Owning a swimming pool can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted instead of the vision of relaxation you probably had at the time you purchased it. The winterization process, for example, can feel so complex and frightening at first. Many pool owners turn to someone else to handle the stress and liability of this necessary task. However, it is actually a very simple process when you own an above ground pool.

It is best to close the pool when it is clean and the water is balanced correctly. This will ensure that the initial chemical balance of the water will cost you much less time and money when the pool is opened for the next swimming season. Once this is done, begin closing your above ground pool by back-washing your filtration system and allowing the water to drain just past the skimmer plate. Next, put the plastic cover over the skimmer opening and insert a plug in the water return port. The next step that needs to be done is to detach the filtration system hoses from the skimmer basket as well as the return hose from the return port.

There are a few further steps that need to be taken to prevent damage to the filter and skimmer. Probably the most important step is to remember to unscrew the cap at the bottom of your filter to drain the water from it. Then, make sure that you use a plastic bottle or skimmer plug to keep the skimmer basket from freezing and cracking over the winter. The final step in the above ground pool winterization process is to put the cover on. This process all depends on what type of cover you use, but the general way to apply the cover is to have it folded up accordion style and pull the cover in one quick movement. Depending on the type of cover, you would then either strap it down with the wire clasp or hold the ends down with water tubes. If you use a water tube cover, it is usually best to have all of the tubes filled in advance since they take so much time.