As summer fades and the weather turns cooler, it’s time for UK pool owners to think about closing their above-ground pools. While these pools are easier to manage than in-ground ones, they still need proper care before winter sets in. Closing your pool correctly now saves you time, money, and frustration when spring arrives.

Here’s a clear, friendly guide on how to close your above-ground pool for the winter in the UK.

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Why Close Your Pool for the Winter?

Some pool owners think they can leave their pool as it is over winter. Unfortunately, the UK climate — with freezing nights, heavy rain, and plenty of wind — makes that risky.

If you don’t close your pool properly, you could face:

• Damaged liners from freezing water expansion
• Algae growth due to untreated stagnant water
• Pump and filter problems if water freezes inside the system
• A green, smelly mess that takes weeks to fix in spring

Closing your pool is all about protecting your investment and making sure opening next year is quick and hassle-free.

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Step 1: Give Your Pool a Final Clean

Before shutting down, make sure the pool is as clean as possible. Vacuum the floor, skim out debris, and brush the walls. Leaving dirt in the water over winter increases the chance of staining and algae blooms.

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Step 2: Balance the Water

Balancing your water chemistry is one of the most important steps. Adjust pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to recommended levels. This helps prevent corrosion, scaling, and cloudy water during the months the pool sits unused.

Many pool owners also add a winterising chemical kit, which usually includes:

• Shock treatment (kills bacteria and algae before closing)
• Algaecide (prevents growth during winter)
• Stain and scale inhibitor (protects the liner and equipment)

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Step 3: Lower the Water Level

For most above-ground pools, you’ll need to reduce the water level slightly — usually about 10–15cm below the skimmer. This prevents water from entering the skimmer and freezing, which could cause cracks and damage.

Tip: Don’t empty your pool completely — water helps support the walls and keeps the liner in place.

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Step 4: Drain and Protect Equipment

Your pump, filter, and hoses can be damaged by freezing water, so they need draining.

• Disconnect and drain the pump and filter system
• Store hoses, fittings, and accessories in a dry place
• If you use a sand filter, set it to “winter” or “closed” mode if available

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Step 5: Cover It Up

A good-quality winter pool cover is essential. It keeps out debris, blocks sunlight (which fuels algae), and protects your water over the colder months.

• Choose a tight-fitting winter cover designed for above-ground pools
• Secure it with a cable and winch system or water tubes to prevent it blowing away
• Check the cover occasionally through winter to remove excess leaves or snow build-up

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Extra Winter Tips for UK Pool Owners

• Check periodically: Even with a winter cover, it’s worth lifting the edge and testing the water every couple of months. A quick adjustment can save work later.
• Keep an eye on the weather: If we get a particularly cold snap, double-check equipment stored in sheds or garages is safe from frost.
• Don’t neglect safety: Make sure your winter cover is secured so children or pets can’t slip under it.

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Alternative Option + Step 4: Dismantling and Storing Your Above-Ground Pool

Some pool owners prefer to go one step further and completely dismantle their above-ground pool for the winter. This approach is especially common with temporary or soft-sided pools, such as Intex or Bestway models, which are designed to be taken down at the end of the season.

This method has a few advantages:

• No risk of weather damage: With the pool safely stored away, you don’t have to worry about frost, ice, or storm damage.
• Longer liner lifespan: Keeping the liner dry and protected can help extend its usable life.
• Clear garden space: Dismantling frees up your garden for winter use.

If you do choose this option, here are a few important tips:

• Clean and dry thoroughly: Make sure the liner and all components are completely dry before storing. Any moisture can lead to mould or mildew over winter.
• Fold carefully: Avoid sharp creases that could weaken the liner. A light dusting of talcum powder can help keep the material from sticking together.
• Store indoors: Always store the pool in a safe, dry place such as a garage, loft, or shed. Avoid leaving it outside under a tarp — damp and frost can still cause damage.
• Protect from pests: Rodents love to chew pool liners. Keep your stored pool in a sealed container or heavy-duty storage box to keep mice and other pests away.

While dismantling is more effort than simply covering the pool, it can be a smart choice if you have a smaller or seasonal pool that’s easy to take down. For larger, framed above-ground pools, most UK owners find winterising in place with a cover is simpler and more practical.

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When Should You Close Your Above-Ground Pool?

In the UK, most pool owners close their above-ground pools Early September. Once the weather starts to change and the children go back to school.  The key is not to leave it too late risking frost damage.

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Final Thoughts

Closing your above-ground pool properly is one of the best things you can do to protect it through the UK winter. A few hours of effort now saves weeks of cleaning and costly repairs next spring.

• Clean thoroughly
• Balance the water
• Drain and store equipment
• Lower the water level
• Secure a winter cover

Do it right, and when spring returns, your pool will be ready to open with minimal fuss.

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💧 Need step-by-step help with winterising your pool?
Ask us directly for Free Expert Pool Advice here: Ask The Pool Chap