How To Winterize An Intex Above Ground Pool

You may already know costs way less than a new swimming pool.

When It Is Time To Close Intex Pool?

Intex pools are partially inflatable, so closing it at the right time can save you from having to buy a new one. If you keep your pool open for too long, your pool lining can easily rupture due to low temperatures, so it is recommended to have your pool closed for winter when the temperature drops below 41°F (5°C). Also, you should know that it may take a few days to finish, so sooner you start, better.

Winterizing Chemicals, Equipment And Tools

For successfully winterizing an Intex pool you’ll need some chemicals, equipment, and tools, depending on your local climate. 

Cold Climate Winterizing

If you live in a place where the winter can be harsh, here is what you’ll need:

• Instruction manual
• Skimmer
• Vacuum
• Garden hose
• Drain connector 
• Soft cloth
• Warm water
• Mild all-purpose cleaner
• Talcum powder/cornstarch
• Replacement filter cartridge

Warm Climate Winterizing

• Instruction manual
• Skimmer
• Vacuum
• Winterizing chemicals
• Water testing kit

Guide To Winterize An Intex Above Ground Pool

It may last a while, but with these steps, you won’t have to worry about it and will be able to enjoy the winter with ease, knowing that your pool will be ready to go as soon as the weather allows. 

The steps that follow are meant to be used in a cold climate, while the steps for warm weather will be described separately.

Step 1 – Cleaning The Pool

The first step in winterizing Intex pool is to clean it. If you ignore this step you may damage your filters or your pump, so take some time to clean the pool. Use a skimmer to collect anything from the surface, then vacuum the sides and the bottom.  

Step 2 – Unplug The Power Sources

Water and the electricity mix brings no good things, so to avoid a potentially lethal incident, unplug and disconnect any power source around the pool.

Step 3 – Check The Regulations

This can also be done first, it’s up to you. Some places don’t allow that much water in their storm drain at the same time, so check local rules, regulations, and environment suggestions to avoid any possible problems.

Step 4 – Remove The Accessories

Take all the accessories – ladders, a skimmer, toys, floating tables, etc – out of the pool, clean them and let them dry before storing someplace dry.

Step 5 – Attach The Hose

Take the drain connector, and follow the instruction manual to attach the hose. Take the second end of the hose and move away from any type of structure so it doesn’t mess with a foundation.

Step 6 – Connecting Drain Connector

After you’ve placed the free end of the hose away, where the water should go, remove the cap from the drain valve, check again if the hose is in the proper place, and once you’re certain it won’t flood push the drain into the valve. This will get the water going. Also, make sure the connector is tight enough so it doesn’t separate as it drains.

Step 7 – Let It Drain, Let It Drain, Let It Drain

As we’ve already mentioned, it will take some time. Now all you can do is wait and check from time to time if the connector is properly attached and the hose is in its place. As the water level drops, take a mild cleaner and a soft cloth to brush the pool walls. With all water out, remove the drain connector and the garden hose, and put the inside drain plug and the outside drain valve cap back in their place. 

Step 8 – Wipe It Down

Using a soft cloth, warm water, and mild cleaner wipe the inside of your swimming pool, then rinse it and drain it again. It is important to remove any dirt or anything that can mess with your pool chemistry once you restart it. 

Step 9 – Take Down The Frame

In your instruction manual should be described how to deconstruct the frame. Just follow the guide and, let the parts completely dry and store them somewhere dry. Also, let your liner dry on air, make sure the water has evaporated and store it in a dry place, after folding it with the help of the instruction manual. Although this may be a bit complicated task, don’t worry, just fold it so it doesn’t take much space and you should be good to go.

Step 10 – Drain, Clean, And Store 

Inspect all your pool accessories, check if they’re completely dry to avoid mold or bacteria appearing, clean them if dirty, and place them somewhere dry and clean to wait for summer.

Step 11 – Throw Away The Filter Cartridge

Check how far your filters are gone. If you can manage to clean the filters completely, then you can use them again, but because they are pretty affordable, it is a better option to purchase an Intex pool filter.

Step 12 – Storing The Parts

After you’ve disconnected everything, it is time to place all the parts somewhere dry and away from the direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. Make sure to keep all the parts together so you don’t lose anything. 

Intex Above Ground Pool Warm Area Winterizing

If you live in a warm area, here is how to winterize an Intex above ground pool, if you don’t want to break it:

Step 1 – Balance the water

If you live in a warm area and you’ve decided just to cover your pool, remove any debris, check if everything is inflated correctly, and balance the water. Here are the values you should aim to reach:

• pH between 7.4 and 7.6
• total alkalinity between 100 ppm and 150 ppm

Step 2 – Add Winterizing Chemicals

Make sure your water is clean and add winterizing chemicals, along with extra shock and algaecide to keep the water chemistry in a good place. Also, check it from time to time during winter. Let them circulate for a day. Also, you may read our guide on the Intex pool cleaning and chemicals.

Step 3 – Remove The Appliances

Turn off the pump and filter, remove the hoses, and clean them all as thoroughly as possible, then place them in a dry and safe place. Also, check the instruction manual to see do you need to and how to close your inlet and outlet valves, or plug in the inlet and outlet fitting to the inside of the pool wall.

Step 4 – Cover The Pool

The last step in winterizing Intex pool in warm area is to cover your pool so the leaves, dirt and possible debris stay out of it during the winter. Remember that Intex pool covers won’t keep kids or animals from falling into the pool, so you may think about getting an additional safety cover.

FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about winterizing Intex pools:

Globo Surf Overview

Winterizing Intex pool is not so hard and all it takes is a bit of patience and will to keep it in a good shape until the summer arrives. With this article, the process should be maximally simplified and as easy as it can get.