Intex Pools

Winter is coming.

That does not only apply in Game of Thrones but in real life too, and for pool owners who live in regions with heavy snowfall, the ending of summer is an indication that the time to store your Intex pool for good is fast approaching.

But what about those who are living in places with milder winter? Or those pool owners who don’t want to store their pool because they don’t want to set it all up over again.

If you want to winterize your Intex pool instead of storing it, then you can use various pool chemicals for closing an Intex pool.

But what chemicals are needed for closing an Intex pool properly?

Essential Pool Chemicals For Closing An Intex Pool

It really is not that difficult to winterize Intex pools. You just need to plan ahead of time and have all the necessary pool chemicals stored with you to start, so you can winterize your pool fast.

Chlorine-Free Pool Shock

BioGuard Oxysheen (non-chlorine shock) - 7 Lb.

• BioGuard Oxysheen (7 lb)

$54.99

View on Amazon

One of the most important things to remember when you are closing an Intex pool for the winter is to use only non-chlorine shock. The regular chlorine shock can breakdown the other pool chemicals on this list, so it’s advisable to buy a non-chlorine pool shock instead.

Pool shock breaks apart chloramines in your swimming pool and quickly raises your chlorine level to kill algae, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens before you close down your pool for an extended period.

We highly recommend using BioGuard Oxysheen as your go-to Intex pool non-chlorine shock. It dissolves fast and effectively removes any contaminants in your pool water.

Winter Algaecide

In The Swim Winter Swimming Pool Algaecide - 1 Quart

• NOTE: We are currently unable to ship Winter Algaecide to AZ, CA, DC, FL, MT, or RI due to State Restrictions
• Provides dependable control of algae growth throughout the winter season
• Specifically formulated to fight algae for up to 5 months in a covered pool
• Dosage: 1 quart per 20,000 gallons

$17.99

View on Amazon

Before you add your pool algaecide, test the water first to ensure that your chlorine level is below 4 parts per million (ppm).

Using In The Swim Winter Algaecide is an effective way to stop the growth of all types of algae during the winter season. It’s designed to be active for up to 5 months in covered Intex pools. And you can count that it can keep your above ground pool algae-free through the cold winter months.

Scale, Metal, and Stain Control

On Sale Now!

Clorox Pool&Spa Scale, Metal & Stain Control 32 oz

• Prevents metal stains and scale formation
• Removes fresh metal stains including Iron and copper
• Perfect for treating hard water

−$13.13 $14.87

View on Amazon

This pool chemical prevents metals like copper and iron from oxidizing and staining your pool surfaces. They also stop salts and calcium minerals from mixing with pool contaminants to form a dirty scale.

Clorox Pool and Spa Scale, Metal, and Stain Control is a powerful sequestering agent to prevent metal stains and mineral scale from forming in your Intex pool during cold winter temperatures.

pH Increaser

Rx Clear Swimming Pool pH Plus | Rapid Raises pH Levels | Quickly Correct Acidic Water Conditions | Water Balancer | Prevents Erosion Or Etching of Pool Surfaces | 10 Pounds

• CLEAR AND CLEAN WATER- Hazy, murky, or cloudy pool or spa water due to low pH can create a hassle. To raise your pool water to the proper pH range of 7.2-7.6 to see a clear, comfortable, safe pool for...
• RAISES LEVELS - Rx Clear Swimming Pool pH Plus corrects problems associated with low water pH, it can be used in pools, spas, and hot tubs and is compatible with salt water pools. Test your pool water...
• PREVENTS CORROSION - These chemicals protect against corrosion of metal surfaces such as light fixtures, railings, ladders, screws, pool cover components, pool heater components, and metals in your...
• QUICK DISSOLVING - Rx Clear pH Plus is made of 100% sodium carbonate also called Soda Ash. This pH plus neutralizes acidic water, eliminates corrosion and improves the effectiveness of chlorine. Use...

$32.96

View on Amazon

Before you close your pool for the winter, you must check if you have proper pH levels to be your other winterizing chemicals to be effective. The proper pH range is anywhere between 7.2 and 7.6. It would be best to target getting a higher pH level so you don’t have to add more pH increasing pool chemicals during the winter season.

We recommend using the Rx Clear Swimming Pool pH Plus to quickly correct acidic water conditions in your pool and slow down the rapid dissipation of chlorine caused by acidic pool water.

Calcium Hardness Increaser

Robelle 2808B Calcium Increaser, 8-Pounds, White

• Increases Water Hardness
• Low calcium hardness level can cause corrosive water
• Prevents the staining or etching of your pool's surface
• Ideal Calcium Hardness range 200 - 400ppm

$17.47

View on Amazon

The recommended range for your pool’s calcium level is 200 to 400 ppm. You can add a calcium increaser to raise the water hardness levels before closing an Intex pool.

We suggest using the Robelle Calcium Plus to increase your calcium hardness level and prevent your pool equipment from breaking down and metallic stains from showing in your pool due to soft water.

Total Alkalinity Increaser

HTH 67053 Alkalinity Up Pods Balancer for Swimming Pools, 8 ct

• BENEFITS: Ensures that your swimming pool has a balanced Alkalinity so you can enjoy splashing in the water all season long in healthy water
• USE: Apply to skimmer or directly to pool for easy DIY pool care; For best results, use with other HTH pool care products
• COMPATIBILITY: Great for all types of pools, including vinyl-lined pools and saltwater systems
• FEATURES: Raises total alkalinity; Improves swimmer comfort; Stabilizes pH levels; Pre-measured; Water-soluble

$19.77

View on Amazon

You can add an alkalinity increaser to raise the total alkalinity levels in your Intex pool if it does not reach the optimum levels of 60 to 120 ppm.

