How Far to Drain an Above Ground Pool for Winter?

The Safe Winter Water Level for Above Ground Pools

The standard rule for winterizing an above ground pool is to lower the water level between 1 and 6 inches below the lowest wall opening. In most pools, you have two main wall openings: the skimmer opening (the rectangular wall box that draws in surface water) and the return fitting (the round wall hole where clean water pumps back in). Because ice expands as it freezes, standing water trapped inside these openings can easily split plastic pipes, crack wall gaskets, and tear the pool liner.

To set the right depth, look closely at your pool wall to see which fitting sits closer to the ground. On many round and oval pools, the return fitting sits roughly 4 to 6 inches lower than the skimmer mouth. If you leave the return fitting open to pool water, ice can freeze inside the pipe threads and fracture the fitting. In that setup, you must lower the water until the surface sits at least 1 to 2 inches below the bottom of that round return fitting. That usually puts your water level roughly 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer mouth.

Freezing water behaves with tremendous physical force. When water turns to solid ice, it expands by roughly 9 percent in volume. In a wide-open space like the center of the pool, water expands upward without causing harm. But when water freezes inside a confined space, such as the throat of a skimmer or a return pipe, that outward expansion acts like a hydraulic wedge. It can crack the skimmer housing, push against the metal wall cutout, and create costly leaks that ruin the pool frame by spring.

Above ground pools face far greater winter stress than inground pools. An inground pool sits encased in surrounding soil, which offers natural insulation against rapid temperature swings. An above ground pool has thin steel, aluminum, or resin walls exposed directly to freezing winter winds. Water near the walls freezes faster and deeper. Lowering the water just enough to clear the fittings protects the plumbing while leaving the bulk of the water inside where it belongs.

Drainage chores often take place during chilly late autumn afternoons. Standing around cold pool water in falling temperatures can chill you quickly, so wear appropriate layers and review how to keep warm in winter outdoors before spending an afternoon managing drain hoses in the yard.

Why You Must Never Empty an Above Ground Pool Completely

It can be tempting to think that draining every drop of water is the ultimate way to prevent freeze damage. If there is no water, nothing can freeze or crack, right? In reality, draining an above ground pool completely is the fastest way to ruin it. An empty pool will often collapse within weeks under cold weather conditions.

The standing water inside an above ground pool provides the structural weight that keeps the entire pool upright. A standard pool holds thousands of gallons of water, weighing tens of thousands of pounds. That massive weight pushes outward against the metal or resin walls, balancing the forces of ground movement, shifting soil, and winter winds. Without that water weight, an above ground pool wall is just a thin, flexible sheet of metal. A single heavy gust of winter wind can buckle an empty wall inward, collapsing the top rails and folding the frame like a crushed soda can.

Vinyl pool liners also depend on water to survive cold weather. Pool liners are made to stay stretched against the bottom sand base and the side walls under constant water pressure. When you remove that water, especially in cold air, the vinyl loses its flexibility, dries out, and shrinks. Once a liner shrinks, it will never stretch back out smoothly. If you try to refill a shrunk liner in the spring, the vinyl will pull away from the corners and tear along the bottom seams, forcing you to buy a costly replacement.

Ground conditions during winter create another hidden hazard. As dirt freezes, soil moisture expands and causes the ground to heave upward and push inward. A full or mostly full pool provides the counter-pressure needed to keep the pool base level and prevent the bottom track from shifting. Keep your pool at least two-thirds to three-quarters full all winter long to protect the investment you made in your backyard.

How Cover Types and Skimmer Plates Change Your Water Depth

Your target water level depends on the exact closing equipment you use on your skimmer and over the pool top. You do not always have to drain below the return jet if you install specialized winter sealing plates, and your cover type plays a major role in how much water must stay in the pool.

If you install a watertight winter skimmer faceplate (often called an Aquador or snap-on winter cover), you do not need to drain the water below the skimmer box. These plastic faceplates screw directly over the skimmer mouth, creating an airtight and watertight seal. With a faceplate securely snapped on, pool water cannot enter the skimmer body. You only need to drop the water level 2 to 3 inches below the skimmer opening temporarily so you can dry the rim and snap the cover tightly in place. Once the faceplate is sealed, the water level can safely sit right at normal operating height, provided you plug the return jet with a threaded winter plug.

