Can you winterize a pool yourself?

Yes, but it’s a lot of work, and one mistake can cost you a cracked shell or busted plumbing. The basics are simple: clean the pool, balance the water chemistry, lower the water level, blow out and plug the return lines, add RV antifreeze, drain the pump and filter, and cover it tight. The most common mistake is forgetting to remove drain plugs on the pump and filter, which leads to expensive repairs. If you’re handy and patient, it’s doable in a weekend.