How To Winterize Your

Begin by skimming the water with a pool skimmer to remove leaves and debris and brush the walls with a pool brush. Clean the skimmer baskets and vacuum all surfaces.

Run the filter system and shock the water a few days before closing. After shocking the pool, check the water balance a few days later. The pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.6. Increase or decrease pH levels accordingly.

If you have a heater, turn it off. Turn off the filter and set the multi-port valve to BACKWASH. Turn the filter on and let it run for 3-5 minutes, until the water in the site glass is clean. Shut off the system and turn the valve to RINSE. Run the system for 30 seconds and then turn it off. Open the pressure relief valve near the pressure gauge.

Lower the water a few inches below the skimmers or decorative tile. With the filter off, turn the valve to WASTE. Close the skimmer valves and keep the main drain open. Then turn on the filter system until the water reaches the proper level. Turn off the system.

Cartridge and Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filter systems can be disassembled for winter storage. Sand filters do not need to be taken apart unless you are changing the sand.

Pool plumbing lines should be cleared because water left in the lines can freeze and expand causing the pipes to crack or burst. Connect an air compressor to the pool pump. Using low pressure, force out the water in the lines through the skimmer, main drain and return lines. Close-off the skimmer and returns with winterizing plugs.

Repairs can be extra costly if pool waterlines or drainpipes freeze and burst. Pool antifreeze prevents any water that might be left in the lines from freezing and cracking the pipes. Remove the winterizing plugs in the skimmers and add about 2-3 litres per line of WinterProof™ Pool Water System Antifreeze with the BurstGuard™ Guarantee -100˚F.

It is normal for the product to become ‘slushy’ and freeze in sub-zero temperatures, but it will not damage the system.

Remove the rest of the plugs on the filter system. Also remove the site glass and pressure gauge. Store them in the pump strainer basket inside the pump and cover the system.

If your pool has a heater, drain it completely before the first frost to prevent any damage from freezing water in the heater and piping.

Check the cover to make sure it is in good condition. Clear out any pool accessories. Starting at one end of the pool, unfold the tarp and pull it over the pool without it falling in the water. During the off-season, remove any water, leaves and snow from the cover.

A few days before closing your pool, test the water for pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and chlorine. It’s important to get the water balanced in order to prevent any corrosion or scale buildup during the winter.

Clean the pool before winterizing. Brush and vacuum the sides and floor. Use a clarifier to make the water crystal clear. Lower the water level while vacuuming (set filter to waste to bypass the filter). Clean the tile line to remove any oil and scum.

Using winterizing chemical kits are an easy way to help protect the water quality. Follow the kit instructions carefully. If you own a larger size above ground pool, consider adding more algaecide and shock.

Clean the filter, skimmer, and pump basket. Remove all unused chlorine product from the chlorinator. Spray cartridge filter elements and D.E. (diatomaceous earth) grids with cleaner and rinse with a garden hose. Then backwash the sand filters.

Lower the water level below the returns and skimmer. Do not completely drain above ground pools because hydrostatic pressure can cause damage.

Pool plumbing lines should be cleared because water left in the lines can freeze and expand causing the pipes to crack or burst. Using an air compressor or shop vac, blow water out of system by forcing air down the skimmer and through the plumbing.

Repairs can be extra costly if pool waterlines or drainpipes freeze and burst. Pool antifreeze prevents any water that might be left in the lines from freezing and cracking the pipes. Add WinterProof™ Water System Antifreeze with the BurstGuard™ Guarantee -100˚F to plumbing and install threaded winter plugs to the return fittings to keep water out of lines.

It is normal for the product to become ‘slushy’ and freeze in sub-zero temperatures, but it will not damage the system.

Remove all drain plugs from the pump, filter tank and any other pool equipment. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for the equipment. Place all drain plugs in a pump basket for easy storage.

Inflate the air pillow or pillows if you have a larger pool. Tie off the pillow or pillows in the center of the pool. Air pillows help to shed water toward the edge of the pool for easy removal. They also allow forming ice to crack inward in order to prevent damage to the pool’s shell or structure.

Pull the winter cover over the pool surface. Secure it with the cable and winch under the top ledge of the pool. In high-wind areas, we suggest using a winter cover seal or plastic wrap material that is wrapped around the pool to prevent the wind from getting under the cover.