Do you drain a pool in the winter? The answer to this question can depend on the type of pool you have, whether above or in-ground. But, in most cases, you shouldn’t drain it completely. This guide reviews what you should know about draining your pool and when you should call the professionals.
Do You Need to Drain Your Pool Every Winter?
Not draining your pool to a certain water level can have concerning results. When the weather gets cold, if your pool is filled up too high, the water can freeze, damaging the internal lines and various components. You don’t need to drain your pool completely heading into winter, but you should drain the water line below the skimmer, or you run the risk of issues.
It’s important to note that you shouldn’t overdrain your pool, either. If it’s emptied completely, it can also suffer from damage caused by colder temperatures. If you’re unsure of how to close your pool, it’s a good idea to have a professional handle winterizing your pool for you.
When Should You Drain Your Pool?
In Canada, snow can come well before winter arrives in December. Ideally, you want to have your pool winterized before the first snowfall because this is also when temperatures can reach freezing. In addition to draining your pool water to an acceptable water level, you need to perform maintenance on your pool lines. Doing this type of maintenance before the first frost of the year is ideal.
How to Drain Your Pool for Canadian Winters
There are many steps required to tackle a pool winterization properly. While you might be comfortable tackling these yourself, consider reaching out to our professional team if you have any questions or concerns. Alternatively, we’d be happy to close your pool for you as part of our services!
Step One: Remove all of your pool equipment and perform a routine cleaning so that your pool is free of debris and objects that may clog your water lines.
Step Two: Disconnect and drain your water pump and filter before choosing a safe, dry and warm place to store them for the winter.
Step Three: Drain and store your pool heater, if you own one, in a similar way you’ve done for your water pump.
Step Four: Drain the pool to the right water level and then blow out all of your water lines. Avoid using antifreeze on your water lines because this can create more problems for you during the spring.
Step Five: Plug your skimmer so that new water and ice don’t enter it throughout the winter.
Step Six: Check to see if your chemicals are balanced, and perform the tasks needed to balance them before putting your pool cover on.
Step Seven: Place your pool cover over the water to protect the pool during harsh and inclement weather.
Other Winterization Tips
Here are some other tips to consider when closing your pool:
- There are winter-specific chemicals you can add to your pool water to maintain the proper pH throughout the season.
- Your specific type of pool may require different winterization steps than others, so check your manufacturer’s instructions when winterizing on your own.
- Any temperature below 18 Celsius is ideal for closing your pool.
Calling on the Experts
If you want to ensure your pool is winterized the right way, contact us at Benson Pools. Our team is happy to handle all of the details and keep your pool protected so that it’s safe and ready to use once spring arrives.
