Can a vinyl pool be left up over the winter?
We just set up a 16 x 4 foot vinyl pool and after we had the thing half-way filled we read that the manufacturer advises taking it down for winter storage because the vinyl “may not withstand ice and freezing temperatures”. I know we should have read the whole manual before filling the pool (kicking myself) but aren’t there chemicals or covers that would make the pool safe for winter without taking the whole thing down and storing it? We live in southwest VA, temps can reach below freezing for several days at a time for 3-4 months, and the pool has a metal pipe frame.
I would follow the manufacturers recommendations. Even with chemicals and covers, it won’t protect the vinyl. Even empty, the vinyl is at risk. What happens is when it freezes and then thaws, the vinyl can crack and wouldn’t hold water. Sorry, the best thing to do is to take it down and store it over the winter, that is unless you want to buy a new one every spring.
Ananya Creations Limited, New Delhi, India