Topic

Pool Winterizing Guides

Freeze damage is almost always a shortcut taken in October.

8 guides on this topic

A hot tub on a snow-dusted deck, its gray cover folded back on the lifter at one end, steam rising off the water and snow-laden evergreens on the hillside behind

Spas & Hot TubsGuide

Hot Tub in Winter: Keep It Running or Winterize It

What the hot tub makers' manuals say about winter: freeze protection, power cuts, snow on the cover, and how to winterize a tub you won't be using.

13 minUpdated Oct 4, 2026

A round above-ground pool closed for winter in a bare backyard, its dark blue cover domed in the middle, rainwater and oak leaves in the sag, a red cable and winch at the rail

Seasonal CareHow-to

How to Close an Above-Ground Pool for Winter

Which above-ground pools can stay up, how far each maker says to lower the water, and the plugs, pillow and cover that keep winter ice off the wall.

12 minUpdated Oct 2, 2026

A shop vacuum standing on an equipment pad with its hose taped into an open pool pipe, the union nut loose beside it

Seasonal CareHow-to

Blowing Out Pool Lines: The Job That Prevents Freeze Damage

A shop vac, a compressor and which one the manuals allow. Line order, how much pressure is too much, and why antifreeze is the backup rather than the plan.

6 minUpdated Oct 2, 2026

A pool with a thin sheet of ice spreading in from the edges across part of its surface

Seasonal CareHow-to

Hard Freeze Coming? Protecting an Open Pool

Moving water is the whole strategy, right up until the power fails. What to do while the pump runs, and what to do the moment it stops.

5 minUpdated Sep 6, 2026

A clean pool in a warm mild-winter climate, palms and low sun

Seasonal CareGuide

Year-Round Pool Care in Mild Climates: Month by Month

In mild climates, not closing is usually less work and less money. Here's the reduced winter schedule and the freeze protection that makes it safe.

5 minUpdated Aug 8, 2026

A mesh safety cover stretched taut over a pool and anchored to the deck by springs and straps

Seasonal CareComparison

Pool Covers Compared: Solar, Safety, Winter and Automatic

Solar, winter, safety and automatic pool covers compared from the makers' manuals: what each one is for, what its warranty covers, and which hold weight.

14 minUpdated Oct 2, 2026

A winter cover being drawn over a pool with bare trees behind

Seasonal CareHow-to

How to Close a Pool for Winter Without Freeze Damage

When to close, how far your cover's maker says to lower the water, and the pump, filter and heater steps from the manuals, so nothing cracks in a freeze.

12 minUpdated Oct 2, 2026

A cover being pulled back in spring to reveal cloudy green water

Seasonal CareHow-to

How to Open a Pool in Spring (And Come Up Clear, Not Green)

Opening early beats every chemical you can buy in April. The full sequence, in order, including what to do if it's already green.

5 minUpdated Apr 22, 2026

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Spas & Hot Tubs Seasonal Care