Should You Drain Water from the Pool for Winter?

As winter rapidly approaches, owners of garden pools begin preparing them for the upcoming cold months. To ensure the unused pool survives sub-zero temperatures in good condition and can be safely used in the following year, it’s crucial to apply proper protection procedures. A key question arises early on: should you drain the water from the pool for winter? In this article, we advise on the steps to take to avoid unnecessary damage and maintain the durability of a polypropylene pool for years.
Should you drain the water from the pool for winter?
The first step in preparing for the months when the home swimming area will not be used is to decide whether to drain the water from the pool for winter. While it may seem that completely emptying the tank would make winterizing easier, this is not recommended. Water plays a vital role as a buffer protecting the pool walls from the pressure of surrounding soil. Therefore, the safest option is to lower the water level by about 10 cm below the level of the inflow nozzles or other installation components. This way, the pool walls will maintain their stability, and the risk of damage will be minimized.
Drying the Installation and Securing Pool Components
After partially draining the water for winter, it is also necessary to dry out the pool installations (such as piping, skimmers, nozzles). When temperatures drop below freezing, any water left inside could freeze, leading to cracks and damage.
To prevent this, it is advisable to run the pump for a short time, which will help remove the lingering water in the pipes. Then, it’s necessary to disassemble the connection components to allow the remaining water to drain out. An external pump can also be used to expel the water. If the pool is equipped with additional devices, such as counter-current systems, these should also be dried and stored in a dry, warm place over the winter.
Protecting the Pool Basin for Winter
In addition to partially draining the water and drying all installation components, it’s important to properly secure the basin. It should be carefully cleaned to remove dirt or algae, which could dry onto the walls and bottom of the pool during the winter months. To prevent the growth of algae and the accumulation of debris in the months it won’t be used, a special protective agent can be added to the water.
The next step is to cover the pool with a tarpaulin or special film, which will prevent leaves and dirt from entering. The tarpaulin should fit tightly around the edges of the basin, protecting the water from contaminants (sand, leaves, branches, pine cones) and minimizing the impact of low temperatures.
Those who have opted for an enclosed pool basin have a huge advantage in preparing for winter. Such an option not only extends the bathing season but also makes it easier to keep the water clean and increases safety during the winter period.
The answer to whether to drain water from the pool for winter is, therefore: yes, drain, but not completely. Completely emptying the basin of water is not recommended because water serves as a stabilizer, protecting the structure from the pressure of the soil. Appropriately lowering the water level and securing the installation and additional components will ensure the pool’s safety through winter, and minimize the necessary maintenance work in the spring. If we remember these principles, the pool will serve us reliably for many summer seasons.