Above Ground Pool Winterization

After what we hope has been a summer of great fun, it is time to think about closing the pool for the winter. Exactly when you close the pool is a personal decision, but we would recommend not waiting until freezing weather is encountered, as this decision can prove to be very chilling. For most people, mid to late September is the chosen time for closing their pools, but it is probably best to let the weather help you make up your mind.

Steps For Pool Winterization

A properly closed pool is a pool that will survive the winter months without many adverse effects. Most of all, a properly closed pool is a pool that is easy to re-open in the spring. The cleaner the pool is when you close it, the less work you will have at the start of the next season. By following the instructions below, pool winterization should prove to be fairly easy.

Please note, these directions are intended mainly for above ground pools. Due to wide variations in how inground pools are plumbed, it is nearly impossible to give good "generic' directions on clearing these lines of water so as to protect them from freezing. If you are unsure of how to properly clear the plumbing lines of water, we can give you some tips if you stop into the store. For the highest level of safety, we recommend that you have your pool professionally winterized.

1. Vacuum the pool thoroughly. All leaves and debris should be removed, as they will stain the liner if left in the pool over the winter months. If heavy dirt or algae is present, vacuum the pool to waste, as per the manufacturer's directions.
2. Adjust the pool's water level so that it is no higher than half way up on the skimmer. While many instructions will tell you to drain the water down past the return inlet, it is not necessary. When manufacturers tell pool owners to lower the water level, they are trying to protect the skimmer from freezing and cracking. The problem with their instructions is that once the cover gets water or snow on it, the pool's water level will rise, allowing water into the skimmer anyway. In some cases, this displaced water will crack the unprotected skimmer.
3. Add winterizing chemicals as per the manufacturer's or your Eastgate representative's instructions. If your pool does not have free chlorine present, it must be added in addition to the kit. The SwimFree Winter Kits sold by Eastgate do not require the pool to be circulated after adding the chemicals. If you are using a different winter kit, you may need to circulate the pool for 24 hours.
4. Remove the weir door and the basket from the skimmer and place a rubber plug into the hole at the bottom of the skimmer. (Eastgate Pools carries these rubber plugs.) To ensure a tight fit, turn the wing nut on the plug. This expands the plug's diameter.
5. After the skimmer is plugged, pack it with styrofoam or plastic. This styrofoam or plastic, which normally can be obtained at no charge from Eastgate, will keep the water in the skimmer from being able to form a solid sheet of ice. When ice forms, it will push in on the foam or plastic instead of pushing out on the skimmer. When packing the skimmer, it is extremely important that the foam or plastic extend out to the front opening of the skimmer. Failure to do so can cause major damage to the pool wall.
6. Remove the face ring and eyeball from the return inlet. Then place either a rubber plug into the inlet fitting or a plastic cap which threads onto the fitting. Tighten the plug or cap.
7. Place the winter pool cover onto the pool. Try to place the cover so that there is an equal amount of overhang all around the pool. Secure the cover by lacing the rope through the grommets and then tightening the turnbuckle. In some areas, windy conditions can make it hard to keep the cover on the pool. In this situation, many people hang water filled gallon jugs from the covers grommets. Unfortunately, concentrating so much weight at one point results in destroyed covers. A much safer way to help hold the cover onto the pool is to use cover clips. These clips slip over the cover and the top seat, helping to reduce the amount of wind getting under the cover.
8. Remove all of the hoses from the filter and store them inside. If your pool uses PVC Plumbing instead of hoses, make sure these lines are completely drained of water. Drain the pump and filter tank as per the manufacturer's directions. (If your pool is equipped with an automatic chlorinator or a heater, they need to be drained as well.) Failure to properly drain the pump and filter may result in a ruined filtration system. If possible, store the filtration system in a garage, basement, or shed for added protection.
9. During the course of the winter, siphon or pump water off of the cover. Allow no more than a couple of inches of water to accumulate on the cover, as this will put undue strain on the cover. Periodically check to see that the rope holding the cover is tight.

WARNING

An improperly winterized pool can be severely damaged by ice. If you are unsure of any of the steps outlined above, please contact an Eastgate representative. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about winterizing your pool.
Eastgate Pools & Spas and the pool and equipment manufacturers of your swimming pool and its components assume no liability for improperly winterized pools.

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