Cold Climate Pool Closing tips

Make sure you follow these tips to keep your pool in the best condition

We put together this quick checklist to use as a reference when you close up for the season. Remember, properly closing your pool for the winter saves you time and money when you reopen in spring. Try to close your pool as soon as the weather turns cool to ensure it is protected from possible freeze damage.
 
Pre-Winterizing:

1. Pool must be thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned. Dirt and debris left in the pool over long periods of inactivity can cause staining and be much harder to clean in the spring.

2. Pool water must be at the proper pH, Total Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness levels.
3. Chlorinated pools must be shocked with a heavy dose of shock and a Winterizing kit used.  Baquacil Pools should have the normal monthly dose of Oxidizer added a day or two before closing so it may circulate. After lowering the water, add double the algaecide dose and the necessary “top-up” dose of Sanitizer.
4. Filters (sand, DE, cartridge) must be flushed and chemically cleaned with a chemical Filter Cleaner.

 
Winterizing Day:

• Remove all deck equipment (ladders, handrails, pool alarms, etc.) and store.
• Skimmers: Water level should be lowered below skimmer face plate.

If you are in a high water table area, this recommendation may be modified. See store for details.

• Remove baskets and weirs. In-Ground Pools pour a non-toxic pool antifreeze in skimmer. Never use automobile anti-freeze – it contains additives that can stain and damage the pool liner.
• Plug skimmer in-ground pools skimmers with a “Gizzmo” acts as a plug and an ice compensator. Above-Ground pools either lower the water level 4-6 inches below the skimmer or use a winterizing faceplate to seal off the skimmer.

Lines

• In-ground Pools: All plumbing lines must be blown out, a non-toxic pool anti-freeze added and plugged. An air compressor or special vac is usually connected to the line at the pump to do this. Above-Ground Pools: remove all hoses and store them inside. It is very important that if water gets into the skimmer that it can drain out of the hole in the bottom of the skimmer.

Filters
The filter tank must be completely drained and the pressure gauge removed.
The safest thing to do with the pump and motor is to remove them and store where they won’t freeze. Otherwise, all moisture must be removed.
The filter multiport should be placed in the “winter” position. If there is no such marked position on your filter, then the handle should be left in between any two positions.
Heaters and More

• If you have a heater on your pool, it must be properly drained and fuel shut off. (See manufacturer’s recommendations)

• An in-line chlorinator or mineral system must have the winter drain plug removed. (See manufacturer’s recommendations)
• Cover pool. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations. If water tubes are placed around the perimeter, they should be filled only 2/3 full to allow for ice expansion. Above-Ground pools tighten the cable and use cover clips to hold covers down.

If you have questions, be sure to stop in and we’ll be happy to help you!