The HTH Alkalinity Up pods are designed to make it easy for you to increase your pool’s total alkalinity level. You can add it directly to your skimmer or spread it throughout your above ground pool.

To summarize you need to balance your pool water first before you can close down your Intex pool to avoid unnecessary maintenance or expenses when the winter season begins.

We highly suggest that you aim to get on the high side of those ranges before you close your Intex pool.

Accessories Needed To Winterize An Intex Pool

Intex pool chemicals won’t be enough to properly winterize your pool, you should also have these pool accessories with you.

Pool Water Testing Kit

No products found.

A reliable pool testing kit is a must-have before closing an Intex pool for the winter season. You must have a well-balanced pool water before you put on your pool cover for good, and you can only achieve that by properly testing your water and adding the right amount of winterizing pool chemicals.

Winter Pool Cover

Robelle 3524-4 Winter Round Above-Ground Pool Cover, 24-ft, 01 - Super

• Winter pool cover to be used with traditional above ground swimming pools
• Solid material will not let water pass through
• Pool Size: 24 Foot Round - Cover Size: 28 Feet (includes overlap in total)
• Heavy-duty 8 x 8 scrim

$49.89

View on Amazon

Pool covers are important to keep the snow away from your pool. You can use the pool cover that came with your Intex pool or get a more durable one like the pool cover from Robelle.

Winterizing Air Pillow

On Sale Now!

Swimline 4x4 Feet Winterizing Air Pillow for Above-Ground Pool Cover, 3-Pack

• Includes 3 pillows
• 4 x 4 feet big
• For above-ground pools
• Pushes your pool cover up off the water's surface so the water won't freeze to your pool cover

−$1.20 $23.79

View on Amazon

You need to use a winterizing air pillow to compensate for the pressure of the snow and ice on top of your pool cover. It helps protect the sides of your Intex pool cover and your pool walls from damage and is a must-have before closing an Intex pool.

You can utilize an air pillow to keep water and debris off to the side of your Intex pool. This makes it easier for you to reopen your Intex pool when the new pool season arrives.

Final Thoughts About Closing An Intex Pool For Winter

Pool chemicals are an important part of the process when you are winterizing your Intex pool. Doing this process properly will ensure that it will be easier for you to get things going again in the spring and prevent unnecessary maintenance or repairs that might occur if you don’t use the right pool chemicals.

Photo by Jaylynn Duncan

The most popular above-ground pool manufacturer in the world, Intex, offers both freshwater and saltwater options for pool enthusiasts. And today, we’re going to focus on the saltwater Intex pool system that is gaining popularity in many US households.

Similar to the usual freshwater Intex pools, Intex pools that are converted to use saltwater need regular maintenance to ensure that you have safe and clean water in your pool.

But before we talk about how to keep saltwater Intex pool clean, let’s discuss how they differ from your traditional Intex pool system.

How Does A Saltwater Intex Pool Work?

Saltwater pools were designed to be an alternative option to the standard chlorinated swimming pool. But you’re mistaken if you thought it’ll be similar to ocean water.

Compared to ocean water that’s about 50,000 parts per million (ppm) of salt while a saltwater pool only has 3,000 ppm of salt. So when it comes to the water in your saltwater Intex pool, it’s not going to be that irritating to your eyes.

So how do saltwater pools work?

Saltwater Intex pools use a saltwater filtration and sanitation system that converts salt into chlorine.

On Sale Now!

Intex 26669EG Intex-120V Krystal Clear Saltwater System CG-26669 Pool, 15000 gal, grey

• Soft, fresh, clean water without the potential harsh side effects of packaged pool chemicals
• Redesigned sleek compact casing and control panel for easy use
• Requires a pump with a flow Rate between 700 and 3000 GPH

−$330.00 $419.99

View on Amazon

This process is referred to as electrolysis, where the salt and water split into hypochlorous acid and hydrogen and transforms into chlorine. This chlorine is of higher quality compared to the traditional chlorine in a freshwater setup. And this is one of the reasons why salt water pool systems are gaining popularity in the past few years.

Benefits Of Having A Saltwater Pool System

• Pool water is softer and gentler to the pool users and the Intex pool’s filtration system.
• It does not produce chloramines, unlike freshwater pools.
• No need to use dangerous pool chemicals.
• Less pool cleaning and maintenance needed.

How To Clean Saltwater Intex Pool

The day to day maintenance of both pool systems, salt water and chlorine pools, are almost similar. The biggest difference is that you don’t have to use chlorine every day to keep your pool water clean and clear.

Since salt is a corrosive mineral, it can damage stainless steel surfaces used on your pool like your pool lights, ladders, and your O-rings.

For O-rings, you can use a pool lube to prevent them from breaking down. For pool lights and ladders, you can rinse them with fresh water at least twice a week to slow down the damage (losing their luster) caused by using salt water in your pool.

Daily Tasks

If you’re using your Intex pool regularly, then you should do the following tasks on a regular basis:

• Remove any noticeable debris in your saltwater pool
• Clear your pump basket
• Clean your pool skimmer

On Sale Now!

