Winterizing an above ground pool isn't just about throwing a tarp over the water and forgetting it until spring. When sub-freezing temperatures arrive, your pool faces expansion risks, ice damage, and organic debris accumulation that can ruin your liner before warm weather returns. Choosing and maintaining the right cover makes the difference between a pristine opening day and a costly spring restoration.
Understanding Winter Above Ground Pool Cover Types
Not all protective barriers are created equal. Your local climate and backyard environment dictate which material will survive heavy snowfall and UV exposure without tearing.
- Standard Polyethylene Tarps: Lightweight and budget-friendly, these covers use a woven polyethylene scrim coated with UV inhibitors. They work well in mild climates with minimal snow load, but they require careful securing to prevent wind flapping.
- Heavy-Duty Scrim Covers: Built with higher denier counts and denser weaves, these options resist punctures from falling branches and heavy ice sheets. They usually feature a reinforced scrim and dark undersides to inhibit algae growth.
- Mesh Winter Covers: Unlike solid tarps that trap rainwater and debris on top, mesh covers allow rain and melted snow to drain directly into the pool while filtering out leaves and twigs. You'll need to use winter algaecides since sunlight penetrates the mesh, but you won't have to deal with heavy standing water on top of the cover.
Sizing and Fastening Systems
A poorly secured cover becomes a hazard during winter windstorms. Buying the exact size of your pool frame isn't enough; you must account for the wall height and the pool's top ledge.
Manufacturers design winter covers with extra material—known as the overlap—to drape over the pool wall. For above ground pools, an overlap of at least three to four feet is standard. If you have an 18-foot round pool, you'll need a cover sized for a larger diameter to ensure it reaches down past the top rail to the cable winch.
Securing the cover requires a heavy-duty vinyl-coated cable threaded through the grommets and tightened with a ratchet winch. To prevent high winds from catching the hem and lifting the cover, use pool wall wraps or winter clips spaced every two feet around the perimeter.
Chemical Preparation and Water Level Management
Water chemistry during the off-season prevents spring scaling and staining. Lowering your water level depends on your specific pool type and winterizing instructions, but generally, you want the water level set safely below the skimmer return line to prevent freezing and cracking in the plumbing.
Before installing the cover, balance your total alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness. Add a concentrated winterizing algaecide and shock the water to eliminate existing organic matter. Letting algae grow unchecked all winter turns your pool into a swamp that requires harsh acid washing come spring.
For comprehensive safety guidelines and structural protection standards, review the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals resources.
Managing Ice, Snow, and Debris
Heavy winter snow loads place immense downward pressure on your pool liner. While solid covers keep debris out, they collect stagnant water and ice that can pull the cover into the pool.
- Use a siphon pump or cover pump to remove standing water as soon as winter storms pass.
- Never use sharp metal tools or ice picks to break ice forming on top of the cover; you'll puncture the liner instantly.
- Keep tree branches trimmed back from the pool perimeter to minimize heavy leaf accumulation and potential tear hazards during ice storms.
Common Winterizing Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding a few common pitfalls saves money and extends the lifespan of your equipment.
- Skipping the Air Pillow: For round and oval above ground pools, placing an inflatable winter pillow in the center absorbs the lateral pressure of expanding ice, protecting your pool walls from buckling.
- Using Bungee Cords Instead of Cable: Improvised ties stretch and snap under freezing temperatures. Always use the manufacturer-supplied steel cable and ratchet.
- Ignoring the Cover Until Spring: Check your cover monthly. Adjust slipped cables, pump off excess water, and secure loose clips immediately after severe weather.
To explore municipal guidelines on seasonal water drainage and environmental safety, check the Government of Canada Environmental Protection portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do winter above ground pool covers last?
Standard polyethylene covers last between two to four seasons, while heavy-duty reinforced covers can survive five to eight seasons with proper off-season storage and maintenance.
Should I drain my above ground pool completely for the winter?
Never drain an above ground pool completely. The weight of the remaining water stabilizes the liner against the pool walls and prevents the structure from collapsing under shifting ground frost.
How do I store my cover in the spring?
Once removed, clean the cover with mild soap and water, let it dry completely in the sun to prevent mold growth, sprinkle it with talcum powder to stop sticking, and store it in a rodent-proof container in your garage or shed.
Can I use a solar cover as a winter cover?
No. Solar covers are designed strictly for heat retention and evaporation control during swim season. They degrade rapidly under freezing temperatures and lack the tensile strength to support snow loads.
