Don’t Let Winter Freeze Your Pool Dreams: The Ultimate Guide to Winterizing Above Ground Pools in Georgia

Georgia’s unique climate presents both opportunities and challenges for above ground pool owners. While our winters are milder than northern states, Douglas experiences short, cold winters with temperatures typically ranging from 42°F to 57°F, making proper winterization essential to protect your investment and ensure a smooth spring opening.

Why Winterizing Matters in Georgia’s Climate

Even though Georgia doesn’t experience the brutal winters of northern climates, above ground pools are more directly exposed to the elements compared to in-ground pools. While we don’t have many days that hit freezing temps, when we do it’s usually due to ice storms and power outages are a concern. This makes winterization crucial for protecting your pool equipment and maintaining water quality.

Winterizing the pool before water temperatures are consistently below 65°F can set you up for a lengthy, costly pool opening next spring. In Georgia’s moderate climate, this timing is particularly important as warmer water uses up sanitizer more quickly, which increases the risk of algae growth.

Step-by-Step Winterization Process

1. Clean Your Pool Thoroughly

Before you winterize, clean your pool. Vacuum the entire pool, brush down the walls, and skim the surface. Cleaning your pool right before you close it for the winter will save you from some potentially gross surprises when you open your pool next spring. A clean pool makes it much easier to properly balance your water and ensures nothing for algae or mold to feed on over the winter.

2. Balance Your Water Chemistry

Proper chemical balance is crucial for Georgia pools. The alkalinity should be between 80 and 150 parts per million (ppm). The PH level should fall between 7.2 and 7.6, and the calcium hardness level should clock in between 175 and 225 ppm. Lastly, test your chlorine to ensure that it’s between 1 ppm and 3 ppm. When winterizing an above-ground pool, these levels should be on the higher end of the spectrum, since quantities will decrease during the winter months.

3. Add Winterizing Chemicals

To prevent unsightly stains over the winter months, it’s important to add stain and scale prevention products to the water. With the pump running, add the proper doses of MetalFree and/or Leslie’s Stain and Scale Remove. I would definitely add the Polyquat 60 algaecide as extra insurance against algae, which is particularly important in Georgia’s milder winter climate where algae can still be a concern.

4. Lower Water Level Appropriately

Important: Never drain an above ground pool completely when winterizing. Your vinyl liner can dry out, shortening its life considerably. You can’t completely empty it, or it may collapse. However, you do have to empty it so that the water line is below the return.

5. Winterize Equipment

To prevent damage from freezing temperatures, it’s crucial to winterize the filter system of your above ground pool. Disconnect and remove the hoses from the pool pump and filter system. Drain any remaining water from these components and store them in a dry, protected area.

6. Install Pool Cover and Air Pillow

In cold climates, placing a pool air pillow—also known as an ice compensator because it compensates for the pressure of the snow and ice on top of the cover—under the cover protects the sides of the cover and the walls of your pool from damage. The secret to winterizing success lies in inflating the air pillow to around 50% or 60% of its capacity. This allows the pillow to compress without immediately popping after the first substantial snowfall.

Georgia-Specific Considerations

Georgia pool owners have unique advantages and challenges. When it comes to regions that are warm during the day but can get chilly on winter nights, the decision to winterize a pool is a case-by-case call. However, most experts recommend full winterization for above ground pools in our state.

In warmer climates, where algae tends to thrive, you may have to do a midwinter shock and algaecide treatment to prevent buildup of bacteria and algae. This is particularly relevant for Georgia pool owners who may experience warmer spells during winter months.

Professional Winterization Services

For homeowners seeking professional assistance with above ground pools Douglas, GA, expert services can ensure your pool is properly prepared for winter. Deep Water Pools is a swimming pool contractor serving Douglas, GA. We design, build, and renovate pools, offering a variety of services to meet your aquatic needs. Our dedication to detail ensures durable, beautiful pools.

Professional winterization services can be particularly valuable for Georgia pool owners who want to ensure their equipment is protected during occasional ice storms and power outages that can occur in our region.

Spring Opening Preparation

In the spring, I would open early as Casey suggested. Open once the water reaches 50°F or so on a fairly consistent basis. This will greatly minimize the risk of algae. Early opening is particularly important in Georgia’s climate to prevent algae blooms that can occur when temperatures start warming up.

Conclusion

Winterizing your above ground pool in Georgia requires careful attention to our unique climate conditions. While our winters are milder than northern states, proper winterization protects your investment and ensures a smooth transition back to swimming season. Frigid winters can be hard on just about any kind of swimming pool. With the right gear and preparation, you can soften the blow and make sure your above ground pool is ready to rock for years to come.

Whether you choose to tackle winterization yourself or work with professional pool services, following these steps will help ensure your above ground pool weathers Georgia’s winter months and emerges ready for another season of family fun.