Follow these steps to properly close your pool this year
- One week prior to closing, bring in a pool water sample so that your pool can be properly balanced for the winter months.
- 24 hours prior to closing the pool, add a dose of Fix to increase the sanitizer in your pool. Circulate for 12 hours.
- 12 hours before you close the pool, clean your sand filter using Filter Cleaner. If you have a cartridge filter, you can clean the filter once the pool is closed.
- Clean your solar blanket using Cover Cleaner and store a safe and dry place.
- Remove ladders, drop in steps, diving board and disconnect slide hose(s).
- Clean pool water line using Amaze.
- Remove the skimmer basket and attach your manual vacuum directly into the skimmer suction line and be sure to put a garden hose into the skimmer and turn it on. (This will ensure a good seal around the vacuum hose so your pump will not lose its prime when the water lowers below the skimmer). Set the filter handle to the drain/waste setting and begin vacuuming the pool. The water in the pool will drain from the bottom of the pool, through the vacuum hose and out the backwash line.
- Lower the water level to below the return jets. Usually about 6" below the skimmer. Do not take water level any lower as the liner will start to pull away from the pool wall. Some older pools have the return jets placed much lower than 6" below the skimmer. If this is the case, the water level must be brought down below the return jets until the lines are blown out and then brought back up to the appropriate winterizing level.
- Add winter chemicals to pool water, Winter Closing Kit and Meta Stain Prevent.
- Once water is lowered to the level you want, turn off the garden hose. Install Gizzmo or expandable plug in main drain hole while pump is still running. If the main drain hole is threaded use a Gizzmo. Some pools may not have a main drain hole. Remove the vac hose from the skimmer. In about 30 seconds, the pump will clear the lines and lose its prime.
- When the pump prime is lost, shut the pump off. Set the filter handle to the winterize position. If you don't have this option, set the filter handle between 2 settings.
- Remove the eyeballs in the return jets and use a shop vac to blow or suck out the suction and return lines. Place sections of foam rope into the lines. Plug the return lines with threaded plugs. Use Teflon tape to seal.
- Pour 2 liters of Ice Away down the suction hole into the skimmer. Plug suction line with an expandable plug or gizzmo. Add the remining 2 liters of Ice Away on top of the plug. Use the opposite to what is in the main drain line. If the pool does not have a main drain hole the customer must use a gizzmo in the suction line.
- Remove the drain plugs from all equipment including pump, filter, Nature 2, heater, and chlorinator. Also remove the pressure gauge and site glass from the filter. Disconnect the pressure switch on your heater and shut off the gas. Store these parts in a marked bag for next year to hold on to all your parts!
- Shut off the breaker to the system. If you have a salt chlorinator, remove leads and wrap in plastic bag. . Disconnect salt cell unions and insert expandable plugs in the plumbing. Clean cell with Salt Cell Saver. Store cell with the rest of your baskets and plugs. Indoor storage is recommended for salt cells and cartridges from filter.
- If you have a UV system, unplug it and then disconnect the unions from the plumbing. Use a shop vac to suck out any remaining water from the unit. Store UV system in a safe, dry place.
- Remove your pool light and either place it on the deck in a plastic bag or sink to the bottom of the pool with weights. Do not leave the light in the fixture. Shut off the power to the light fixture.
- If you have built in steps with jets, remove the jets and blow out the lines using a shop vac. Plug with expandable plugs. Put stair cover on the pool if you have one.
- If necessary, bring the pool water back up to 4" below the skimmer (only 2" if it is a fiberglass pool). Put the winter cover on the pool checking for holes. If needed, replace cover.
- For waterbag covers, put the waterbags on the cover end-to-end, overlapping and leaving no spaces. Fill waterbags three-quarters full to allow for freezing and expansion.
- For lock in covers, determine which way the cover needs to be matched up to the pool (in terms of shape) and begin feeding the beaded edge into the top track of the coping. Continue all the way around the pool until the whole cover is locked into place, using t-bead and/or cover wedges to help hold it in place.
- Put about 1" of water on the cover and a bottle of Algi Pro 40.
- For safety covers, do not take water down more than 4-6" below the skimmer. You will not have to refill pool. Determine which way the cover needs to be matched up to the pool (in terms of shape) and begin locking it into place with the springs and screws/anchors working from opposite corner to opposite corner.
- 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
Understanding and Addressing Pool Liner Wrinkles When it comes to pool liner wrinkles, it’s crucial to distinguish between those caused by installation issues and those arising from other factors. If a wrinkle appears due to a poor fit or incorrect measurements during installation, it will be evident as soon as the pool is filled. Wrinkles…
What is a Pool Orientation and Why is it Essential for New Pool Owners?
What is a Pool Orientation and Why is it Essential for New Pool Owners? Owning a pool is a luxury that brings fun, relaxation, and a perfect gathering spot for family and friends. However, with this luxury comes the responsibility of maintaining and managing your pool to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable space.…
Benefits of In-Person Shopping for Hot Tubs, Pools & Swim Spas
We know that online shopping can be convenient. But at Buds we still believe that hot tubs, swim spas and pools, not to mention their parts and supplies, are best shopped for in person.
