered surfaces, and dry, protected equipment help you avoid spring clean-up disasters. It’s not just about making your life easier; it’s about keeping your pool system strong, efficient, and ready to go when the sun comes back out. 

Avoid Costly Damage with Smart Winter Pool Maintenance

Keeping your pool in top shape through the colder months is one of the easiest ways to avoid costly surprises when the weather warms up. With proper winter pool maintenance, your above-ground pool stays cleaner, more efficient, and ready for action come spring.

At PTL Direct, we offer a wide selection of pool products, from liners and covers to essential winterizing chemicals. We’ve helped pool owners across Canada maintain their systems year-round with dependable service and quality supplies. Whether you need expert guidance or dependable gear, we’re here to help.

Reach out to PTL Direct today at 1-888-571-7579 or click here to get in touch online.