Your choice of pool cover also controls your target water depth:

• Solid winter covers: These impermeable covers block all sunlight and prevent water from passing through. Over winter, rain, sleet, and melting snow accumulate on top of the cover. A solid cover relies on the pool water beneath it to support that heavy wet slush. If you drain the pool water too low, the weight on top stretches the cover tight like a drum, pulling the pool walls inward and bending your top rails. For solid covers, keep the water no lower than 6 inches below the skimmer.
• Mesh winter covers: Mesh covers allow rain and melted snow to filter through into the pool while screening out leaves and large debris. Because water filters into the pool, the water level will slowly rise throughout the winter months. You can safely lower the water 6 inches below the return fitting in late fall, knowing the pool will gradually refill as winter precipitation falls.

Standing on cold, damp ground while monitoring pool equipment can draw warmth straight out of your boots. If you find your feet getting chilled while working around the pool perimeter, check practical tips on how to keep feet warm during winter so you can complete your closing chores in comfort.

Steps to Lower the Water Safely and Seal Your Wall Openings

Lowering the water level requires controlled draining rather than rapid dumping. You do not want hundreds of gallons of water pooling around the base of the pool, which can wash away the supporting sand or soften the ground beneath the pool uprights. Follow these practical steps to bring your water level to the safe winter mark.

1. Choose your draining method: You can drain the pool in three safe ways. First, connect a garden hose adapter directly to the pool bottom drain port if your pool model includes one, running the hose toward a storm drain or downward yard slope. Second, use a clean garden hose as a gravity siphon by submerging the entire hose to fill it with water, capping one end with your thumb, and dropping that end on lower ground outside the pool. Third, place a small submersible cover pump on the top pool step or suspend it from a cord so it pumps water out until it reaches your exact mark.
2. Monitor the water line closely: Check the water drop every 30 minutes. Stop draining as soon as the water sits 1 to 6 inches below your target fitting. Never walk away and leave a pump running unattended overnight, because accidentally draining the pool to the floor can buckle the walls.
3. Drain the pump and filter equipment: Once the water level is below the fittings, turn off power to your equipment. Disconnect the flexible hoses linking the skimmer and return jet to the pump. Remove the drain caps on your pump strainer basket, sand or cartridge filter tank, and chlorinator to let all internal water run out onto the ground.
4. Store removable gear indoors: Carry your pump motor, pressure gauge, and filter drain plugs into an insulated garage or basement. Freezing air will ruin rubber O-rings and crack fragile plastic pump housings if they remain outside.

Once the water is at the correct level, secure your pool wall openings before attaching the winter cover. Use this quick checklist to ensure nothing is missed:

• Unscrew the directional eyeball fitting and lock ring from the round return fitting on the inside pool wall.
• Thread a winter plug (a threaded plastic cap with a flexible rubber seal) tightly into the return fitting to keep water from entering the pipe.
• Install an expansion plug or hollow foam guard inside the skimmer opening to absorb ice pressure, or snap your watertight winter faceplate over the skimmer mouth.
• Disconnect all hoses from the underside of the skimmer so rainwater drains straight out the bottom rather than collecting in the pipe.
• Center an air pillow in the middle of the pool to relieve ice pressure across the water surface before pulling your winter cover into place.

Winter Pool Closing Gear and What to Verify Before Buying

Having the right winter closing gear on hand makes lowering your water level and protecting your pool structure straightforward. Before freezing temperatures arrive, check your pool openings and select tools matched to your pool size and wall setup.

When selecting winter plugs for your wall openings, verify the thread dimensions of your return fittings. Most standard above ground return lines use 1.5-inch threaded connections. Look for plugs made of dense, cold-resistant plastic that feature a thick rubber O-ring or expansion gasket. A proper rubber seal ensures an airtight lock without requiring tools that might crack the plastic wall fitting.