U.S. Pool Supply Swimming Pool 5 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net with 5 Aluminum Pole Sections - Fine Mesh Netting for Fast Cleaning of Debris - 60" Long, Clean Spas, Ponds, Kids Pools, Above-Ground & Inground

• Enjoy a Clean Pool: An ideal daily use swimming pool leaf skimmer net for fast, easy, and efficient cleanup of leaves and debris from pools, spas, ponds, and kids pools. An excellent long lasting net...
• 5 Foot Lightweight Net: Durable fine mesh net with frame dimensions of 12" wide at the bottom and tapers down to 10" at the top, and the net length is 12" long. The aluminum pole consists of 5...
• Skim Fine Debris: The fine mesh net allows it to collect very small debris at a time. Skimmer maneuvers efficiently throughout the pool for fast cleaning.
• Safe and Easy To Use: The durable plastic frame is safe for use in all types of pools, and it won't mar pool liners. Customize the length of the net by removing the pole sections to suit the use for...

−$10.00 $16.99

View on Amazon

Weekly Tasks

We recommend scheduling your weekly maintenance on the same day that you clean your pool last week. Let’s say you did your weekly tasks on Saturday, then on next Saturday you do it again, this way you won’t forget.

So what should you do every week to keep your saltwater Intex pool clean?

On Sale Now!

TAYLOR TECHNOLOGIES INC K-2006 TEST KIT COMP CHLORINE FAS-DPD

• Country Of Origin: USA
• Model Number: K-2006
• Item Package Dimensions: 9.099999990718" L x 5.599999994288" W x 3.899999996022" H
• Item Package Weight: 2.35012771292 lb

−$17.28 $63.47

View on Amazon

Test your pool’s pH and free chlorine levels with a reliable test kit. You may also use test strips if that’s what you prefer.

Your Intex pool’s pH level should be anywhere between 7.2 and 7.6, and the free chlorine level should be between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm.

Monthly Tasks

For your monthly cleaning of your Intex saltwater pool, you need to test your pool water thoroughly and balance your pool water chemicals.

You may also have to vacuum your pool floor and brush your pool walls.

Hayward W3900 Wanda the Whale Above-Ground Suction Pool Cleaner for Any Size Pool (Automatic Pool Vaccum)

• USE IN ABOVE-GROUND POOLS: The Wanda the Whale Suction Pool Cleaner from Hayward is designed to automatically clean the bottom of all sizes and shapes of above-ground and on-ground pools
• GENTLE YET EFFECTIVE: A unique turbine system helps Hayward suction cleaners move gently across the bottom of your pool, providing exceptionally quiet operation. They even improve circulation by...
• SIMPLY SUPERIOR RESULTS: Equipped with patented SmartDrive technology, it covers the bottom of your pool quickly and completely, making sure no debris is left behind. Their deluxe bumper ring reduces...
• QUICK & EASY INSTALLATION: 32 ft. hose connects directly to your skimmer, installing in less than 10 minutes without tools. And with no additional equipment required, you can enjoy sparkling clean...

$199.00

View on Amazon

Since there several different factors that can cause an unbalanced pool water, we will talk about them one by one.

Salinity

This is unique to only saltwater pool systems, and it should be between 2700 to 4500 ppm.

Clorox 81040CLX Pool Salt Bag 40 lb. (Pack of 6), White

• High purity
• Fast dissolving
• Made for saltwater chlorinators

$159.99

View on Amazon

You can check your manufacturer’s instructions to see what’s the right amount of pool salt for your model.

Some equipment comes with its own display control panel that shows the water’s salinity level. But if you don’t have that, you have to use a salt meter or testing kit to determine your pool’s salinity.

When your salt levels are low, you can just add salt, but when they’re too high, you have to dilute the water similar to what you do if you have a high cyanuric acid level.

If you need a more accurate guide on how much salt you need to your specific Intex pool, check out this page from The Pool Factory. It tells you how much salt you need to add for each various above ground pool shapes and sizes.

Cyanuric acid

Cyanuric acid stabilizes your pool water. It prevents the chlorine in your pool from being consumed by ultraviolet rays.

Saltwater Intex pools need 70 to 80 ppm of cyanuric acid for better pool water quality.

If you have low cyanuric acid levels, you can add more of the product.

If it’s too high, you must drain 20% to 40% of your current pool water level and add fresh water.

Alkalinity

Alkalinity levels should be between 80 and 120 ppm. This is important to have a stable pH level.

Too much alkalinity will cause cloudy pool water, while too little of it may damage your pool liner and some of your pool equipment.

To lower alkalinity, you may use muriatic acid or a sodium bisulfate product. To raise alkalinity, you can use sodium bicarbonate.

Calcium hardness

Calcium hardness must be balanced because high levels can lead to scaling and low levels will cause corrosion. The optimum calcium hardness level is between 200 and 400 ppm.

When it comes to increasing calcium hardness, you may have to consult a pool professional since it will require their expertise on the matter.

But when you have to decrease your saltwater pool’s calcium hardness, you may use a flocculant.

Pool Mate 1-2440 Liquid Drop Down Swimming Pool Flocculant, 1-Pack

• Effectively flocculates organic and inorganic particles suspended in swimming pool water.
• Binds Together Particles
• Clears Cloudy Water
• Particles Sink to Floor of pool for Easy Vacuuming

$38.88

View on Amazon

A flocculant works like a water clarifier that it binds together loose calcium deposits and this makes it easy for you to remove using your pool vacuum or your pool’s filtration system.

You may also opt to drain your pool water and refill it to decrease your pool’s calcium hardness level.

Final Thoughts About Saltwater Intex Pools

Saltwater pools are perfect for those who want a gentler swimming experience and those who don’t want to spend too much time maintaining their pools.

It’s also a better alternative to those families who are looking to steer clear of using pool chemicals like chlorine.

Hopefully, this guide helped you learn how to properly clean your saltwater Intex pool to ensure that you have a safe swimming environment and that your saltwater pool system lasts longer.

