Should I lower the water level below the skimmer during closing?

[Ryan Brooks]

Getting ready to close the pool for the first time myself and I’ve seen mixed advice on water level. Some say drop it below the skimmer, others say leave it. What’s the right move to avoid damage over winter?

 

[Jake Roberts]

If you’re using a solid winter cover and live in a freeze-prone area, yes definitely lower the water below the skimmer. It helps prevent freeze damage in the lines. I usually drain it 4–6 inches below the skimmer and use a skimmer plug or gizmo to be extra safe. For mesh covers, you might not need to lower it as much since rain and snow will add water back in.

 

[Minjun Kato]

I also lower the water about 4–6 inches below the skimmer when using a solid cover since it’s safer against freezing. But with a mesh cover I don’t lower it as much, because rain and snow will raise the level anyway.

 

[Oscar Ricci]

I do the same lower it about 4–6 inches if I’m using a solid cover since it’s safer against freezing. But with a mesh cover, I usually don’t lower it much because rain and snow will raise the level anyway.

 

[Temi Mwangi]

I usually go by the cover type and how hard your area freezes. If you’ve got a solid cover and real freeze risk, I drop the water about 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer and use a skimmer plug/gizmo to be safe. If it’s a mesh cover, I usually don’t lower it much because rain and snow will raise the level anyway, the big thing is the lines are blown out and plugged tight.