Winterize water level

[funkypc]

What is the recommended water level to winterize the pool in a cold climate? I generally drop the water level 18-24" of water and let it freeze solid for the winter. (no cover) However, I got a bigger pool this year and that is a lot of water (and salt) to replace in spring. If it's ok to leave the water level a little higher, I would rather do that.
I have a single return jet just below the skimmer. Pool is oval with a 52" wall.

 

[PoolStored]

This guide should help you...

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

 

[funkypc]

Yes, that says 6" below the lowest jet. Is that an acceptable level even in areas that get extreme cold?

poolsuppliescanada says in their winterization guide: "Please Note: in areas where temperatures consistently reach -30 to -40 degrees, lower the water level until it is about 18" (46 cm) deep and do not use a winter cover or alternatively ensure minimal accumulation of snow, ice or water on top of the cover.DO NOT DRAIN ALL THE WATER OUT OF THE POOL. If you wish to keep more then 24" of water in your pool, please see your local dealer for assistance."

 

[phonedave]

I don't know if you would consider Northern NJ cold (compared to Manitoba) but I barely drain my pool.

I drain it down to just about the bottom of my skimmer. I put a plug in my return and a door on my skimmer. I use a pillow (a BIG pillow) under my cover, and my pool does freeze.

I had an issue one year with doing this. I was not using a threaded return plug that year, I was using a rubber stopper with a wing nut on the end to expand it into the opening (because of a pool light I used to have in the return). It froze deep enough that the ice "grabbed" the wing nut, and when it began shifting during the thaw, it pulled the stopper out. It drained my pool down to the return. Once I got rid of that light and went back to threaded plugs, I have not had any issues.

 

[TDK_WPG]

Hi from a fellow Manitoban. I have a 24' round, 52" wall and am heading into winter #2 with it, so only have one winter of experience. My neighbour is on year 20 and I followed what he does (his is 21' round). Drain ~7" below the lowest inlet/outlet (in my case it is the return jet) follow the instructions in the above link for all the blow-out and plugging information, and watch to see how things go in the spring melt-wise. The snow was over the top of my pool last winter, but as you know it is about 1/10 moisture, so in the end my total water level only climbed 1 1/2" with the spring melt. Admittedly it was a light snow year last year, but I feel like 7" is lots of margin. Pool store recommended draining down to 24", similar to what you heard.

 

[funkypc]

Great info. Thanks!
I talked to the guy I bought it from - he said he drained it 12" below the skimmer. So probably only slightly lower than what you do.

 

[Pauls234]

12 or so winters in Chicago where my pool freezes solid every season and I've always followed TFP protocols, draining 4" or so below the return. I need to drain the cover periodically, primarily before deep freeze and then as things start to melt so water level in pool doesn't rise too high and spill out the return but otherwise I'm not sure why you'd need to drain it significantly lower than that.