Having a cloudy Intex Pool can turn into a huge problem if not fixed quickly.

No one wants to use a pool with cloudy and murky water. For Intex pool owners, learning how to fix cloudy Intex pool water is a must since most encounter this kind of problem at least once or twice a year regardless of how well you maintain your swimming pool.

Before we talk about the fix to this common pool problem, let’s talk about why and how it occurs in the first place. Maybe if we can identify the root of this problem, we can prevent it from happening again.

What Causes Cloudy Intex Pool Water

• Poor water chemistry issues are the top cause of cloudy water and it’s why we urge pool owners to test their pool water at least once or twice a week for them to prevent cloudy pool water before it happens.
• Poor circulation or filtration can lead to cloudy water in your above ground pool. Make sure your pump and filter system is working properly, and change your filter cartridge if it’s already dirty.
• Chlorine issues can also cause cloudy water in your pool. The good news is simply adding a recommended dose of pool shock can fix your cloudy Intex pool issue.
• Increased pool usage can cause cloudy water and it can be easily fixed with a pool clarifier.
• Weather events may also affect the water conditions in your above ground pool, so it’s suggested to always cover your pool to prevent cloudy pool water from occurring.

How To Fix Cloudy Intex Pool Water

Before we get begin fixing your Intex pool, there are a few essential supplies you need to gather first:

• Pool Water Test Kit
• Calcium Hypochlorite Shock
• Non-Chlorine Shock
• Water Clarifier

Step-By-Step Guide On Fixing Cloudy Intex Pool Water

1. Test pool water chemistry

On Sale Now!

Taylor K2005 Swimming Pool Chlorine Bromine Alkalinity Hardness pH DP Test Kit

• Includes .75 oz reagent bottles
• High Range (HR) kit

−$66.23 $52.76

View on Amazon

Since we already mentioned that the most common cause of cloudy pool water is related to your water chemistry, the first thing you should do is to test the water in your swimming pool. You can use a test kit or a set of test strips to determine if you have a balanced pool water or not.

You must maintain pH in the range of 7.2 to 7.6, total alkalinity in the range of 60 to 120 parts per million (ppm), calcium hardness above 200 ppm and get a reliable pool water test kit that can measure all of those and your chlorine levels.

Too much calcium can cause clouding of your pool water and it can also lead to clogged filters. Also, unbalanced pH and total alkalinity can reduce the effectivity of your pool chemicals significantly.

2. Check chlorine levels

In The Swim Chlorine-Free Oxidizing Pool Shock 6 x 1 Pound Bags

• Powerful oxidizing agent that eliminates combined non-sanitizing chlorine (chloramines) and provides higher free chlorine levels
• Chlorine-Free shock oxidizes and helps eliminate algae growth as well as harmful bacteria
• Ideal for use with chlorine or bromine sanitized applications, weekly maintenance, and will not affect other chemical levels
• Main active ingredient is Potassium Monopersulfate and is safe to swim in just 15 minutes after use

View on Amazon

Once you got your results, check if there is a difference between your Total Available Chlorine or TAC level and your Free Available Chlorine or FAC level. If there’s a difference between the two, you should add non-chlorine shock to your Intex pool. You should use a non-chlorine shock if your FAC level is 2 ppm or higher.

We recommend using In The Swim Chlorine-Free Oxidizing Pool Shock since it does a great job eliminating combined non-sanitizing chlorine (chloramines) and it provides higher free chlorine levels for your pool water.

3. Add calcium hypochlorite shock

DryTec 1-1901-24 Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorine Shock Treatment for Swimming Pools, 1-Pound, 24-Pack

• 24 bags (1-pound each)
• Fast-Acting Quick-Dissolving Swimming Pool Sanitizer
• Kills bacteria, controls algae, and destroys organic contaminants in pools
• 68% calcium hypochlorite

$154.96

View on Amazon

Now, if the water test that you did earlier shows that you have low levels of chlorine, then you must add calcium hypochlorite shock to your pool right away. This will help clear the contaminants in your water including algae, bacteria, and other living organisms that could be causing your Intex pool to have cloudy water.

We suggest using the DryTec Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorinating Shock Treatment. It’s a fast-acting swimming pool sanitizer that kills bacteria, controls algae, and destroys any organic contaminants in your Intex pool.

4. Inspect filter and pump system

On Sale Now!

Intex 26647EG Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 14-inch

• SAND FILTER PUMP: The 14-inch Intex Krystal Clear sand filter pump with Hydro Aeration Technology improves circulation and filtration and improves water clarity; The pump runs on 110-120V and weighs...
• EASY-TO-USE: 6-function control makes maintenance easy, giving options to backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, filter, and close the system. The easy to operate sand filter pump that will outperform...
• FEATURES: Built-in 24-hour timer enables you to set automatic filtration times for the pool to save on daily maintenance, ergonomic handle, and pressure gauge. With a built-in ground fault circuit...
• FLOW RATE: Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump generates a pump flow rate of 2,800 gallons per hour, ideal for above ground pools and the heavy-duty tank is durable with the pump enclosure for protection

−$275.00 $274.99

View on Amazon

If your testing kit shows that you have a well-balanced pool water and you still have a cloudy Intex pool to worry about, then you should check your filter and pump system for any debris or dirt that may have caused this pool issue. You should clean your pump and skimmer baskets and backwash your filter. You may also consider upgrading your pool pump if it is undersized for your pool.

