How to store your EXIT frame pool for winter

Original publication: September 2023

Article updated: August 2026

Want to get your pool ready for winter? Store your EXIT pool away as soon as the swimming season is over. By draining the pool, dismantling it and storing it completely dry, you help prevent frost damage to the liner and frame. In this step-by-step guide, you can read exactly how to do it.

 

This step-by-step guide applies to all EXIT pools. Do you have a spa or hot tub? Different maintenance instructions apply. In that case, see the information for
.

When should you get your pool ready for winter?

Get your pool ready for winter when you no longer use it at the end of the swimming season. Don’t wait until it freezes. Water can remain in a filled pool, the hoses and the pump. When it freezes, water expands, which can damage parts.

 

Preferably choose a dry day. The liner, tubes and small parts need to dry completely before you store them away. This reduces the chance of mould spots while your pool is not in use.

Can your pool stay outside in winter?

No, EXIT advises you to completely empty, dismantle and store your pool before winter. EXIT pools are suitable for the warmer part of the year, not for autumn and winter. By storing the pool dry and frost-free, you can set it up again clean and complete in spring.

 

A pool cover protects your pool during the swimming season against leaves, dirt and rain, but it is not an alternative to storing the pool away in winter.

Draining the pool

Before you dismantle your pool, drain all the water. First switch off the filter pump and unplug it from the socket.

Pumping out water with a sand filter pump

 

Please note: do you have a sand filter pump? This pump has a special setting for pumping out the water. Unscrew the drain cap and set the pump to the ‘waste’ position. This pumps the water out of the pool. Only use the sand filter pump for this according to the manual.

Disconnecting the filter pump

1. Remove the inlet and outlet strainer.

2. Close the inlet and outlet holes on the inside of the pool with the stoppers.

3. Disconnect the hoses from the pool filter pump.

Removing the inlet and outlet strainer

Closing the inlet and outlet hole with a stopper

Connecting the drain plug and garden hose

1. Attach the drain plug to the drain outlet by tightening it clockwise.

2. Connect a garden hose to the pool and make sure the water can drain away safely, for example into a drain.

3. Place the garden hose lower than the pool. This allows the water to drain out completely.

4. Disconnect the hose and connector once the pool is empty. Close the drain on the inside with the stopper and tighten the cover again.

Drain plug attached

Attaching the garden hose to the drain plug

Cleaning the pool

Is the pool completely empty? Clean the liner with cold or lukewarm water, a pH-neutral cleaning product and a soft sponge. By removing dirt now, you store the pool away clean. Want to prevent algae during the swimming season? Read our tips for preventing green pool water.

Dismantling the frame and letting it dry

Is your frame pool empty and clean? Then you can dismantle it. Take your time and keep small parts together straight away.

 

1. Disconnect the pool legs.

2. Disconnect the corner tubes of the frame.

3. Remove the tubes from the liner.

4. Lay the liner open on a clean surface and dry it with a cloth. You can also leave it to dry in the sun.

5. Dry the tubes and small parts thoroughly with a cloth or leave them to dry in the sun.

Please note: let all parts dry completely. A damp liner can develop mould spots during storage.

Dismantling the pool ladder

Do you have a ladder with your EXIT pool? Dismantle it too before you store everything away.

 

1. Loosen the top four screws and remove the ladder handles.

2. Depending on the type of ladder, loosen the connecting pieces or the platform. If necessary, carefully tap the underside of the platform with a soft hammer.

You now have two ladder halves that are easy to store. Turn the screws and nuts back into the holes so you do not lose them.

Storing the pool until next season

Store your pool as a complete, dry set. Then you will have everything to hand next spring to set up your pool again. Missing a part later on? Take a look at the available pool spare parts.

Folding the liner with talcum powder

Fold the completely dry liner. Sprinkle talcum powder on the liner as you fold it, so the material does not stick together during storage.

Storing the frame protected

Put the frame in the original box or wrap it in a groundsheet. You can place bubble wrap or old towels between the tubes to help prevent damage. Store the pool, ladder, pump and all small parts together in a dry, frost-free place.

Frequently asked questions about getting your pool ready for winter

When should I get my pool ready for winter?

Get your pool ready for winter at the end of the swimming season, before there is a chance of frost. Choose a dry day, so you can store the liner and other parts completely dry.

Can my pool stay outside in winter?

No. EXIT pools are designed for the warmer part of the year. Drain the pool, dismantle it and store it dry and frost-free.

Is a pool cover enough to get my pool through winter?

No. A pool cover helps keep dirt, leaves and rain out of the water during the swimming season. For winter, you must completely dismantle and store your EXIT pool.

How long does the liner need to dry before I store it?

Only store the liner once it is completely dry. This reduces the chance of mould spots during storage.

Why do you sprinkle talcum powder on the liner?

Talcum powder helps prevent the material of the dry, folded liner from sticking together. This makes it easier to unfold the liner again in the next swimming season.

 

Do you have any other questions about getting your pool ready for winter? Please contact EXIT Toys customer service.