How to Winterize a Pool Pump
Published
Quick answer
A pool pump is winterized by preventing freeze-prone water from remaining trapped in the pump and connected plumbing. Shut the equipment down safely, follow the exact pump manual for drain plugs, pot/lid position, unions and storage, and winterize the suction/return lines as a separate plumbing task. Pentair's current winter guidance specifically references removing pump pot and volute drain plugs during severe winter conditions. Do not run a pump dry as a substitute for draining it.
Safety
Disconnect or isolate power according to the pump instructions before opening the pump pot, removing drain plugs or servicing unions. Never work on energized wiring, run a dry pump, or improvise compressed-air line clearing. Use a pool professional when the plumbing layout, blow-out procedure, motor/electrical work or freeze risk is uncertain.
Start with the exact pump model
Locate the pump model and its installation/operation manual before removing anything. Pumps can have different drain-plug locations, pot designs, unions, seals, variable-speed drives and winter storage instructions.
Shut the pump down before water-side service
Turn the system off using the manufacturer procedure and isolate power as required. Photograph the normal valve positions and pump/controller settings before changing the equipment for winter.
Remove trapped water using the pump's drain points
Pentair's winter-storm guidance specifically tells owners to remove pump pot and pump volute drain plugs to give expanding water a path out. A seasonal winterization should use the drain locations and sequence identified by the exact pump manual, not a generic assumption about how many plugs the pump has.
| Checkpoint | Why it matters | What to document |
|---|---|---|
| Power isolated | Water-side service should not occur on an energized pump | Breaker/disconnect state and controller mode |
| Pump pot and wet end drained as the manual specifies | Trapped water can freeze and expand | Which model-specific drain plugs were removed and where they are stored |
| Lid, O-ring and unions handled per manual | Seals can be lost, damaged or installed incorrectly during seasonal service | Seal condition, orientation and any approved lubricant used |
| Connected suction/return plumbing winterized | Draining the pump alone does not clear water from the pool lines | Who performed the line protection and which plugs/gizmos were installed |
Do not confuse pump draining with blowing out pool lines
The pump can be empty while water remains in skimmer, return, cleaner, spa or feature plumbing. Full freeze-climate winterization has to protect those lines through the chosen professional or manufacturer-approved method.
Label and store removed plugs
Put model-specific drain plugs and small parts in a labeled container or attached storage bag where the spring-opening crew will find them. Photograph the empty drain locations so a missing plug is obvious before restart.
Inspect seals while the pump is already out of service
A damaged lid O-ring or drain-plug seal can create air or water leaks when the pump is restarted. Inspect accessible seals without disassembling the motor or drive, and replace only with parts specified for the exact pump model.
Spring startup is part of the winterization record
Before restarting in spring, reinstall the required drain plugs, return valves to operating positions, verify the pump is primed according to its manual and confirm that winterizing plugs have been removed from the circulation path. Do not energize a pump that is visibly cracked or damaged.
What you may need
- Model-specific replacement pump drain plug only if an existing plug is damaged or missing
- Pump lid O-ring if damaged
- Manufacturer-approved O-ring lubricant
Products mentioned in this guide
These are product categories referenced by the guide, not tested or ranked picks. Check the product description, your pool or equipment model, and the seller listing before buying.
Pool pump drain plug
Model-specific drain plug or plug-and-O-ring assembly used on compatible pool pumps. Confirm the exact pump make, model, plug location, and manufacturer part specification before ordering. Winterization procedures commonly require removing existing drain plugs rather than installing a new one.
Places to check
Pump lid O-ring
Model-specific part — match the exact pump make and model before ordering; O-rings are not interchangeable.
Places to check
Pool pump O-ring lubricant
Manufacturer-approved lubricant for pump and filter seals.
Places to check
Related guides
- How to Close an In-Ground Pool for WinterA winter closing is a system-protection job, not simply putting on a cover. Clean and balance the pool first, then follow the exact equipment and plumbing winterization procedure for the installation. In freeze climates, the most consequential work is getting water out of, or safely protected within, vulnerable equipment and lines. If you cannot verify that step, hire a pool professional.
- How to Protect Pool Equipment From FreezingUse one of two deliberate strategies: properly winterize freeze-prone equipment and lines for a seasonal closure, or, for a brief cold event in a pool that remains open, maintain the circulation/freeze-protection strategy specified for the installed system. Pentair says freeze-protection automation or continuous circulation can help during short freezing periods, but connected freeze protection can depend on power, sensors, internet or weather services. Have a plan for a power outage, because circulation cannot protect plumbing when the pump cannot run.
- How to Winterize a Pool FilterWinterize the installed filter model, not a generic “filter.” Shut the pump off, relieve all vessel pressure through the manual air-relief procedure, and drain the filter using the model's specified drain points. Cartridge, sand and DE filters use different internal media and service procedures. Pentair's current filter safety guidance emphasizes pressure relief before service, and several Pentair filter families include dedicated drains specifically for service and winterization.
- Pool Closing Supplies Checklist: What You Actually NeedBuy supplies from the closing plan, not the other way around. Most owners need water-testing and cleaning supplies, an appropriate winter cover, and model/plumbing-specific items for the chosen winterization method. Freeze-climate closures may also require skimmer protection, line plugs and equipment drain parts. Above-ground cover systems may use an air pillow. Chemicals depend on measured water conditions and product compatibility. Do not buy a giant kit first and then invent reasons to use every item in it.
- Why Is My Pool Pump Leaking Water?Find the exact leak location before buying parts. A leak at the pump lid or suction unions can involve an O-ring or sealing surface. Jandy's current PlusHP support says water leaking between the motor and pump body is caused by a damaged or failed mechanical seal. That is different from a suction-side air leak and usually requires model-specific pump disassembly or qualified service.
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General reference information for pool owners. It is not a substitute for your equipment manuals, product labels, or a qualified local pool professional. Read our editorial standards.