Should I lower the water below the skimmer before covering for winter?

Manikshaw

Manikshaw

Member
First time closing my own pool and I’ve read conflicting advice. Some people say drain a bit below the skimmer, others leave it full and just plug it. I don’t want to cause cracks if it freezes. What’s the safer route?
 
I usually drop it a few inches below the skimmer line and plug the return. Been doing it that way for years and never had an issue with freezing. Full water always made me nervous because ice expands.
 
I also prefer dropping the water a few inches below the skimmer and plugging the return. That method’s always been safe for me and gives me peace of mind during really cold weather.
 
I usually lower the water a bit below the skimmer too. As long as the lines are blown out and plugged, that method’s always been safe for me in winter.
 
If it’s your first time, I’d take the safest route: drop the water a few inches below the skimmer, then blow out the lines and plug all the returns/skimmer tight for your setup. A lot of people are fine with just a plug, but for year one I’m more comfortable lowering it a bit so you’re not leaving water trapped to freeze.
 
If this is your first time, I would take the safest route: drop the water a few inches below the skimmer, then make sure the lines are cleared and plug every return and the skimmer snug. I have seen a lot of people do it this way and it feels a lot less stressful when temps really drop.
 
What finally convinced me to lower it slightly was realizing that winter damage usually isn’t from one big freeze, it’s from weeks of small freeze–thaw cycles. When the water sits right at the skimmer mouth, every thaw lets a little water creep in, and every refreeze pushes on the plastic again. You don’t notice anything wrong until spring, when there’s suddenly a crack or a slow leak.

Dropping the level just enough to keep the skimmer throat dry breaks that cycle. Even if you’re plugging and blowing out properly, the air gap gives you insurance if the water level rises later from rain or snow melt. You’re not draining the pool, just removing the skimmer from the stress equation.

Plenty of people get away with leaving it full and plugging, especially in milder climates. But for a first close, lowering it a few inches below the skimmer plus plugging the lines is the most forgiving setup. It gives you room for winter surprises you can’t really control once the cover is on.
 
If this is your first time closing it yourself, I’d honestly choose the option that gives you peace of mind. I usually lower the water a few inches below the skimmer and make sure every line is fully cleared before plugging them. For me the real risk isn’t just the water level, it’s trapped water in the plumbing when temperatures drop hard. As long as the lines are blown out and the water is balanced before covering, the chance of cracks is much lower.
 
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