How to Winterise or Store a Bestway Pool

As the weather cools, it’s time to prepare your Bestway above-ground pool for the winter months.

You have two options: dismantle and store it, or winterise it if you want to leave it set up. We recommend winterising or storing your pool in September or October. Pick a sunny day so the liner can dry thoroughly, as a damp liner may develop mould.

Winterising involves stopping filtration while protecting the pool from the cold. Here’s how to get started:

Winterising Your Pool

Winterising allows you to keep your pool set up during the colder months. You can choose between two methods:

1. Active Winterising

During active winterising, your filtration system runs for a few hours each day. This method is ideal if your pump is protected (in a shed or technical room) and temperatures stay above 5°C.

Clean pool surfaces to remove debris.
Empty the skimmer basket and change the filter.
Regulate Alkalinity, adjust the pH to 7.0-7.4 and shock with chlorine.
Set your pump to run for 3-4 hours daily, ideally when temperatures are lowest.
Cover your pool with a cover to keep out debris.

2. Passive Winterising

Passive winterising shuts down the pool for the season, ideal for areas where temperatures drop below 5°C and the filtration system isn’t sheltered.

Clean pool surfaces and check pH levels, adjusting if necessary.
Shock treat the water; let it sit for 24 hours.
Empty and clean the skimmer basket and the filter. Once dry, store them in a place protected from moisture.
Lower the water level to below skimmer height to protect plastic parts.
Cover with a pool cover, remove all pipes, electrical parts, and the pump.
For cartridge filters, remove and store the cartridge; for sand filters, remove the sand and store it in a dry place.

How to Clean and Store Your Pool

If you plan to dismantle and store your pool, follow these steps:

Clean pool surfaces and empty the filter.
Drain the pool, then clean the liner with water and mild soap.
Rinse and fully dry the liner.
Sprinkle talcum powder over the liner to keep the PVC flexible and fold it for storage.
Clean and dry metal supports, if applicable, and store everything in a dry place.