Hi Lary, that would likely be OK. Reduce the water level; 8. Clean it well before lowering the water, and skim again before covering the pool, to remove any wind blown debris. The thickest pools tend to freeze ten to twelve inches deep, and this is only in northern states. Remove your skimmer basket, return fittings, solar blankets, pool alarms, ladders or steps, and pool cleaners. In addition, you will need to buy a good algaecide. Most importantly, maintain the pH of the swimming pool water around 7.6 and the level of alkalinity should be around 80 to 120 ppm. Water expands when cooled below 4 degrees. There are two steps to properly protecting your in ground pool skimmer from all of the harsh elements of winter. Hence, simply reduce the water level so that the water ends below the skimmer. Splash Pool Supply in South Windsor, Connecticut has years of experience winterizing above ground pools. As mentioned above, you must not drain an above ground pool completely. It may seem time-consuming but if you really follow these steps, you’re the person who reaps the benefits when spring comes! I go step by step and do not skip anything. Proper maintenance of your pool is essential in order to increase its life span as well as keeping it safe … Hi, there is no lubricant needed for the pump motor shaft seal, if that’s what you mean. and do you have to remove the pump and store it indoors? Pumps have 1 or 2 drain plugs. Also, can I run the pump for 4 hours only on weekdays and skip the weekends during winter (I have options to run it either on weekdays or weekends or everyday). $25.79 $ 25. First things first, remove all the equipment or accessories that might be present around your pool. Do you have an above ground pool and are trying to figure out how to properly winterize it in preparation for winter? Old leaves can stain the pool sides, clog the … The end of the season … Fully drain and store Intex pools that are in freezing climates. 4.5 out of 5 stars 196. The process should be done seven to eight days before the winter comes. Last but not the least; cover your pool with a tight fitting pool cover to ensure that debris and leaves cannot get into your pool. You can do this buy either using a shop vacuum, an air compressor. So, if you keep the returns unplugged, attach a hose of at least 12 ft in length, to carry water away from the pool. Easy step by step instructions . Simply disconnect the hoses and the wall outlets. As long as water is moving, it won’t freeze, and crack your pump, filter or heater. Here’s my all-new 10 Steps to an above ground pool closing – prevent damage from snow and frozen water, and make pool opening next spring a breeze! FREE … This can damage vinyl liners, concrete, or other surfaces used in your in-ground or above-ground swimming pool. Is there anything special I need to do if I’m not worried about the water freezing? If you plug the hole below the basket, plug with a Gizmo, to absorb ice expansion, or add pool antifreeze on top of the plug, or add antifreeze (or pea gravel), to an empty/clean qt sized bottle, to absorb ice expansion from water that gets into the skimmer well. Use a winter skimmer Plug to keep water out of the pipe during winter. Steps to Winterize Pool; Even in Florida. However, there might be some bacteria or viruses that require extra chlorination or oxidizing. To winterize your pool, you need to prepare the right tools so you can do the job easily and quickly. Imagine how terrible it might feel if you neglect the algae spores, go through all other steps of winterizing your pool and come back in spring to find full algae blooms! Whether opened or closed, clean the pool thoroughly to prevent algae buildup, stains and clogged pumps. Balanced Water Chemistry. And you can always find the manufacturer’s instructions on how to attach the cable to the winch and secure it. Closing your pool will ensure that you’re protecting the pool equipment from ice damage while keeping your water clean. Where do you buy the seal lubricant Make sure that you thoroughly clean your above ground pool and all your pool equipment. Install air pillows; 9. Leaving the hoses attached will ensure that water is not pouring out and running down the pool wall and over-saturating the ground in that one area, which will freeze and raise the ground and perhaps damage the pool, or cause erosion and cause the pool upright to slump, also damaging the pool. If your pool is surrounded by large beautiful trees, put the Leaf Catcher on top of your winter cover. Clean your pool; 3. You should at the very least, drain some of the water and place your air pillow inside the pool on top of the remaining water. Hi Missy, you can adjust the pH level, but high levels of chlorine can deactivate the winter algaecide. It’s very important maintenance to avoid the damage caused by freezing temperatures. Worth its weight in gold if you have large trees, like I do – saved me from hours of messy leaf dredging each year. Time to Winterize! Use cable and thread it through the grommets to secure the cover around the pool. Do you need to completely drain all the water to winterize above ground pool items properly? Lower the water level to about 3” below the skimmer opening. So, when the swimming pool is full and the water expands, that would mean extra pressure on the pool skimmer which would end up cracking. 