Above Ground Pool Closing Instructions
-
1.
One week prior to closing, bring a pool water sample to the store so your pool can be properly balanced. It is natural for sitting water to become acidic on its own so balancing the water is very important prior to closing your pool
-
2.
48 hours before closing, clean your sand filter with Filter Cleaner. If you have a cartridge filter, it can be cleaned once the pool has been closed. This will ensure that debris, waste and oil are not able to sit in the filter over the winter
-
3.
The night before winterizing, please add the appropriate dosages of Magic Shock, Algi Pro 40, and Stain Prevent. Ensure that the chemicals circulate for at least 12 hours so they can be properly dissolved
-
4.
Clean your solar blanket using Cover Cleaner and store in a safe, dry place
-
5.
Clean pool water line using Amaze. It will be much easier to remove the stains from the water line before it has a chance to stick to the liner over the winter
-
6.
The day of winterizing, vacuum your pool on the waste/drain setting on your filter. This allows you to vacuum and lower the water level at the same time
-
7.
Put a garden hose into your skimmer and turn it on. This will ensure a good seal around the vacuum hose so that your pump will not lose prime once the water in the pool is below the skimmer level. The water in the pool will drain from the bottom of the pool, through the vacuum hose and out the backwash line
-
8.
Lower the water level below the return jets, approximately 4”-6” below the skimmer level. Do not take the water level any lower as the liner will start to pull away from the pool wall
-
9.
Shut off the pump and turn the filter handle to the winterize position. If you do not have the winterize position, place the handle in between 2 settings. This just keeps the handle raised so it does not seize in one position
-
10.
Remove the eyeball of the return jet and replace with an expandable plug
-
11.
Disconnect the suction line under the skimmer. The suction hole inside the skimmer should be left open. Disconnect the plumbing from the filter to the pool, so the return line will drain
-
12.
Drain the pump, filter, chlorinator, Nature 2, and heater. Remove the drain plugs from all the equipment as well as the pressure gauge and sight glass and store for the winter
-
13.
Once the pump has been drained, replace the plug(s) using Teflon tape or gasket(s). Take the basket out and fill the pump pot with pool grade antifreeze to keep the pump seal lubricated over the winter. Pool grade antifreeze is non-toxic so it does not matter if it gets into the pool upon start up. The pump can then be left outside or taken indoors for the winter. Even if the pump is taken inside, it should still have antifreeze inside it. This will keep the ceramic seal lubricated so it does not crack
-
14.
Place a styrofoam skimmer block into the face of the skimmer in order to keep the warranty valid and protect the skimmer from cracking
-
15.
Apply silicone lubricant to all gaskets and o-rings to prevent cracking during the winter 16. Remove drop in steps or ladder from the pool and store indoors
-
16.
Inspect the cover for the pool. Make sure there are no holes in it. Replace if necessary. Install the winter cover on the pool. Secure with winch cord and winch. (If surrounded by decking secure with waterbags, ensure to overlap the waterbags so the cover will not fall into the pool. Fill waterbags three-quarters full with water. Filling them three-quarters full will leave room for freezing and expansion.)
-
17.
Add 1” of water and apply Hivercide to the pool cover. This will help to break down organic matter that falls on the top of the cover
-
18.
Store any dry chemicals in a clean dry space. Store any liquid chemicals inside a heated area so they do not freeze
RELATED ARTICLES
Understanding and Addressing Pool Liner Wrinkles
