As summer comes to an end and cooler weather approaches, pool owners start thinking about winter pool maintenance. For above-ground pools like Intex, an important consideration is whether the pool needs to be taken down for the winter or not. There are pros and cons to leaving an Intex pool up over winter versus taking it down and storing it away. In this article, we’ll look at the key factors to help you decide what’s best for your Intex pool in your climate.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to some common questions about winterizing Intex pools:
- It is not strictly necessary to take down an Intex pool for winter in all climates. In warmer regions where temperatures stay above freezing, the pool can often be left up year-round.
- In colder climates, it is usually recommended to take the pool down to prevent ice and snow damage. But some pool owners still choose to leave pools up with proper winter preparations.
- To leave the pool up, it must be fully winterized with special chemicals and equipment like pool cover pumps to prevent ice damage.
- Taking down the pool requires emptying the water, disassembling the frame and liner, and properly storing all components.
- Leaving the pool up over winter avoids the work of taking it down and setting it back up next spring. But it also requires vigilance to monitor and maintain the pool through frigid conditions.
- Taking down the pool requires more upfront work but may be safer in climates prone to extreme winter weather.
Determining what is best for your Intex pool over the winter depends on several factors. The climate where you live, how committed you are to winter maintenance, and the age and condition of your pool components all play a role. Looking at the pros and cons in more detail can help make the decision clearer.
The Case for Leaving the Pool Up
Here are some of the benefits and reasons a pool owner may choose to leave their Intex pool erected year-round:
- Avoids work of taking down and re-assembly – Putting together an above-ground pool each spring and taking it apart each fall can be a big job. Leaving the pool up avoids this significant effort.
- Maintains water temperature – If properly winterized, leaving the pool up means the water stays in place and remains warmer than the freezing air temperature.
- Prevents liner damage – Taking down the pool risks creasing or tearing the liner when removing it. Leaving it in place reduces this risk of damage.
- Saves money on chemicals – When opening a pool each spring, new chemicals are needed to balance the water. Keeping the pool water over winter avoids this expense.
- Extends the swimming season – In warmer climates, an in-ground pool left up may allow for an earlier start to swimming when spring arrives.
Pool owners who are willing to invest the time and money into proper winter care can benefit from leaving their Intex pool assembled through the winter. If the winterization is done right, the pool survives the cold weather and is ready for immediate use next summer.
Winterizing Steps to Leave Pool Up
To have success keeping your Intex pool operational through winter, special winterization steps must be followed:
- Use a pool cover and water tubes to protect the liner and frame from snow load.
- Maintain water circulation and chemical balance using a pool cover pump.
- Monitor water levels and refill as needed to keep the liner weighted down.
- Clear snow and debris off the cover to prevent excessive accumulation.
- Inspect the cover, liner, walls, and frame periodically for any damage.
- Watch water chemistry closely and treat with algaecides and clarifiers as needed.
With the proper winter preparations, an Intex pool can survive the winter intact. But lack of monitoring and maintenance increases the risks of irreparable damage from frozen water and gusty winds.
Reasons to Take Down the Pool for Winter
Here are some of the reasons you may want to dismantle your Intex pool for the winter months:
- Prevent weather hazards – Ice, snow, high winds, and storms can damage the pool, especially if it’s not vigilantly monitored and maintained.
- Reduce chemical costs – Balancing chemicals in cold water requires using more specialized winter chemicals.
- Avoid damage from animals and pests – Rodents or insects may move into the empty pool and start chewing on the liner or frame.
- Eliminate falling debris – Trees and bushes dropping twigs and leaves into the idle pool can stain the liner.
- Save time on spring opening – Opening a dismantled pool may take less time and effort than readying one left up.
- Increase pool life – Keeping the liner and frame in climate-controlled storage avoids deterioration from winter weather extremes.
In harsh winter climates, dismantling the Intex pool for the cold months may be the wisest choice. Pool owners in snowy, icy regions or who want minimal pool maintenance duties through the winter may find taking the pool down best suits their needs.
Steps to Dismantle the Pool
Properly taking down an Intex pool for winter involves the following steps:
- Test and balance the pool water chemistry before draining.
- Add pool antifreeze to the water to prevent liner damage as water is pumped out.
- Disassemble and store the filter system and pumps indoors when empty.
- Drain all water from the pool and plumbed lines.
- Remove and clean the pool liner, walls, and all connecting pieces.
- Break down the frame pieces and transport to clean, dry indoor storage.
- Brush pool walls, frame, and liner with antifreeze applied before storing.
- Check all hardware and replace any missing or damaged pieces.
- Organize pieces by type and label for easy identification when opening next season.
- Cover and seal any stored components vulnerable to moisture or pests.
Taking the effort to properly break down and store the Intex pool helps ensure it survives the winter undamaged and ready for next season’s use.
Key Factors in the Decision
When deciding whether or not you should take down your Intex pool for winter, there are several important considerations to weigh:
Climate and Weather
The winter weather in your geographic location is a primary factor. In warmer climates like the southern U.S., Southwest, and West Coast, leaving pools up may pose little risk. But in regions with sub-freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and high winds, takedown may be the wisest course.
Age of the Pool
For brand new pools in good condition, leaving the pool standing through one winter probably won’t cause significant damage. But for older Intex pools with more years of wear, tear-down may be better to avoid abuses of winter weather.
Pool Location
The location of your pool on the property impacts winter vulnerability. Pools fully exposed to the elements are more prone to wind and snow damage than those in sheltered spots or against a house wall.
Trees and Vegetation
Intex pools located under trees or near dense vegetation are more susceptible to falling leaves, debris, and animals seeking shelter if left up in winter.
Vigilance for Maintenance
To leave a pool up in winter, the owner must be ready to monitor and maintain it all season long. Lack of proper chemical balancing and water circulation can lead to frozen and damaged plumbing or liner.
Time and Ability for Removal
To fully dismantle an Intex pool takes time and physical effort. Before deciding to take it down, make sure you have the ability to empty hundreds of gallons, dismantle pieces, and properly store and protect everything.
Tips for Safely Leaving the Pool Up
If you decide leaving your Intex pool up through winter makes the most sense, follow these tips for safe winterization:
- Invest in the strongest, most durable pool cover possible to withstand snow loads without caving in. Use cover tubes for extra support.
- Keep water sanitized all winter by running a pool cover pump to circulate it when temperatures are above freezing.
- Test water chemistry weekly and add chlorine, algaecide and pH adjuster as needed to maintain proper levels.
- Check the pool frequently after storms for debris on the cover or damage to the pool components.
- Remove any accumulated snow before it gets over 6 inches deep to reduce strain on the pool cover and structure.
- Inspect the cover, liner walls, top rails and vertical supports regularly for sagging, cracks, or loosening.
- Keep the area around the pool free of leaves, trash and debris that could blow in when the cover is off.
- Invest in backup chemicals and equipment in case stores are closed due to inclement weather.
Staying vigilant and attentive to the pool through cold snaps and winter storms will give your Intex pool the best chance of surviving until spring intact.
Closing Thoughts
Determining whether to take down an Intex pool for winter is a decision each pool owner must make based on their climate, pool condition, and ability to oversee proper winter care. While leaving the pool up saves set-up work in spring, it requires diligent monitoring and maintenance to avoid damage from freezing, pests, and debris.
In moderate climates, Intex pools can often remain erected through winter when properly winterized. But in regions with sub-freezing cold and heavy snow, taking the pool down may be the wiser, safer choice. Carefully considering all the factors and required upkeep for each option helps determine if pool takedown is truly necessary where you live.