Replacing Liner With Bottom Drain

by Laura Hail
(San Angelo, Texas)

Our pool was professionally installed in 2003 with vacuum and a bottom drain. We have had no problems but now that it is time to close and winterize, we are noticing a water spot on the ground outside.

Will it be OK to drain the pool and wait until spring to replace liner and not bother with winterizing and covering?

Thanks in advance for your expertise.



Hi Laura. Even if you are planning to replace the liner I would still leave water in the pool over the winter. Above ground pools can easily blow down in a strong wind when they are empty.

I would top it off with water, shock it with a vinyl shock treatment, run the filter for a couple of days and then cover it. Over the winter, if it is not leaking to bad, I would try to keep it full.

Many unfortunate things can happen to an empty pool.

This page might be of help also.

Holes in Vinyl Pool