If your pool has a built-in bottom drain port, check your pool brand before buying a drain adapter. Fitting styles vary between major pool manufacturers. Verify whether your pool uses a 1.5-inch inner thread or an outer push-fit connection, and confirm that the adapter terminates in a standard garden hose thread so you can direct wastewater safely away from your pool foundation.

Managing water on top of your pool cover throughout the cold months is just as critical as setting the water depth inside the pool. Look into winter cover pumps to keep rain and melted snow from weighing down the fabric. You can choose non-electric siphon cover pumps that operate automatically using gravity and water pressure, or electric submersible pumps that clear high water volumes quickly. For electric units, verify power cord length and hose compatibility so you can plug directly into a protected outlet and drain runoff far away from the pool area.

1

In The Swim Above-Ground Winter Pool Cover Siphon Drain Pump

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• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  10.0
• Brand
  In The Swim

Key specs2

Kit Components

• Base drain unit
• Hand siphon pump
• Drain discharge hose
• Garden hose adapter coupling

Unit Weight

3.2 pounds

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Requires no outdoor electrical outlets or extension cords near the winter pool
• Drains standing precipitation at up to 5 gallons per minute to protect pool covers
• Includes a garden hose coupling so you can direct runoff far away from the pool base

Cons

• Requires manual squeezing of the siphon pump to start water flow
• Relies on gravity drainage so discharge must sit lower than the pool cover surface

2

ATIE 1.5" Threaded Pool Spa Return Line Winterizing Plug &

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  9.2
• Brand
  ATIE

Key specs2

Port Compatibility

Directly matches Hayward, Pentair, and Waterway equipment ports requiring standard 1.5-inch NPT male threads

Pack Quantity

2 threaded plugs with O-rings

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Creates an airtight seal in 1.5-inch return fittings after lowering the pool water
• Features integrated O-rings to block water from seeping into wall plumbing lines
• Material withstands severe sub-freezing temperatures without slipping or shrinking
• Multi-pack includes two plugs to seal both wall returns and filter drain openings

Cons

• Fits only 1.5-inch NPT threaded ports and cannot seal 2-inch pool wall openings
• Lacks a rubber expansion plug mechanism for unthreaded pipe openings

3

FIDISP Pool Cover Pump, 850 GPH Pool Cover Pumps Above

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  8.8
• Brand
  FIDISP

Key specs2

Discharge Specifications

• 850 GPH maximum flow rate
• 10.5-foot maximum vertical lift height
• Draws water down to under 0.4 inches

Hose and Cord Lengths

23 ft discharge hose with 25 ft cord

Pros & cons52

Pros

• Pumps up to 850 gallons per hour to quickly lower water levels or clear covers
• Wide base provides stability and pumps water down to less than 0.4 inches
• Long 25-foot power cord and 23-foot drain hose give generous yard reach
• Automatic motor shutoff activates when internal temperature exceeds 55 degrees Celsius
• Includes four different pipe adapters including a durable 3/4-inch brass fitting

Cons

• Requires a constant grounded outdoor electrical connection to operate
• Must be monitored manually during operation because it lacks an automatic float switch

4

SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS ORIGINAL Submersible Pool Cover Water Siphon Pump Automatic

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  8.6
• Brand
  Swimline

Key specs2

Power Requirements

Zero electricity or batteries needed

Warranty Protection

1-year manufacturing defect warranty

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Operates without electrical wiring or batteries to remove water safely
• Simple squeeze handle initiates water siphon without mechanical complexity
• All-inclusive kit includes drain base, siphon pump, and drainage hose
• Backed by a one-year manufacturing defect warranty

Cons

• Siphoning flow rate is significantly slower than powered submersible cover pumps
• Requires manual effort to prime and depends entirely on natural gravity pull

5

Ocean Blue Water Products Non-Electric Siphon Winter Cover Pool Pump

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  8.6
• Brand
  Ocean Blue Water Products

Key specs2

Automatic Operation

Siphoning action shuts off automatically when the winter pool cover surface is completely cleared of water

Pool Cover Compatibility

Works on both above-ground and in-ground covers

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Stops siphoning automatically once water is completely removed from the cover
• Completely non-electric operation eliminates outdoor shock hazards in wet conditions
• Compact 12 by 12 inch footprint sits flat on winter pool covers