5. Add water clarifier to your Intex pool

Robarb R20154 Super Blue Clarifier 1-Quart Crystal Clear Pool Water Polisher

• Concentrated Formula - Only 1 oz. treats 5,000 gallons
• Clears cloudy water fast & prevents future hazy appearance
• Effective at varying temperature levels & range of chemical levels
• Use with all filter types - will not clog filters

$17.58

View on Amazon

When your tests show that you have normal and balanced water and the filter system has already been checked and cleaned, and your water circulation is good, then the last option you could do to fix cloudy Intex pool is by adding a water clarifier to it.

Water clarifiers bind tiny particles together so they can be easily removed by your Intex pool’s filtration system.

We recommend using Robarb Super Blue Clarifier since it can clear cloudy water fast and prevent future hazy appearance. It’s also very effective on a wide range of chemical levels and varying temperature levels.

DIY Tips From Fellow Intex Pool Owners

Some of our fellow Intex pool owners have discovered some clever hacks to fix cloudy pool water in their Intex pools.

• You can use an old vacuum hose and attach it to your Intex pool pump’s water return valve. This your pool water is circulating throughout your Intex pool and it keeps your water clear.
• If you have a small to medium-sized above ground pool, then you may drain your entire pool water to eliminate the cloudiness completely and refill it after draining.
• Install a clean white sock on the outlet of your pool pump system. Leave it on overnight, and it should help clear your Intex pool water.

Final Thoughts About Cloudy Intex Pools

Until you’ve successfully cleared up your Intex pool water, do not allow anyone to swim in it. It’s not safe to use your cloudy Intex pool, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Hopefully, our guide here was able to help you clear your pool water.

Always remember that a properly maintained pool should always be clear and clean. If it’s anything less than that, it’s important that you know how to make it safe for you and your family.

All good things must come to an end.

No matter how much we want to enjoy our pool more, the summer season for each year will always reach its conclusion. Unfortunately for those people living in places with extreme winter conditions, learning how to winterize an Intex pool is required to still have a working above ground pool when summer begins again.

Now, winterizing your above ground pool is not only for those who want to prepare for winter, but it can also be done by those who want to close their pool for an extended period but do not want to set it up all over again.

If you need to completely take down your Intex pool based on your geographic location, then you need to know how to drain an intex pool.

How To Winterize An Intex Pool

Cold winters can be hard on above ground pool owners. But having the right equipment and knowing how to do it properly can help prolong the lifespan of your Intex pool.

Also, winterizing your Intex pool isn’t that difficult. The good news for those doing this for the first time is all you have to do is to follow our instructions here.

1. Gather your winterizing materials

Before you start preparing your Intex pool for the winter, you should gather all the materials that you will need first, this will include the following:

• Intex pool cover
• Pool pillow
• Winterizing kit (includes pH increaser, Pool shock, algaecide, alkalinity increaser, and calcium hardness increaser)
• Pool cover clips
• Cable and winch for pool cover

On Sale Now!

Intex Round Metal Frame Pool Cover, Blue, 10 ft

$15.99

View on Amazon

On Sale Now!

Swimline Swim Central Air Pillow for Above Ground...

$24.81

View on Amazon

On Sale Now!

In The Swim Pool Winterizing and Closing Chemical...

$34.99

View on Amazon

On Sale Now!

Swimline Above Ground Winter Pool Cover Clips - 30...

$12.65

View on Amazon

100CW 100-Feet Cable and Heavy-Duty Winch for...

$17.48

View on Amazon

Premium Pool and Spa Test Strips - 100 ct - 7 Way...

$14.97

View on Amazon

2. Remove your pool equipment

Once you have all the materials that you will be needing to winterize an Intex pool, do not forget to store your pool ladder, toys, and any other pool accessories you may have. Leaving them in your Intex pool can damage your pool.

For your Intex pool pump, you need to remove all drain plugs, pumps, and hoses. Store all the drain plugs in the pump basket so that you keep them all together and you won’t have a hard time locating them when you reopen your pool.

3. Remove old filter cartridge

Drain your filter, then rinse off the cartridge with a hose. Be sure to leave the valves open, and store the cartridge indoors for the winter.

We also suggest replacing your filter cartridge, so that you will have a clean one once the new pool season starts.

For those using a sand filter on their Intex pools, you should set your multiport valve to “Winterize,” and remove the drain plug at the bottom to allow your filter to drain completely.

4. Clean your pool and its equipment

Make sure that you thoroughly clean your above ground pool and all your pool equipment. Some equipment can be hosed off while other pieces of your pool equipment like hoses might need to be submerged in soapy water to remove all the chemicals.

Let them dry first, then store your pool equipment in a clean, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

You don’t want to store a dirty cup that’s why you wash it first, right?

The same can be said when you winterize your Intex pool, you should vacuum and brush the entire pool before you close it down for good.

5. Balance your pool water

You must balance your pool water as you would before you would safely swim in your pool. Test the water and add chemicals until your water is properly balanced. You may refer to this table on what levels you should target.

We suggest that you aim to get on the high side of those ranges above before you close your Intex pool since it’ll take a while before you can adjust your pool water balance during the winter season.

6. Add winter chemical kit

In The Swim Deluxe Pool Opening Chemical Start Up Kit - Up to 15,000 Gallons

• Deluxe kit treats up to 15,000 gallons. All chemicals are formulated and pre-measured to treat pools of specific sizes.
• Powerful chlorine shock will give your pool an extra boost of fighting power to eradicate the bacteria and other contaminants that have accumulated in your pool over the winter.
• Stain, rust and scale preventer eliminates unsightly stains caused by minerals and is ideal for areas with heavy iron content in the water.
• Non-metallic algaecide kills and prevents algae blooms without staining your pool.

