Winter storage How to clean, dry and store a portable pool

When winter arrives in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and the hills, most home pools sit unused for two to four months. Store your portable pool properly and it will be ready for the next summer. Store it badly and you can face mould, cracks and a bad smell. Here is the right way to do it.

When to pack up your pool

In North India, night temperatures begin to drop by late October or November, and the pool stops being comfortable. A good rule is to pack up when you are no longer swimming and nights regularly feel cold. Do not wait for the water to turn green, as it makes cleaning harder.

Pick a dry, sunny day for the job. A dry day lets the liner air out properly, and you will need several hours of daylight. In cities with winter fog and smog, plan for the clearest day you can.

Drain and clean the pool

Plan the drain

Connect a hose to the drain valve and send the water to a garden, a drain or a storage tank. Pool water has chlorine in it, so avoid sending it directly to vegetables or fish ponds. If you can, let the chlorine fade for a day or two in sunlight first. Check your local rules or society guidelines before draining large amounts into public drains.

Clean the walls and floor

As the water level falls, wipe the inside with a soft sponge and mild soapy water. Remove oils, sunscreen film and algae. Do not use harsh scrubbers, wire brushes or strong household chemicals, since they can damage the liner.

• Wipe the waterline, which collects the most oil and dirt.
• Rinse everything with clean water, including the steps and ladder.
• Open the drain fully so that the last water leaves, and use a sponge or towel for the final bit.

Dry it completely

This is the most important step of all. A liner that goes into the bag damp can grow mould, develop a musty smell and stick to itself. Mould can stain vinyl and weaken seams.

1. Spread the liner on a clean, soft surface, such as a groundsheet or lawn, away from sharp stones and thorns.
2. Let it dry in the sun, turning it over so both sides get air. Winter sun in North India is mild, so allow more time than in summer.
3. Wipe any pooled water from creases and valve areas with a soft towel.
4. Check that no wet patches remain, especially around seams, rim and corners.

Keep pets and children away from the drying liner. Do not leave it out overnight, since dew and fog can wet it again. Bring it in and finish the next morning.

Fold and store safely

For inflatable pools

Fully deflate air chambers and open the air valves. Fold the pool loosely and evenly instead of rolling it tight, and avoid sharp creases in the same place every time. Put it back in its original box or a breathable bag.

For frame pools

Take the frame apart in reverse order. Keep the legs, rails, pins and clips together in labelled bags. Wipe metal parts dry to prevent rust, particularly in coastal or humid areas. Fold the liner as per the manual and store it flat or loosely folded.

Where to store

• Choose a dry, cool, shaded room or cupboard with good airflow.
• Keep it off the floor on a pallet or shelf, away from damp walls.
• Protect it from rats, termites and insects. Place the pool in a sealed bag or box and avoid storing food nearby.
• Do not stack heavy items on the liner.
• Do not store near paint, fuel or chemicals.

Many Indian homes use a terrace storeroom or a loft. Check that the room is not exposed to leaks or condensation. If the space is damp, use silica gel packs or a breathable bag, and check the pool once during winter.

Care for the pump, filter and accessories

Your pool is not the only thing to store. The pump, filter and accessories need attention too.

Pumps and filters have electrical components. Switch off at the main power, do not open sealed parts yourself, and follow the manual. Spare cartridges and seals can take time to import, so check them now rather than in March. You can see accessories in our shop.

Leave it up or take it down?

Some owners in milder North Indian cities leave a sturdy frame pool standing through winter, with a cover and a small amount of water. This is not recommended in places that see frost, because freezing water can damage pumps, hoses and walls. If you decide to leave it up, follow your manufacturer’s winter advice and never leave an unattended, uncovered pool where children or pets can reach it.

For Easy Set and Fast Set pools, dismantling is usually simpler and safer, as the inflatable ring and liner pack away easily. See our inflatable pools for options that are quick to pack and store.

Spring checklist

• Unpack the pool in March and check for holes, creases or mould spots.
• Lay it out in the sun for a while to soften and flatten the vinyl.
• Test pump, hoses and fittings before filling.
• Level the ground and rebuild following your photos and manual.

If a pool gets damaged in storage, small punctures can often be fixed with the repair patch supplied in the box. For anything bigger, message us on WhatsApp and we can help you check options. KOKOKOKO imports genuine Bestway and Intex pools on order, so planning ahead for spare parts and new pools matters. Booking needs a 30% advance and the order arrives in 4 to 7 weeks. Sizes marked In stock are simpler: you pay in full and get delivery in about 1 week.

Frequently asked questions