There are several things that must
be done to properly winterize your pool, protect your accessories and insure a seamless
pool opening next spring. This guide will serve as your checklist for pool winterizing,
storage and care of your filter, accessories and the great investment that is your own
swimming pool.
Pool accessories.
Be sure to store your pool vacuum,
hand skimmer, pool toys , brushes inflatables and other plastic items in a cool dry place
over the winter. If you leave them in your yard, the rain, snow, wind and wear and tear of
the elements will tend to destroy them
Pool Ladder.
It is best to remove your pool ladder
from the pool and from the outdoors , if possible, over the winter. Dry the ladder off and
keep in cool dry place , like basement or garage. If you disassemble your ladder, keep
parts , nuts and bolts in a handy plastic bag ( maybe taped to the ladder) .
Pool Chemicals
Any chemicals not used over the summer
should be stored in a cool dry place over the winter. Be sure the caps and lids are firmly
attached to the containers and that they are sealed tight. If caps are kept on your unused
chemicals, they will be usable and potent next season.
BEFORE PROCEEDING TO DISMANTLE YOUR
FILTER SYSTEM, THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE DONE:
1. First adjust ph to 7.2 to 7.6, then
Insert WINTER CHEMICAL KIT into the pool. Entire contents are
placed into the pool. If liquid, it is poured into the pool. If powder or tablets, there
will be a floater or container to use that will keep the chemicals from falling onto pool
bottom and directly contacting the liner. There will be no need to add more chemicals once
the chemicals are put in for the pool closing.
2. Run Filter for 1 hour.
3. Lower level of pool below skimmers and
inlets.
4. DISMANTLE POOL FILTER FOR THE WINTER
Pump and Motor
Pump and motor should be disconnected from the base of the
pool filter and drained of all water. It is advisable to open the pump and clean out hairs
or objects that may be stuck or accumulated in the pump before winter storage.
Pool Filter
It is important that the filter tank
be drained of all water and the above the ground hoses be drained of all water for the
winter.
- Cartridge Filter- it is best to change your cartridges
several times each season, so you might want to throw away your used dirty cartridge and
start fresh in the spring with a new clean cartridge. The interior casing of the cartridge
filter should be wiped clean and dry and stored indoors in a dry place. This will prevent
damage from cracking due to freezing and thaw.
- Sand Filter- Most people change their filter sand once per
season, so we recommend that you throw out the sand at the end of the season and start
fresh with new clean sand in the spring.. The filter tank should be wiped clean and dry
and stored indoors in a dry and cool place over the winter. This will prevent damage to
the tank due to freezing and thaw.
- Diatomaceous Earth Filter- Discard and diatomite left in
the tank as you will load fresh DE into the filter in the spring. If you have a perflex
pool filter, the tubes should be soaked in mild soap (like for dishes) and warm water,
leave them soaking overnight, then hose off the water tubes to dislodge any DE or dirt
that may be imbedded in the tubes. For discolored or hard to clean tubes, a solution of
water and vinegar may be useful. [For extreme cases, you can use a solution of muriatic
acid and water for soaking, but we would advise caution (be careful not to inhale fumes
and keep solution off your skin, eyes and hands-extreme burn hazard)] For other Diatomite
pool filters, hose down grids or other screening apparatus. In either case, empty the tank
of all water, wipe and dry tank and store indoors in cool dry place.
POOL HEATER
Detach and drain all lines in pool
heater. Shut off gas flow and shut off any pilot lights ( most heaters have electronic
ignition, so this will not be necessary). Cover heater with heater protective cover.
5.
Using an air compressor or vacuum cleaner (attached to "blower" side)blow out
the return line from the
point where
the filter or heater was attached. Blow out the skimmer line from the point where the pump
was attached.
6.
Plug lines with winterizing plugs to prevent water from entering lines.
7.
Use 1 gallon Artic 60 or Pool water Antifreeze for every 25 lineal feet of drained line.
Pour directly into available openings.
8.
Place WINTER POOL COVER (AKA ALL YEAR POOL COVER) on top of the
pool. For those
covers that use water bags, fill
the water bags with water , but not completely, to allow for freezing and thaw.
9. In spring, start up pool without draining
antifreeze, contents will help balance pool water.
If you have any questions or comments about
winterizing your pool, contact our tech support at:
customerservice@bigreds.com |