Cons

• Water discharge rate is unlisted by the manufacturer and should be verified
• Does not include threaded garden hose adapters for extending discharge lines

6

Pool Drain Fitting Connects fits for Coleman Pools, ID1.5-inch Connect

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  8.0
• Brand
  RM Romansk

Key specs2

Port Sizing

• 1.5-inch inner diameter pool fitting
• 1.0-inch outer diameter connection
• 3/4-inch internal garden hose thread

Pool Brand Fit

Coleman frame and Fast-Set pools

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Screws directly into standard 3/4-inch garden hoses to drain pool water away
• Fits Coleman P6 series drain valves including P6A1420 and P6D1420 ports
• Allows precise water lowering below skimmer and return jets using yard hoses

Cons

• Designed specifically for Coleman pools and does not fit threaded Intex drain outlets
• Single-piece package does not include a hose clamp or spare sealing gasket

7

Pool Cover Drainer Kit for Above Ground Swimming Pools by

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  7.8
• Brand
  Aquatix Pro

Key specs2

Included Hose Length

16-foot drainage hose included

Closing Resource

Comes with a downloadable pool closing checklist guide to track winterization steps

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Includes a 16-foot flexible drain hose to direct water away from the pool structure
• Hand pump primes the siphon quickly without needing electrical power
• Universal design functions across all winter cover brands including Intex and Swimline
• Comes with a digital pool closing guide and a one-year warranty

Cons

• Manual siphon speed depends on water height and gravity pull
• 16-foot hose length may require an extension if your yard runoff point is far away

8

Poolmaster 32182 Above-Ground Pool Cover Drain Kit

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  7.6
• Brand
  Poolmaster

Key specs2

Intake Base Profile

Measures 12 by 12 by 6 inches with a 4-pound weight to stay centered on winter covers

Drainage Method

Gravity-based non-electric siphon

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Heavy 4-pound base helps keep the siphon intake submerged in cover water
• Complete kit includes drain base, hand pump, hose, and garden hose fitting
• Gravity siphon requires no electricity or batteries during cold weather

Cons

• Specific hose length is not listed by the manufacturer and should be checked
• Gravity-based removal operates slower than motorized electric cover pumps

9

[2 Pack] Pool Drain Adapter for Coleman & Bestway Above

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  7.6
• Brand
  GekLiGuLu

Key specs2

Package Contents

• 2 drain adapters with silicone O-rings
• 2 rust-resistant 304 stainless steel clamps

Pool Brand Fit

Coleman and Bestway frame pools

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Value pack provides two replacement adapters plus two stainless steel butterfly clamps
• Standard 3/4-inch internal thread connects directly to standard US garden hoses
• Built-in thick silicone O-rings provide a leak-proof seal during water drainage
• Installs by hand without tools using integrated butterfly wing turn clamps

Cons

• Sized specifically for Coleman and Bestway pools, not compatible with Intex threads
• Draining large pools through a 3/4-inch garden hose takes several hours

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FAQs

Can I leave the pool completely full if I put an air pillow under the cover?

No, you should still lower the water level below the wall fittings or seal them with watertight faceplates. An air pillow relieves ice pressure in the center of the pool, but it does nothing to stop freezing water from expanding inside your skimmer throat or return jet. Trapped water inside rigid wall fittings will still freeze, expand, and split the plastic components.

What should I do if winter rain and snow raise the pool water back up?

If you use a mesh cover, melting snow and rain will naturally raise the pool water level as winter progresses. As long as your return fitting has a tight winter plug and your skimmer has its bottom hose disconnected, rising water will simply drain harmlessly out the open skimmer bottom. If your skimmer is completely sealed with a winter plate, check the level occasionally and use a siphon hose to lower the water if it reaches the top rail.

Where should I drain pool water so it does not damage my yard or pool?

Always route your drain hose away from the pool foundation and toward a storm sewer, driveway, or natural downhill grade. Never dump hundreds of gallons of water directly beside the pool wall, as saturated soil can erode the sand base or undermine the patio blocks supporting the pool uprights. Also check your local municipal rules regarding pool drainage to ensure water does not run onto neighboring properties.