Winterizing Your Pool Pump the Right Way

A pool pump that freezes is a pool pump that needs replacing. The water inside expands when it freezes, the pump housing cracks, and your spring opens with a $1,200 problem instead of a clean startup. The good news: winterizing a pump correctly takes about 15 minutes, and once you've done it once, it's a checklist.

Here's the right way to winterize, in order.

1. Lower the water level

With the system still running normally, lower the water level below the skimmer. This keeps water out of the skimmer line so it can't expand and crack the plumbing during a freeze.

2. Shut everything off

Flip the breaker for the pump and any heater. You don't want anything kicking on while you're working.

3. Drain the pump

This is where most people cut corners and pay for it later. Open the drain plugs on the pump (most pumps have two — one on the front of the volute, one on the bottom). Let it drain completely. Tilt the pump if it's removable. Get every drop out.

If you've installed a quarter-turn drain valve, this step is 30 seconds: open the valve, walk away, come back when it's done.

4. Drain the filter

Open the drain plug on the bottom of your filter housing. For sand or DE filters, set the multiport valve to "Winter" or "Closed" position once empty.

5. Drain the lines

Use a shop vac or a winterizing line blower to push water out of the plumbing. Blow each line until you see bubbles at the pool end, then plug the line with a winterizing plug.

6. Disconnect what you can

On above-ground or seasonal setups, take the pump indoors. Even a fully drained pump can collect moisture during winter. A garage shelf is better than an exposed equipment pad.

7. Cover the equipment

For in-ground systems where the pump stays outside, wrap the pump and filter with insulation or a fitted cover. Don't wrap so tight that water can't escape — you want air gaps.

The drain plug problem

Most pumps come with brass or plastic drain plugs that are a pain to deal with — they strip, they corrode in place, and they need a wrench every time. If you service the same pumps year after year, replacing those drain plugs once with a quarter-turn valve makes winterizing (and spring priming) so much faster you'll wonder why it isn't standard.

Spring tip

Before you start the pump back up in spring, fill the strainer housing with water. Don't dry-start the motor. The seal needs water to lubricate.