Leaving Pool up through winter in cold climate?

[kathrynmj]

New to the site here. 2 questions : 1: I put up a new Coleman steel max 14x36 this summer and my question is can I leave it up for winter? I’ve heard of it being done successfully even though I think the manufacturer says not to. The method I read about is similar to a typical metal wall pool (I think) where it’s partially emptied then covered with air containers to lift the middle. Not sure exactly.

2. Also, I have a pretty even layer of grayish soot type stuff (for lack of better description) on the bottom which when pushed around with a broom, clouds up the water but then settles back down pretty quickly. It seemed to get worse after putting stabilizer in my chlorine dispenser which was suggested by the local pool store. (I could never get it to dissolve before putting it in pool) Otherwise the water was clear & sparkling before that but I could not keep the chlorine level up. I don’t know how to clean it because my pool only has the vacuum that is done with a garden hose & it just goes right through the cloth thing that filters bugs & leaves etc. I had the same issue last year with an Intex pool that was a bit smaller. Am I doing something wrong? Would an in wall skimmer do anything to help? I never had one

 

[ajw22]

We would not have an article about closing an above ground pool for the winter if it cannot be left up. Keep water in the pool to support the walls over the winter.

Closing (Winterizing) Your Above Ground Pool

Closing an above ground pool at season’s end should be a fast and worry-free process. Learn the basics of above ground pool winterization in easy steps.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[CT-Steven]

The soft sided pools can be left up and the closing is really the same in respect to chemical balance. There are 2 thoughts on the water level in draining below the intake/return or not. I am on the no drain side. Our Intex was up for 3 years with zero issues. We sold it and went bigger, and I'll be closing the new one the exact same way. The only real difference is the cover as there is no real attachment points. For mine I use a larger cover. Specifically, chose this one due to the large overlap it provides.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DXH252H?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I am also trying these for the first time and trying to hold the cover down a little better

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08XPJ1SYG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3G1ULYJB7FAGJ&psc=1

I use this for my pillow

PoolTree System Above Ground Pool Winter Cover Closing Kit Pool Pillow

Tired of popped pillows or sunken winter covers? Or scooping leaves from your above ground pool? We are the manufacturer and retailer of the industry's ONLY self-cleaning winter cover system for aboveground pools. PoolTree saves you hours of frustration so that you can enjoy your pool more.

www.pooltreesystem.com

I then use stretch/palette wrap to hold the cover down. I also tend to wrap down to cover the legs protecting them the best I can.

Pratt Retail Specialties 15 in. x 1000 ft. Movers/Furniture Wrap 15X1000MOVWRP - The Home Depot

Secure bubble cushion to mirrors and pictures in your home with the selection of this Pratt Retail Specialties Furniture Stretch Wrap.

www.homedepot.com

As I converted everything to PVC I dismantle the intake and return, close off the intake and return in the pool, bring my pump into the garage, drain out the filter and place a fountain winter cover over it. If you cover your filter, you also need to make sure it can "breathe" as not to trap excess moisture.