5 Steps to Winterize Your Pool Correctly

Lower the water level 4–6 inches below the skimmer opening. If you leave it higher, freezing water will crack the skimmer housing, which is expensive to replace.

Drain the pump and filter completely. Any water left inside will freeze, expand, and destroy the equipment by spring.

Blow out the return and skimmer lines with a shop vac or compressor. Then plug the jets and skimmer holes using rubber winter plugs with gaskets, not cheap plastic ones that crack.

Secure the winter cover with a cable and winch, not bungee cords. Wind will rip bungees off, leaving you with a green swamp next year.

Place a cover pump on top to remove leaves and snow. This prevents the cover from sagging or tearing under the weight.