So while you might start your shopping journey online, we hope that you’ll take the chance to visit us in store before finally making your purchase.
There are many reasons why we think brick-and-mortar stores like Buds are the smart choice for customers.
Check out our top reasons and let us know if you agree!
How to Treat and Prevent Metals and Staining
How to treat and prevent metals and staining Metals can be introduced into the water through foreign object or equipment, such as copper piping and fittings, heat exchanger, using copper sulphate and other copper-based algaecides, or source water. The presence of metals in pool water may cause staining to the liner, fiberglass, or concrete as…
Should I finance my pool purchase?
In its most formal application, contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating between immersion in hot and cold water. It’s a practice with growing popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts for its many reported benefits.
Above Ground Pool Closing Instructions
How to close your above ground pool Pool Closing Steps 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 One…
The Benefits of Borate to Treat Your Pool
Why Your Should Use Borate In Your Pool What is Borate? Borate prevents pH drifting, which results in calcium scaling, metal stains, cloudy water, algae, and hard pool water. When you use borate, the water will remain clear for a long period since chloramine (or combined chlorine) does not form quickly as compared to a…
How to Reduce Phosphates in Your Pool
How to Reduce Pool Phosphates What are phosphates? Phosphates are food for algae. Although they are present in all water, once they reach a certain level they can cause issues in your pool. Phosphates can consume chlorine causing a consistently low level in your pool. When you have an extremely low chlorine reading, your pool…
Spring Set-up for Pool UV Systems
How To Open Your Pool’s UV System SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS When spring arrives, it’s time to pull out your UV system and get it ready for the summer pool season. Below is a checklist that will help in getting the most out of your system. If your UV system is still installed on your pool equipment,…
How to Treat Pool Algae
How to Treat and Prevent Algae How to Treat and Prevent Algae – Spring Opening Green pools are often caused by algae growth in the water. This could take on the form of patches of green, yellow or black substances that fluffs into the water when touched or stirred. The water may have discoloration, usually…
How to Change & Clean the Filter Media
How to Clean & Change a sand filter How to Clean a Sand Filter Sand filters should be cleaned at least once per season, preferably in the fall before closing. You must clean your sand filter after encountering bouts of algae. Backwash the filter for 3-5 minutes to ensure large organic debris is out of…
How to Clean a Pool Salt Cell
How to Clean a Salt Cell Why Clean My Salt Cell? It is important to maintain a clean salt cell so chlorine can be continuously produced. Salt cells that have a lot of scale or calcium build up can not effectively produce sanitizer and often create flow issues within the pool system. You should check…
How to Treat and Prevent Cloudy or Foggy Pool Water
How to Treat and Prevent Cloudy or Foggy Water What Causes Cloudy Water? Foggy/Cloudy pools may occur due to a number of reasons. Cloudy water largely occurs because of poor water balance, lack of circulation, poor filtration or the depletion of chlorine/bromine. It can also occur due to dead algae, dirty or old filter sand,…
Pool Filter Cartridge Cleaning Instructions
How To Clean A Pool Filter Cartridge When should a cartridge element be cleaned? For swimming pools, clean the cartridge when filter canister pressure reaches 10-12 PSI above the initial system or new cartridge starting pressure. Cartridges should be rinsed at least once every 2 weeks. Cartridges should be chemically cleaned in Filter Cleaner at…
Maintenance for Saltwater Pools
Saltwater pool maintenance HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN MAINTAINING YOUR POOL NEW POOL OR NEW LINER CUSTOMERS:PLEASE BRING IN A WATER SAMPLE (IN THE SAMPLE BOTTLE PROVIDED) TO BUDS SPAS AND POOLS BEFORE ADDING ANY CHEMICALS AND/OR BEFORE ENTERING YOUR POOL FOR THE FIRST TIME. Pool maintenance steps 1. Test kits or strips…
Maintenance for Non-Saltwater Pools
Non-saltwater pool maintenance HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN MAINTAINING YOUR POOL NEW POOL OR NEW LINER CUSTOMERS:PLEASE BRING IN A WATER SAMPLE (IN THE SAMPLE BOTTLE PROVIDED) TO BUDS SPAS AND POOLS BEFORE ADDING ANY CHEMICALS AND/OR BEFORE ENTERING YOUR POOL FOR THE FIRST TIME. Filtration To maintain proper filtration the pump should…
Inground Pool Closing Instructions
Pool Closing Instructions Follow these steps to properly close your pool this year One week prior to closing, bring in a pool water sample so that your pool can be properly balanced for the winter months. 24 hours prior to closing the pool, add a dose of Fix to increase the sanitizer in your pool.…
Pool Opening Instructions
Pool Opening Instructions Follow these steps to properly open your pool this year Remove any leaves or debris from the top of your winter cover (this should not go in the pool). Remove the water off of your pool cover by either using a submersible pump or siphon method. When using a submersible pump please…