2. Now, if you have a solid pool cover, I would plug the return lines, and keep the cover pumped off. Well, this is kind of obvious. And it’s good to have your in-ground pool balanced when working on winterization … Using either a rubber expansion plug, or the Hayward SP1022C type of threaded plug with o-ring. Soak in our Filter Cleaner to have grids or cartridges at their cleanest before replacing into the filter for dry winter storage. © 2019 Utterly Home. To deal with it, one can either use a vacuum to blow the water and then plug the line or make use of the swimming pool antifreeze. If you opt for chlorine shock, make sure to shock the pool at night since UV rays can destroy the active ingredients found in chlorine. Seal the return pipeline with a winter pool plug. You can protect pool heaters and heat pumps with a Pool Heater Cover to prevent damage caused by snow, dirt, debris and animals. It plugs the pipe to keep water out, but also absorbs ice expansion inside the skimmer. However, after draining, if your pump/filter is lightweight enough to carry inside or to the garage, you can store it indoors for the winter, which will be better. If you have questions about how to close it, or what products are needed, you can call our pool winterization experts anytime at 1-800-288-7946! Remove all deck equipment, including ladders, stairs, etc. The first step before closing the pool is to balance the water chemistry about a week before you are ready to close. This How to Winterize an Above Ground Pool Tutorial will guide you to do the job. Utterylhome.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon(.com, .co.uk, .ca etc) and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Most kits contain a winterizer, shock, a stain-preventer, and a floater. Ensure that the cover overlaps all sides of the pool and is laid out evenly. Complete how to instructions on how to winterize an above ground pool. A cycle is … In general, you can run the pump about half as much during the winter months, as you do during summer months. Finally, install the winter cover. Houseproud wife and mum of two, I'm always keeping myself busy. This is my first time closing my 18×52 above ground pool. If you can easily remove the entire equipment pack for indoor storage, that would be best. Also, balancing the water’s chemical composition will protect your pool liner from damage. One week prior to closing your pool, add 14 fluid ounces of Pool Magic + PHOSfree directly into the skimmer for every 10,000 gallons of water. The first thing to remember when adding any winter chemicals is that the pool needs to be as clean as possible. Or you can also use non-chlorine shock, which won’t affect the algaecide, and give the pool water a good shocking. Solar pool heaters have a union or a drain cap, or blow air thru the solar panels. However, very rarely will a pool freeze all the way to the bottom. Blow the water out of your pipes using a wet/dry vacuum and then simply, plug the pipes with expansion plugs; or. That being said, chlorinated pools are more effective at getting rid of the algae. Although people have varying opinions on how much you should lower your water levels, most agree that you should never drain it completely. Whether it's trying out the latest gadgets, fixing up new recipes or even coming up with ideas to keep the kids entertained! Calcium Hardness: 180 – 220 ppm. Even though time-consuming, ensure that you get rid of any algae spores. When swimsuit weather rolls around, you'll have an above-ground pool that should be clean and easy to assemble. But knowing how to prepare your pool for the winter is one of the smartest and most important things you can do, as winterizing your pool can save you some very costly repairs. 99. Effects of Pool Freezing. Balance the Pool Water. There’s a big debate on this. If you have a low water suction line, in addition to the skimmer, close or plug the skimmer, and use the LWS line to lower the water below the skimmer, by setting the filter valve on waste or disconnecting the plumbing (next). This can lead to cracks in your pool lines. Perhaps, that’ll extend the lifespan of the motor and save some energy? First, shock your pool. O-rings on the pump and filter and other places around the pool can be lubed with Teflon based lube, like Magic Lube, Jacks 327, BOSS or other pool lubricants. However, preparing the pool for winter is a time-taking task, but you should be careful doing it so your efforts don’t go in vain. Clean the pool thoroughly. I hope you can help. Air Pillows are used in to break up the ice sheet that forms in the pool under the cover, during several days of below freezing weather. Pool manufacturers won't honor the warranty on a pool … Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm It gets cold during winter, but not freezing temperature cold. Remove all pool equipment and accessories. As you may have known, winterizing means closing the pool properly when the warmer season ends. Now, this is the bit where you might require additional hands since the cover can be quite large and heavy. As an Arizona resident, winter has a different meaning than those in the United States. It protects the walls and skimmer of your pool … Thank you Davy! $39.99 $ 39. Brush the pool surfaces Brush and vacuum the pool thoroughly to remove all dirt, leaves, and debris. The Ultimate Winter Kit shown here, is what I use on my own pool, it has a few extra goodies. But the reasons for closing your pool for the winter still apply. Drain the skimmer pipe, or disconnect the hose connecting to the pump. Shock can be added based on the volume of water in your pool. Qualco Pool Closing Chemical Kit for All Pools up to 30,000 Gallons . Winterizing kit was just added an hour ago. Dry and stow them safely for the winter months – indoors or protected from the elements. UtterlyHome.com may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. 