Seasonal Pool Care /
How Far to Drain an Above-Ground Pool for Winter
Drain only to the winter water level your pool manual recommends—usually below the skimmer and plumbing, but not so low that the liner loses support.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of May 5, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
The best course of action is to adhere to the manufacturer’s winterizing instructions and not go beyond them. For an above-ground pool, that usually entails dropping the water below the skimmer and any plumbing vulnerable to freezing, yet retaining enough in the basin to prop up the liner and walls. Should the manual be ambiguous, it is wise to put in a call to the maker or a qualified pool pro before you begin draining.
How far should you drain an above ground pool for winter?
You will not find one depth that applies to all pools. The correct level is dictated by the make and model of your pool, how the skimmer is set up and if there is exposed plumbing to be shielded from the cold. Some manufacturers are very particular in their instructions; with others, a modest reduction in water is all that is called for.
It is a mistake to think “lower is safer.” Over-draining an aboveground unit can lead to structural issues, particularly with a vinyl liner or a flexible wall system.
What to check prior to draining
Your first port of call should be the owner’s manual and the pool maker’s closing guidelines. Then have a look at the equipment to see what requires freeze protection.
1. Make note of the skimmer, return fittings and any open plumbing. 2. Determine what the manual says the winterizing level should be. 3. Take into account whether your area has hard freezes or long stretches of cold weather. 4. See if skimmer plugs or similar parts are a necessity. 5. If the directions do not make sense, put down the tools and get some help.
Resist the urge to guess at a water level simply because a neighbor does it his way. Stick to the chemical labels and the equipment manual.
Why a complete drain is not advisable
Some water is needed to take the strain off the pool walls and liner. An empty pool is more prone to liner wrinkles and wall movement. On the other hand, too much water can result in freezing around the skimmer or lines. You are not looking to make the pool as empty as possible, but to hit the mark the manual sets for winter.
Practical steps for winterizing
Shut off the pump before you put a hand on any basket or touch the water; never reach into suction equipment while it is running.
A good sequence is to:
- Power down the pool pump in accordance with the maker’s shutdown procedure.
- Clear out debris and get to the skimmer basket only when the system is off.
- Give the skimmer area a clean and examine the fittings.
- Put in place any required winter skimmer plug or other components as the manual directs.
- Have the proper PPE on for handling chemicals and equipment.
If there is a cover, wait until the water is at the appropriate level for the closing method before putting it on. There is no need to force a generic approach.
Time to call in a professional?
There are times when a qualified pool professional should be on the job:
- When the manual is silent on how far to drain
- If the system has a heater or odd accessories and plumbing
- In the event of a leak, damage to the liner or any wall movement
- If you are not confident in your ability to winterize exposed fittings
- To assist with water balance or getting the pool ready for spring
Absent clear guidance, the simple rule for any pool owner is to follow the book. Do not drain too far and leave enough water for support.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)