Winterize Your Above Ground Pool

As we come to the close of another pool season, it is once again time to winterize your Above Ground Pool. By following these steps you can protect your pool from damage caused by frozen water, and simplify your spring start up by keeping your pool water clean and free of debris.

Steps

  1. One week prior to closing your pool it is important to test your water. Test the pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. pH: 7.2-7.6; Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm; Calcium hardness: 180-220 ppm
  2. Shock your pool following directions from the manufacturer. After allowing the chlorine levels to return to normal, add winter algaecide to the pool. High levels of chlorine can inhibit the action of the algaecide and deteriorate a winter cover.
  3. Remove ladder, chemical feeders, solar blanket, and skimmer basket from the pool.
  4. Bring the water level of your pool down below the mouth of the skimmer. By leaving some water in the pool, along with air pillows the winter cover will be supported.
  5. Clean your pool. Use a wall brush on the walls and floors. Attention now will make spring start up easier. Remove any leaves, silt or algae. If possible bypass the filter and vacuum directly to waste.
  6. Drain water from the pump, filtering and heating systems. All water must be drained or blown out of systems. During the winter, trapped water could freeze and crack hoses and plumbing fittings. Now, disconnect hoses from the skimmer and filter. You can use a shop vacuum or air compressor to clean hoses and store in a safe location. After purging the lines, add a plug in the line at the wall outlets. Consider using a threaded winterizing plug to prevent any water from getting in the lines during winter. In addition an aquador can easily snap on to the skimmer plate to protect water from entering the lines. If you have a cartridge filter system, clean filter at this time. Most filter systems have a plug at the bottom, remove plug and drain water. It is best to remove the filter and keep in a warm location for the winter. Now is a good time to perform any recommended routine pump maintenance. Check your manufacturers manual for schedule and instructions.
  7. Now it is time to cover your pool. Place an air pillow in the center of the pool. I suggest a rugged vinyl pillow to absorb the pressure from the water and help protect your pool walls. The Air Pillow also reduces excess rain, snow, and leaves on your winter cover. Now cover the pool. Use a tight cover. If it has grommets that hold a cable in place now use a winch devise to firmly tighten cover. Another option is a mesh safety cover, this winter cover will allow water to seep into pool but keep large debris and leaves out of pool. Lastly secure water bags to cover and rest assured your cover will not move over the winter months ahead.
  8. Finished.

Tips

  • A few hours spent on a fall afternoon can prevent costly damage inflicted by freezing water and exposure to elements. Have an easy spring start up with crystal clear water and a pool that is in top shape. Protect your investment over the winter months ahead.

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