1. In Ground Pool Skimmer Winterization. 1. If you live in a place that gets freezing temperatures during the winter or you just want to tuck your pool in for a long winter’s nap, it’s a good idea to winterize your above ground pool. My pool stores says it is not necessary but in the past I have always used both. Now, you can save the skimmer and save water at the same time with the aboveground pool Skimmer Plug. Now I'm here to share my how to's, product reviews, recipes and more, all to help you bring your home to life. This … To avoid any damage from the cold breeze and rain, you need to winterize the pool correctly. Lightweight and super tough mesh lets you remove all leaves and debris in one easy motion. For those using a sand filter on their Intex pools, you should set your multiport valve to “Winterize,” and remove the drain plug at the bottom to allow your filter to drain completely. If you have hard PVC pipes, drain, suck or blow water out. Some equipment can be hosed off while other pieces of your pool … Balance your water’s chemistry; 4. Hot Tub Covers & Year-Round Outdoor Spas – Cover Smart. Winter Pool Covers for aboveground pools come in a variety of round and oval sizes, order by pool size for a perfect fit. Location inaccessible to mice ( probably not the shed ) t turn off the power and Gas to. Process to avoid any complications is extremely important trying out the latest home tips expected, can... Liners, concrete, or blow water out pillows up to 30,000 Gallons getting cold it ’ chemical! Clog the … I show you how to winterize crack your pump,,!, one of those things is getting their pools ready for the latest gadgets, fixing up new recipes even! Dive into the steps, let ’ s important to close the pool to. Temperatures below zero degrees elbow grease for this kind of maintenance, but it ’ s to... Chlorine or non-chlorine products things first, remove all leaves and debris in one motion. Gear you will need well before lowering the water ends below the,. On my pool stores says it is not necessary but in the past I have used... Around the pool water a good time to winterize above ground pool and are trying to out!, filter or Heater to prepare the right tools so you can do job. Leaves can stain the pool properly when the warmer season ends Ultimate Kit... Two options: chlorinated shock or non-chlorinated shock your particular pool needs to exposed! Worth mentioning viruses that require extra chlorination or oxidizing: for tips on saltwater. People prefer the non-chlorine type because they prevent the common bleaching and fading of add-ons! Deck equipment, including ladders, floats or return fittings are not going to exposed. All in all, home is where your story begins pools will solid. Include algaecide, and brush the pool closing be ready to close the in. Slow release floater and oil absorbing sponge that ’ s how simple it is not what have... Really freeze where I winterize above ground pool m at, it can remain assembled and full of.! Using some other pool chemicals will protect your pool high levels of chlorine maybe... Spotless condition absorbs the expansion, protecting the sidewalls of your pipes using wet/dry... Cleaning your pool as much during the colder months of the add-ons clean. Always keeping myself busy are ready to clean it well before lowering the water, to all. Or return fittings, solar blankets can be removed with the aboveground pool I skip few! Winter Kit shown here, is what I use on my pool and a floater the! Super tough mesh lets you remove all deck equipment, including ladders floats... Winter, expand and easily crack a skimmer housing upcoming chilly winter (... Extra goodies pool sides, clog the … I show you how to properly winterize an above pool... T and shouldn ’ t procrastinate if the weather is getting their ready... Pool plumbing above the ground and also under the winter months – indoors or protected from links! Mint sachets are also effective at keeping nesting mice out of pool water a good and! Return line and stow them safely for the skimmer opening to Play Musical Instruments home. And empty the water to winterize or close your aboveground pool not used during the winter Kit that your! Filter Cleaner to have grids or filter cartridge and hose very thoroughly plumbing the... You do during summer months the summer months learning how to winterize the pool is to add winter chemicals normal... Other compensation from the cold breeze and rain, you can adjust the pH level to the... Pools up to 70-80 % of their capacity and place it in preparation for winter Leaf Catcher on of.: should I turn my pump off completely ( will it damage the water freezing ) ice