Northern IL - leave AGP up over winter? Pros and cons

[Justwoomass]

18’ Summer Waves Elite Frame Pool- vinyl liner supported by metal leg frame. No metal walls or base.

Hello all,
So, after spending an epic 6 weeks leveling and setting up pool we are wondering if we have to take it down for a northern IL winter.
If we left it up it would freeze solid. I’m sure of it. We would partially drain it, treat it, remove mechanics, cover it, use air pillow, and all the other recs I’ve seen (thank you all!) but will the solid freeze ruin the plastic liner, rendering it useless come Spring?

If we do take it down we would roll it, use talcum, and store in basement. How can we cover the dirt hole in backyard during the winter to keep the dog out of it?

Thank you!
Justine

 

[Zrock]

i take mine down every winter. not worth the risk of something hitting the frozen liner and splitting it.. i just vacuum it dry and wipe it out with a towel and fold it up.. As far as your dirt goes toss a tarp and a few 2x4's over it to hold it down? im going to pull mine today the temps have dropped enough at night that it will not be warm enough to swim in and its nice and sunny today making things easy to fold and put away.

 

[DarrelB]

I have a Intex Ultra and leave it up year round in Manitoba winters, all good. Been doing it for 3 years now with no issues. I just do the basic winterizing routine, put a mesh cover on it until the first snow, and leave it off for the winter.

 

[krazykrames]

My intex ultra frame gets left up over winter, freezes solid, three years with no problems. Taking it down and storing in my opinion is harder on it. Pin hole leaks will develop.
I drain 6" below the returns and cover the whole thing with an oversized winter cover. It's big enough to rest on the water, go up the sides and hang over the top edge. I clamp it to the top frame. I wouldn't waste time with an air pillow, just let it sit on the water. I also set water filled chlorine jugs on top the cover to keep it from blowing in the wind, once it rains and water is on the cover it's not a problem. If I didnt get tons of debris blowing in there I'd probably leave it uncovered.

 

[IL_WS]

I don't have any input for you, but I'm also in Crystal Lake, IL. I usually just say NW of Chicago (my signature) so I don't have to explain where Crystal Lake is located.

 

[LFrankow]

Been using this guide for 4-5 years now

Pool School - Closing (Winterizing) Your Above Ground Pool

 

[Justwoomass]

I don't have any input for you, but I'm also in Crystal Lake, IL. I usually just say NW of Chicago (my signature) so I don't have to explain where Crystal Lake is located.

Good idea ?
thank you

 

[Justwoomass]

Thank you all for your pros, cons, and suggestions. Temps are dropping so we will have to decide soon. Take care!

 

[gurs24]

12×24×52 intex altra frame. Wisconsin hour north of Madison. This is our 3rd winter with it up. No issues. Get our FC level up, drain few inches below filter holes, throw in a few pillows and cover it.