Winterizing Your Stock Tank Pool in Canada with ILOTank: Complete Guide

In short: to winterize a stock tank pool, drain it completely through the drain valve, wash it with mild soap, touch up scratches with cold galvanizing spray, take apart and dry the pump, then flip the tank upside down onto small blocks. It then spends the winter outside, without a tarp, until spring.

Preparing your stock tank pool for the Canadian winter is essential to prolong its lifespan. Here are the simple steps to protect your ILOTank galvanized steel mini pool from frost and moisture until spring.

🧰 Recommended equipment

  • Soft brush + mild soap
  • Fine sandpaper
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Cold galvanizing spray
  • A few small blocks

Steps to winterize your stock tank pool

1. Complete draining

Empty your pool completely by opening the drain valve.

2. Cleaning

Wash the walls with a soft brush and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue.

3. Inspection and repair

Inspect the galvanized steel:

  1. Sand any damaged areas with fine sandpaper.
  2. Clean with isopropyl alcohol.
  3. Apply 3 thin coats of cold galvanizing spray to restore corrosion protection.

Polyethylene tank: this galvanizing step does not apply.

4. Pump

Remove the pump, wash it, rinse it and let the parts dry completely before storage.

5. Drying and storage

Flip the pool upside down onto small blocks so air can circulate and moisture doesn't build up. Leave it this way until spring.

In the spring

Turn the tank right side up on a flat, level base (see Setting up a stock tank pool in your yard), put the submersible pump back in, fill and treat the water following our guide Stock tank pool water care. Filters should be replaced every 2 to 3 weeks: plan for a pack of 6 replacement filters.

Frequently asked questions

Can a stock tank pool stay outside in winter?

Yes. Once drained, cleaned and fully dried, flip it upside down onto small blocks: it spends the winter outside until spring.

Should I cover the tank with a tarp for the winter?

No. Flipped upside down on small blocks, it spends the winter without a tarp: air circulates and moisture doesn't get trapped.

When should I winterize my stock tank pool?

In the fall, before the hard frosts and freezing, once the swimming season is over.

How do I repair a scratch on galvanized steel?

Lightly sand the area with fine sandpaper, clean it with isopropyl alcohol, then apply 3 thin coats of cold galvanizing spray, letting each coat dry before the next.

What should I do with the pump over the winter?

Take it apart, wash and rinse each part, then let them dry completely before storing it for the winter.

Read also

A question about winterizing? Email us at info@ilotank.ca: we reply within 1 to 2 business days.

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