Cold-Weather Pool Preparation
How to Winterize My Pool Equipment
A short video and eight-step guide to draining basic above-ground pool equipment when the equipment sits above the pool water level.
What does this pool-equipment winterization guide cover?
This guide explains how to drain basic above-ground pool equipment by shutting the system down, opening pump and filter components, draining a chlorinator and booster pump, and storing the plugs. It applies only when the equipment is higher than the pool and does not cover blowing out underground plumbing or fully winterizing every pool system.
To winterize your equipment, the objective is simple: remove all water from the equipment. Follow our quick video or read the step-by-step guide below to see how we winterize above-ground pool equipment.
Watch Our Two-Minute Video on How to Winterize Your Pool Equipment
Here’s an Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Pool Equipment
1. Turn off your equipment
Before opening any equipment, shut it down, prevent automatic restart, and follow the manufacturer's procedure for relieving system pressure. Electrical isolation and pressure release must happen before lids or drain plugs are removed. Ask a qualified professional if you are unsure.
2. Remove the lids from pumps that have lids
Only remove a pump lid after the system is shut down and depressurized according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lid designs differ, so use the instructions for your exact pump model.
3. Remove the pump drain plugs
Unscrew the drain plugs from the pump. Removing these plugs allows water to drain from the pump housing. Plug locations and quantities vary by pump model, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your equipment.
4. Open the filter air-relief valve
Open the air-relief valve on top of the filter to release trapped pressure and allow air into the filter as it drains. Make sure the system is off and depressurized before opening or servicing filter components.
5. Remove the drain plug from the filter
Remove the drain plug from the filter so the remaining water can drain out. Depending on the filter model, you may be able to do this with a screwdriver or by hand. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific filter.
6. Open the chlorinator if you have one
If you have a chlorinator, follow its manufacturer’s shutdown and chemical-safety instructions before opening it. Removing the lid can allow the chamber to drain. Avoid mixing chemicals or leaning over the opening.
7. Drain your booster pump
Drain the booster pump. There is usually a hex-head or wing-nut-style drain plug near the front of the pump that can be removed to let the water out. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact location.
8. Keep track of your plugs
Remember where each plug came from and keep the plugs in a safe, labeled place. That will make it much easier to put everything back together when it is time to reopen the pool.
A Disclaimer on Winterizing
This video and these instructions demonstrate only how to winterize basic above-ground pool equipment.
If you live in an area where underground pipes can freeze, you may need a professional for a more in-depth winterization process that includes underground plumbing and other parts of the pool.
For a deeper understanding of what winterizing your pool entails, click here.
True Blue Leak Detection LLC is not responsible for damage to your property resulting from the information in this video.
Only follow these steps if your pool equipment is at a higher elevation than the pool itself.
Want to learn more? Visit our tips and tricks page.
You can also call us at 214-326-2634, and we will happily help as best we can.
If you need more in-depth help, try our friends at Woods Pool Service.
Pool Equipment Winterization FAQ
Does draining above-ground equipment protect underground pool pipes?
No. Underground plumbing normally requires a separate winterization process that may include lowering the water, blowing out individual lines, installing plugs, and adding protection appropriate to the pool and climate.
Why must the equipment be higher than the pool for these steps?
If equipment is below the pool’s water level, opening lids or drain plugs can allow the pool to gravity-drain through the equipment unless the plumbing is correctly isolated first.
Is it safe to open a pool chlorinator during winterization?
Follow the chlorinator manufacturer’s instructions and chemical-safety guidance. Shut the system down, avoid mixing products, keep your face away from the opening, and use a qualified professional if you are unsure how to handle the feeder safely.
When should the pump and filter drain plugs be reinstalled?
Follow the equipment manufacturer’s reopening procedure. Keep every plug labeled and protected during winter, inspect its O-ring or gasket, and reinstall it before priming and restarting the system.