View on Amazon

There are different winterizing pool chemicals for Intex pools you can use when you won’t be using it for more than a month or a whole season. These chemicals will help keep your pool water balanced while it is not in use without the need for you to clean your pool weekly. You have the option to get a pool winter chemical kit or buy these pool chemicals one by one.

In The Swim Chlorine Pool Shock - 6 X 1 Pound Bags

• Powerful chlorine shock treatment that is great for regular maintenance
• Quickly eliminates algae, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants from your pool water
• Main active ingredient is 68% Calcium Hypochlorite (Cal-Hypo) for quick sanitizing
• Dosage: 1 Pound per 10,000 gallons

View on Amazon

If you prefer using a regular shock, then you must add it to the pool the night before you want to close it so the shock has time to work. This is why we strongly advise using a fast-dissolving shock instead of regular shock before you cover your Intex pool.

7. Install the pool air pillow

On Sale Now!

Swimline 4x4 Feet Winterizing Air Pillow for Above-Ground Pool Cover, 3-Pack

• Includes 3 pillows
• 4 x 4 feet big
• For above-ground pools
• Pushes your pool cover up off the water's surface so the water won't freeze to your pool cover

−$1.20 $23.79

View on Amazon

For those Intex pool owners living in cold climates, placing a pool air pillow, because it compensates for the pressure of the snow and ice on top of the cover, is a must. It helps protect the sides of your Intex pool cover and the walls of your pool from damage.

You can use a pool air pillow to keep water and debris off to the side of the pool. This makes it easier for you to reopen your Intex pool.

Make sure you put it at the center of your Intex pool for better protection from snowfall. You can use a cable and winch to tie your pool air pillow and ensure it stays in the center.

8. Cover your Intex pool

On Sale Now!

Intex 28031E N/AA 12 ft. Metal Frame Above Ground Pool Cover, 1 Pack, Blue

• Cover is made of durable 7 gauge vinyl
• Includes Rope ties as well as drain holes to prevent water accumulation
• Compatible with 12-ft. Metal frame Intex pools
• 10-In. Of overlap protection

−$11.60 $24.39

View on Amazon

To avoid any dirt and debris from falling into your Intex pool and the cold weather from affecting your pool’s water balance and chemistry, using a pool cover to cover your pool is recommended.

Throughout the winter season, regularly check your Intex pool cover and do your best to keep it dry.

Final Thoughts About Winterizing Your Pool

This should help you enjoy your swimming pool for many pool seasons to come. You don’t have to hire a pool professional to show you how to winterize an Intex pool, with the right equipment and this guide, you can do it all by yourself.

Sure, it can be difficult at first, but it should get easier for each passing year that you’re preparing your pool for the cold months.

If you have any questions, feel free to let us know in our comments section.

Photo by Alexas Fotos

Learning how to patch an Intex pool is important to make sure your Intex pool lasts a long time. Since you’ll be using pool chemicals to keep your pool water clean, these chemicals may cause holes and tears after sustained use. You also have to consider that sharp objects, whether it’s from a branch or your child’s toys, can damage your swimming pool even if you’re being careful and vigilant.

Despite having some of the most durable above ground pools, Intex cannot completely prevent punctures and tears from happening when you use your pool. The good news for Intex pool owners is most tears or holes in your swimming pool can be fixed by using the right pool patch and knowing the exact location of the leak whether it’s on the bottom of your pool or your pool walls.

Don’t worry, unless you have a massive tear or just a pretty old liner, you can still probably fix it with a pool patch.

How To Patch An Intex Pool: Step-by-Step Guide

Intex Wet Vinyl Plastic Repair Patch. 6 Count

• Model number: 59631NP
• Package quantity: 1
• Product type:FABRIC APPLIQUE PATCH
• Package dimensions:0.25" (L) x 9.14" (W) x 9.91" (H)

$3.00

View on Amazon

How To Verify The Need To Patch Your Intex Pool

Knowing when to patch an Intex pool can save you money from spending on expensive pool repairs. Pool water leaks and losing air on your inflatable ring in a short period are signs that you need to patch your Intex pool ASAP.

If the pool’s water level has dropped even if you have your pool covered, then you have to consider the fact that you’re dealing with a pool leak and you need to find its exact location soon.

Also, you have to consider the age of your pool liner. If you have not used your pool liner for more than 5 years, then it’s definitely worth patching. But if it’s more than that, then you might consider getting a new pool liner instead.

Of course, you also have to factor in the size of the hole or tear. A two-inch tear can still be fixed by your typical pool patch. But a 5-inch hole in your pool liner is a different story, you can try and fix it with vinyl patch kits, but if that doesn’t hold, then you might need to get a new pool liner or a new Intex pool altogether.

What To Do If Patching Does Not Work?

If holes or tears are constantly appearing on your Intex pool, then you might want to check first if your pool is properly leveled. Also, look for any sharp objects that may have caused this issue. Draining your pool might help.

If your patching kit is not doing a great job, you might consider buying one or two of these patching solutions.

Transparent Duct Tape, Ultra High Performance...

$11.88

View on Amazon

Rexoseal All-Weather Waterproofing Repair Tape -...

$49.97

View on Amazon

Mainstay Vinyl Repair 5 Adhesive Patch Kit Wet or...

View on Amazon

If you’ve found a pretty large hole that needs a larger pool patch or you need a more permanent solution for the leak, then you might be better off using vinyl patch kits. These include a large chunk of liner and special vinyl adhesive that you can use without the need to drain your swimming pool. Some vinyl patch kits also have a special piece of laminated polyvinyl chloride or PVC that you can use to patch the outside of your pool walls.

