For winter closing, lower pool water below the skimmer only far enough to protect the skimmer and return lines: usually 1-2 inches below the skimmer for solid covers, 3-6 inches below for mesh covers, and below the return fittings only when your winterizing method or cover manufacturer requires it. Do not drain too low, because low winter water can stress liners, covers, and pool walls. Balance the water first, confirm volume with Pool Chemical Calculator, then lower the level slowly and winterize the plumbing.<\/p>\n\n How Low Should Pool Water Be for Winter? A Complete Guide to Getting It Right: Quick answer For winter closing, lower pool water below the skimmer only far enough to protect the skimmer and return lines: usually 1-2 inches below the skimmer for solid covers, 3-6 inches below for mesh covers, and.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n I’ve seen homeowners make expensive mistakes on both ends of the spectrum. One neighbor drained his vinyl liner pool completely “to be safe” and spent $8,000 replacing the liner that dried out and cracked. Another left the water at normal height with no skimmer protection, and a hard freeze split his skimmer housing clean in half. Both situations were entirely preventable.<\/p>\n\n Let’s get you the right answer for your specific setup.<\/p>\n\nQuick answer<\/h2>\n