Yes, you can leave an above ground pool up all year, but it requires proper winterization including chemical balancing, equipment protection, and regular maintenance to prevent freeze damage and extend pool life.
Find on Amazon: Above Ground Winter Pool Cover , Pool Winterizing Chemical Kit , Automatic Pool Cover Pump , Winter Pool Closing Plugs
Yes, you can absolutely leave your above ground pool up all year round. Many pool owners successfully maintain their above ground pools through winter months with proper winterization techniques. However, this requires careful preparation, ongoing maintenance, and consideration of your local climate conditions. Year-round pool ownership offers convenience but comes with additional responsibilities and costs.
Keeping your above ground pool up year-round offers several advantages. First, you avoid the labor-intensive process of taking down and reassembling your pool each season, which can take 6-8 hours each way. This saves significant time and reduces wear on pool components from repeated assembly. Additionally, you're ready for unexpected warm weather or extended swimming seasons without setup delays.
Year-round pools also maintain better structural integrity since the water provides consistent support to the pool walls. Empty pools can suffer wall damage from ground shifting, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles. The continuous water pressure helps maintain the pool's shape and prevents liner wrinkles or wall buckling.
Your local climate plays a crucial role in determining whether year-round pool maintenance is practical. In moderate climates where temperatures rarely drop below 20°F, keeping pools operational year-round is relatively straightforward. However, in regions with harsh winters and sustained freezing temperatures, additional precautions become essential.
Pools in extremely cold climates (sustained temperatures below 0°F) face increased risks of equipment damage and structural issues. The freeze-expansion cycle can damage pool walls, plumbing, and equipment if not properly managed. Consider your area's lowest recorded temperatures and frequency of freeze-thaw cycles when making this decision.
Proper chemical balancing before winter is critical for pool health. Test and adjust your water chemistry using a reliable test kit like the Taylor K-2006C. Target these winter levels:
Add winterizing chemicals including algaecide (1 quart per 15,000 gallons) and a winter chemical kit. Avoid using trichlor tablets during winter as they'll continue dissolving and can over-chlorinate your pool.
Disconnect and drain all equipment that could freeze. Remove pump, filter, heater, and any automatic cleaners. Store these in a heated area like a garage or basement. For built-in equipment, drain all water from pumps, filters, and plumbing lines. Use pool antifreeze (propylene glycol) in lines that can't be completely drained - never use automotive antifreeze which is toxic.
Install winter plugs in all return jets, skimmers, and other openings. These prevent water from entering plumbing lines where it could freeze and cause expensive damage. Ensure all plugs are tight and properly sealed.
Choose an appropriate winter cover based on your needs and budget. Safety covers (mesh or solid) provide the best protection and can support weight, making them ideal for areas with children or pets. These typically cost $300-800 but offer superior durability and safety features.
Standard winter covers cost $50-200 but require more maintenance and don't provide safety benefits. Ensure your cover extends at least 3 feet beyond the pool's edge and use proper tie-downs or cable systems to secure it against winter winds.
For solid covers, install a cover pump to remove standing water, snow, and ice. Standing water can damage covers and create safety hazards. Mesh covers allow water to drain through but may require more spring cleanup.
Monthly inspections are essential even with a covered pool. Check cover integrity, remove excess snow load (over 2 feet), and ensure tie-downs remain secure. Heavy snow loads can damage covers or pool walls, so remove snow carefully using a soft brush or cover rake - never use sharp tools that could puncture the cover.
Monitor water levels monthly. Water should remain at normal levels (middle of skimmer opening) to provide structural support. Add water if levels drop significantly due to evaporation or small leaks. Avoid letting water levels drop more than 6 inches below normal.
Year-round pools typically require less spring startup work compared to seasonal setups. Begin spring preparation when daytime temperatures consistently reach 60°F. Remove and clean your winter cover thoroughly before storage. Reconnect all equipment and inspect for winter damage.
Test water chemistry immediately and adjust as needed. You'll likely need to shock the pool and rebalance chemicals. Run your filtration system continuously for the first week to clear any cloudiness or debris that accumulated over winter.
Year-round pool maintenance involves additional costs including winter covers ($50-800), winterizing chemicals ($50-100), equipment storage considerations, and potential increased utility costs for heated storage areas. However, you'll save on annual setup/takedown labor costs and avoid potential equipment damage from repeated assembly.
Factor in your local electricity costs for running cover pumps and any heating costs for equipment storage. Many owners find the convenience and time savings offset these additional expenses, especially when factoring in the cost of professional pool installation services.
Never leave equipment connected in freezing climates without proper protection. Frozen pumps and filters are expensive to replace and damage isn't covered under most warranties. Avoid using cheap covers in areas with heavy snow loads - the cost of pool damage far exceeds cover savings.
Don't ignore winter maintenance thinking the cover handles everything. Regular inspections prevent small issues from becoming major problems. Finally, avoid adding regular pool chemicals during winter - stick to winterizing-specific products designed for long-term effectiveness.
Was this guide helpful?
Try our free pool calculators and tools to help diagnose and fix your pool problems.
Browse Pool ToolsSLAM calculator, pH calculator, salt dosing & more
Pool Repair Question