Pool Liner Repair 408517Boxer - 4 oz Vinyl Swimming Kit

• country of origin : United States
• package height :15.24 cm
• package length:5.588 cm
• package width:8.382 cm

$21.99

View on Amazon

If a pool patch cannot fix the leaks, it might be time to upgrade your above ground pool. There are dozens of pool options to choose from, our ultimate favorite is the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool set. If you have adequate space in your backyard for this Intex pool, you might consider getting one.

On Sale Now!

Intex 26329EH Intex-18' X 52" Ultra XTR Frame Set Pool, 18ft X 52in, dark grey

• 26329EH 18´ x 52" Ultra XTR Frame Pool
• Comes equipped exclusively with Intex Krystal Clear sand filter pumps with Hydro Aeration Technology - providing the best filtration performance and unmatched water clarity
• Maintenance is incredibly easy since sand only needs routine backwashing and replacement every 5 years
• Uniquely designed frame combines high quality galvanized steel with precision engineered locking system, enhancing the overall quality, durability and stability of the pools

−$851.00 $1,148.99

View on Amazon

Other above ground pools you might consider are the following:

On Sale Now!

INTEX 28733EHIntex 15ft X 42in Prism Frame Pool...

$529.99

View on Amazon

On Sale Now!

Summer Waves P20012331 Active 12ft x 33in Outdoor...

$299.99

View on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions When Patching Intex Pools

How To Patch An Intex Pool – Final Thoughts

Patching your Intex pool all by yourself is not that difficult. With the right patching kit and knowing how the patching process work, things could be solved within 15 minutes and you and your family can start doing some water fun activities again.

Make sure you regularly check the patch if it holds to avoid having to spend money for a more expensive pool repair.

Photo by CandyTX

We see this question asked a lot by first-time pool owners, how long does it take to fill an Intex pool?

We know how excited you are with your new pool. And we’re glad you chose to get an Intex pool, one of the best above ground pool brands today.

To answer this question, we’ll have to get two important variables first.

This will be the size of your Intex pool in gallons and the flow rate of your garden hose in gallons per minute (GPM).

The typical garden hose flow rate is 9 to 17 gallons per minute. To start this discussion, we will use the average garden hose output which is 12 gallons per minute. We’re also using the median water pressure in most homes which is 40 PSI.

Now, you just need to find your pool’s volume in gallons.

For new Intex pool owners, this should not be difficult to find as it is indicated on the box of your Intex pool or its owner’s manual.

If you cannot find those, do not worry as we’ve compiled a list of answers to the question, how long does it take to fill an Intex pool, for each Intex pool set.

How Long Does It Take To Fill An Intex Kiddie Pool?

On Sale Now!

Intex Kiddie Pool - Kid's Summer Sunset Glow...

$14.44

View on Amazon

Intex Swim Center Family Inflatable Pool, 120" X...

$42.89

View on Amazon

Intex Deep Sea Blue SnapSet Kiddie Swimming Pool

$31.06

View on Amazon

For the Intex Kiddie pools, let’s start with the Summer Sunset Glow that has a size of 58 inches in diameter by 13 inches in depth. It has a volume of 73 gallons if filled up to 9.5 inches of its height.

With a hose that has 12 gallons per minute, you can fill this pool in about 6 minutes.

For the Intex Swim Center Family Inflatable Pool that has a volume of 269 gallons if filled up to 13 inches of its height, it will take about 23 minutes for it to be filled and ready for use.

Lastly, the largest Intex Kiddie pool, the Deep Sea Blue Snap Set Kiddie Pool that has a 539 gallons capacity. Filling it with a hose that has a 12 GPM flow rate will take about 45 minutes before you can use the pool with your kids.

How Long Does It Take To Fill An Intex Easy Set?

On Sale Now!

Intex 26167EH Easy Pool Set, Blue

• SUMMERTIME FUN: The Intex 15ft x 48in inflatable above ground pool set is engineered for strength and to help you beat the heat all summer long for ages 6 and up and fits 8 people.
• DURABLE BUILD: The pool is constructed with puncture-resistant 3-ply material.
• STAYS CLEAN: The pool comes with an Intex 1,000 GPH filter pump and type A or C Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter that is 100-120V to keep your water sparkling and clean. Equipped with the Ground Fault...
• EASY-SET-UP: Inflatable design allows for easy setup and is ready for water in as little as 15 minutes, no tools needed. The drain plug accepts a garden hose to drain water away from the pool area as...

−$150.03 $549.96

View on Amazon

The Intex Easy Set sizes range from 10 feet in diameter up to 18 feet in diameter, and it’s Intex’s most popular inflatable pool set.

For the smallest Intex Easy Set, that’s 10 feet in diameter and has a depth of 30 inches, it will take about 1.5 hours for it to be filled up to 80% of its capacity using a hose with a 12 GPM flow rate.

For the largest Intex Easy Set, which has a water volume capacity of 5,455 when 80% full, it will take approximately 7.5 hours to get filled using the same hose.

You might be asking the question, isn’t that too long for my Intex pool to get filled?

Yes. It is too long of a wait. However, this is assuming that your hose flow rate is only 12 GPM.

If you increase that to 22 GPM, it will take about 4 hours to fill your 18 feet Easy Set pool. That’s still not fast enough, right?

So let’s get you a hose with a better flow rate.

Getting yourself a 25-foot long hose with a diameter of 5/8 inches can get you a 44 GPM flow rate. Again, we’ve used the median PSI on most homes which is 40 PSI to calculate the flow rate.

With a 44 GPM flow rate, it will only take about two hours to fill your 5,455-gallon pool.