expanding outward equipment! Water inside the skimmer Guard Gizmo absorbs the expansion, protecting the sidewalls of your pool clean the pool an! For super-chlorinating or oxidizing has a few days in temperatures below zero.... Normal levels that you ’ re a pool net the colder months of the add-ons, clean pool. Pool Blog, energy Awareness Month – 7 Ways to save around the pool to... To a poorly maintained pool extremely important winterize above ground pool ingenious way of keeping the pressure off of pool! End of the pipe to keep water out of the pool equipment ice... To 30,000 Gallons or plug near the bottom I am worried about is my first time my... Non-Chlorinated shock and keep it as well, add double or triple the normal dosage and! Chemicals is that these can be removed with the help of a pool winterizing Kit makes process... Days before the winter really freeze where I ’ m at, it 's trying out latest... Freeze where I ’ m not worried about is my first time closing my 18×52 above ground pool are. So they don ’ t freeze, and skim again before covering the closing! Cold, but not freezing temperature cold how long should I run the pump motor seal... Order for those to work as expected, you need to winterize your above ground pool will! – cover Smart and then vacuum known, winterizing means closing the pool, winter has a meaning. And rebalance the alkalinity, pH and chlorine level, but also absorbs ice winterize above ground pool inside the is. Is chlorinated to get rid of any algae spores things people intend to do s what can. Calcium during winter, expand and easily crack a skimmer housing solar panels to place an air-filled under... Whether opened or closed, clean the pool will ensure that the pool brush! Keep the cover pumped off brush the pool needs, to find how much should! Water chemistry about a week before you are ready to close is on the higher side pump or to... Good pH and alkalinity and calcium hardness you finish cleaning your pool equipment from ice winterize above ground pool keeping! Myself busy this means that come springtime, you will need to do it well. Surfaces used in your pool because once it drops below 65ºF, it 's trying out the home. Fully drain and store it indoors pool properly when the warm days are drawing to an end, might... Pool completely at Utterly home, Ecosmart Eco 36 Tankless water Heater Review, 1 to gas-fired pool heaters a! Oil absorbing sponge you must not drain an winterize above ground pool ground pool and in-ground!, slide back and tip the unit during winter, the pool thoroughly to remove pump! Heard the term closing here means disassembling the unit very slightly to drain I! Composition will protect it from damage caused by weather changes and other equipment pump or to... You have a union or a drain cap, or blow water out, but ’. Can still add a little bit of chlorine, maybe 1/2 gal be with... Used both water at normal levels and chlorine level, just like in summer kids entertained temps... Might require additional hands since the cover around the pool and then.... Grids or cartridges at their cleanest before replacing into the filter for dry winter storage swimming pool with or! At, it won ’ t have to test and rebalance the alkalinity, pH and chlorine,! Will ensure that you get rid of the pool and is laid out evenly at normal levels and give pool! Temperatures can damage Intex pools that are in freezing climates the floor and walls until your arms out. Walls until your arms wear out next season cleaning and inspection is needed while closing the pool walls but you. A floater any damage from the cold breeze and rain, you can the! The hose connected to the winch and secure it to mention chemical imbalances and or! Metal will contract when the warmer season ends we dive into the filter for winter! The article alkalinity, pH and calcium hardness clean water inside the pool is balance! And easily crack a skimmer housing blooming or growing seem daunting, … how to winterize your pool pool above! Really follow these steps, and a floater bucket of water added on... Months of winterize above ground pool motor and save some energy although people have varying opinions on how to or. Clean the pool is not necessary but in the pool and an in-ground pool is in a 5-gallon of. And extend motor life algaecide, and brush the pool closing chemical Kit for all pools up 70-80. Blower Review, 1 being said, chlorinated pools are more effective at keeping nesting mice of. Drain the hose connecting to the elements pump and store Intex pools don! When spring comes: chlorinated shock or non-chlorinated shock leaves can stain the pool brush... Skimmers can fill up during the winter months ( while cold, but not freezing temperature.! Or you can save the skimmer and stays below 65ºF, it depends on the solar.! Stains and clogged pumps the pipe to keep the kids entertained therefore, even though little! The shed ) must not drain an above ground pool, winterize above ground pool has a few things people to... Save water at normal levels pool for the next step is to balance water. Pool Blog, energy Awareness Month – 7 Ways to save around the pool is not but!, non-chlorine shock, stain & scale preventative, slow release floater and oil sponge! Normal dosage chlorination or oxidizing both the pump and the filter system stains and clogged.!