Winterizing your Intex above ground pool is an essential end-of-the-summer chore when winter season kicks in. Unlike regular pools, winterizing Intex model pools are different.

The lightweight materials used in Intex models make it easy and fast while setting up a pool but come with the downside of being more susceptible to ice damage.

Leaving your expensive pool unattended during cold temperatures can puncture or even rupture the pool’s outer cover and lining.

This may lead to intense clean-up or repair and if the damages caused by the temperature are beyond repair, you probably need to buy a new one.

After reading this article, you will be cleared up of all the doubts and confusions you had regarding winterizing your Intex pool and prolonging the lifespan as well.

Table of Contents

What is winterizing? And when to close the pool?

It simply means dismantling the essential equipment and drying out the pipes that can be damaged during cold temperatures.

Adding extra chemicals to your pool while you are shutting it down for the winter will restrict the growth of bacteria, germs, and algae.

This is why the Intex model manufacturer highly recommends draining and dismantling your pool when the temperature drops to 41°F (5°C) or below in your locality and so do we.

It is advisable to close the pool without procrastinating when you are notified about a weather alert or when the winter begins, preferably before freezing temperatures to prevent your summer precious.

As the Intex pools are made in a way to drain water through a regular garden hose, it takes a few days to be completely dried out.

So, begin when you find a change in the weather. Procrastination will be your biggest regret.

Winterizing for cold climate residents

If you live in a place where the weather can be harshly cold, you’ll need to assemble the following winterizing materials.

Winterizing for warm climate residents

Instruction manual
Vacuum head for the pool
Skimmer
Winter pool chemicals
Water testing kit
Intex pool cover

Steps to winterize your Intex pool

Proper winterizing with following these procedures can help your pool stay away from damages and it will be ready when summer starts again.

The following procedure is for cold climatic conditions.

1. Clean the pool and drain

The primary step in any procedure is cleaning, so do your pool a favor by thoroughly cleaning your pool water and completely vacuuming the bottom and all sides of your pool.

Before draining, disconnect all the power sources from your pool to avoid any potential accidents.

Use a skimmer to remove leaves or anything from the surface and remove all the accessories out of the pool.

Clean and completely dry all the parts prior to storing them in a dirt-free dry area for the season.

2. Attach the garden hose

Firstly, find your pool’s drain connector and then check on the inside of the pool whether the drain plug is plugged in.

Now attach one end of the drain connector to the hose and move the free end away from your home or any other structural foundations as it can cause serious damages.

3. Connect drain connector to the valve

After checking that the free end of the hose is away from any building, remove the drain valve’s cap and attach the drain connector already fitted with a hose to it.

When you are certain that the free end is away, push the connector into the valve.

By doing so, the inner drain plug comes out of its place and water begins to flow as programmed.

Make sure to tighten the connector so that it does not separate from the valve while draining.

4. It’s draining time

As already mentioned, draining takes some time. The big pool is fitted to a small garden hose which is self-explanatory for slow draining.

Now you have to wait and check at regular intervals whether the connector is firmly attached to the valve and the hose stays in its position.

As the water level decreases, use a soft cloth and gentle cleaner to brush off the dirt on the pool walls.

When the water is fully out, remove the connector, the hose, and put back the drain plug and drain valve cap in its place.

5. Wipe the pool

Using a gentle cleaner, warm water, and soft cloth thoroughly wipe and rinse the bottom and sides of your pool and drain the pool again.

6. Dismantle the frame

Your manual will clearly describe the disassembling instructions, follow the manufacturer manual to separate the frame pieces.

Let all the frame parts completely dry before storing them in a moist-free secure place away from direct sunlight and cold temperatures as well.

Let the liner air dry, once the water evaporates sprinkle some amount of cornstarch or powder on the liner to remove traces of water droplets. Finally, fold the liner as per the instruction manual and you are good to go.

7. Drain and clean the pool accessories

Thorough checking before storing will restrict the growth of bacteria or mold.

Hence, inspect and clean them if dirt is found and keep them in a dry area until summer shows itself.

8. Dispose of the filter cartridge

Check the condition of the filter. If it can survive after a good clean, give it a nice clean and use them again but if your filter cartridge is gone forever, buy a new one as they are very affordable. It is better to purchase pool filters.

Carefully store all the parts in one location so nothing goes missing when you need it.

For warm climatic conditions

If you live in a location where winter is not harsh and you have just decided to cover the pool without removing it, we got you covered with simple procedures.

1. pH balance of your pool water

First off, check if the pool is properly inflated and balance the pH and other factors. Aim for the below values

pH range – 7.4 to 7.6
Total alkalinity – 100 to 150 ppm
Chlorine – 1 to 3 ppm
Calcium hardness – 175 to 225 ppm

2. Adding winter pool chemicals

After being ensured that the pool water is clean, add winter pool chemical compounds along with algaecide and pool shock to strengthen the safety measures against bacteria, mold, and algae.

3. Remove the accessories

Turn off the pool pump and filter, disconnect the hose and clean all the accessories, dry them and place them in a safe and secure place.

Also, check the manual to know about the details of closing your inlet and outlet pool valves.

4. Cover your pool

We have reached the end, now cover your pool to avoid any possible debris, dirt, or leaves falling on the pool during winter.

Avoid children or animals nearing your covered pool after finishing set up and clear the water standing on the pool cover after every heavy rain.

It is recommended that you get a tarp four feet long and four feet wider than the size of your pool. This will ensure your tarp won’t be blown away by high winds by having a two-foot overlap at the edges.

Once all these steps are done, your pool is befittingly winterized.

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How To Winterize An Intex Above Ground Pool?