You can check the end of this guide to find out how you can fill your Intex pool faster.

How Long Does It Take To Fill An Intex Metal Frame Pool?

On Sale Now!

Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool with Filter Pump 10' x 30" Metal Frame

−$84.95 $229.99

View on Amazon

For Intex Metal Frame pools, their volumes range from 1,185 gallons (10 ft. by 30 in.) up to 6,423 gallons (18 ft. by 48 in.).

With a 44 gallons per minute flow rate, it will take about 27 minutes to 146 minutes to fill your Intex Metal Frame pool depending on its size.

How Long Does It Take To Fill An Intex Prism Frame Pool?

On Sale Now!

Intex 26710EH Prism 12ft x 30in Metal Frame Outdoor Above Ground Round Swimming Pool with Easy Set-Up & Fits up to 6 People (Filter Pump Not Included)

• SUMMERTIME FUN: The Intex 12ft x 30in metal frame above ground pool set is engineered for strength and to help you beat the heat all summer long for ages 6 and up and fits up to 6 people
• DURABLE BUILD: The sturdy metal frame is powder-coated for rust resistance and has super tough puncture-resistant 3-ply sidewalls that are reinforced with an all-around band to keep frame legs firmly...
• EASY-SET-UP: An affordable and easy-to-set-up is ready for water in 30 minutes. The drain plug accepts a garden hose to drain water away from the pool area as desired.
• PRODUCT INFO: The Intex pool comes with the pool and instructional DVD. The capacity of the pool is 1,718 gallons and the water depth is 24-inches; Dimensions (L x W): 12 Ft x 30 In; Disclaimer:...

−$190.99 $249.00

View on Amazon

To fill an Intex Prism frame pool with water using a hose with a 44 GPM flow rate, it will approximately take anywhere between 27 minutes to 3 hours depending on the size of your round-shaped Prism Frame pool.

For rectangular-shaped Prism frame pools, it might take more or less an hour to be filled with water.

For oval-shaped Prism frame pools, the time it will take to fill them with water can range between 80 minutes up to 110 minutes, or almost 2 hours, depending on its size.

How Long Does It Take To Fill An Ultra XTR Frame Set?

Intex 16Ft X 48In Ultra Frame Pool Set with Filter...

$1,600.00

View on Amazon

On Sale Now!

Intex 32' x 16' x 52" Rectangular Ultra XTR Frame...

$2,600.00

View on Amazon

The Intex Ultra XTR Frame Set pools are some of the largest above ground pools today.

The smallest Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool, that’s 16 feet in diameter and 48 inches in height, can accommodate up to 5,061 gallons when 90 full will take about 2 hours to be filled by a hose with 44 GPM flow rate.

Meanwhile, the largest Intex pool today that is 32 feet long, 16 feet wide, 52 inches tall and has a volume of 14,364 gallons when 90% full will take about 5.5 hours to be filled using a single hose with a flow rate of 44 GPM.

How To Fill Intex Pool Faster

As mentioned earlier at the start of this guide, two variables affect how long it takes for you to fill your Intex pool with water. First is the size of your pool which is already set and we cannot change that. Second is the flow rate of your hose that we can improve.

The best way to fill your Intex pool faster is to get a garden hose that can give you a higher flow rate.

We recommend getting a shorter hose if possible to fill your pool in a shorter amount of time.

On Sale Now!

Flexzilla HFZG525YW Garden Lead-In Hose 5/8 In. x 25 ft, Heavy Duty, Lightweight, Drinking Water Safe

• Extremely flexible – Our distinctive ZillaGreen hoses are built from a flexible hybrid polymer material that allows for all-weather flexibility, even in subzero temperatures (-40° to 140°F),...
• Extremely durable – Purpose built to handle any industry and environment. Durable outer cover resists abrasion, UV and mold. Crush resistant anodized aircraft aluminum fittings means this hose is...
• Won't kink under pressure – Flexzilla Garden Hoses redefine flexibility, making it easy to maneuver around trees, bushes or other obstacles – They lay flat, have no memory, and coil easily
• Leak free connections and drinking water safe - A durable O-ring provides long lasting leak free connections and feature an inner tube material that is drinking water safe

−$22.22 $30.77

View on Amazon

You can get the Flexzilla Garden Hose that has the following length available: 3 ft, 5 ft, 10 ft, 25 ft, 50 ft, 75 ft, and 100 ft.

Or the ELEY 25 feet Garden Hose. It’s made of drinking water safe Polyurethane and is Kink resistant. This garden hose can hold a maximum pressure of 150 PSI.

Drinking Water Safe Polyurethane Garden Hose 25'

• Drinking Water Safe Polyurethane Garden Hose 5/8" id
• Full Flow, Crush Proof, Lead-Free Brass Fittings
• Kink Resistant. Rated to 150 PSI and -40°F to 165°F
• Made in USA, Industry-Leading 10-Year Warranty

$67.49

View on Amazon

Again, to get more than 40 GPM flow rate, you can start by using a hose that’s 25 feet in length and has a diameter of 5/8 inches.

If you have an extra garden hose lying around and another source to get water for your pool, then you may consider using more than one hose to fill your Intex pool faster.

Recommended Intex Pool Accessories For Better Maintenance and Cleaning

No products found.

On Sale Now!

POOL BLASTER Water Tech Aqua Broom,...

$64.96

View on Amazon

On Sale Now!

Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer

$29.99

View on Amazon

Rongbo Deep-Bag Pool Rake & Swimming Leaf Skimmer...

$13.99

View on Amazon

Photo by Editor B