Motor connections to drive should be verified. How To Close And Winterize Your Inground Swimming Pool If you don't have a Pool Closing Kit, addMetalFreeorLeslies Stain and Scale Remove to prevent staining and scaling through the off-season. How to Open / De-Winterize your Pool Craig Wooster 3.14K subscribers Subscribe 10K views 2 years ago Pool Specialists demonstrates how to prepare your equipment for opening. pH: 7.2 to 7.6. Any debris or algae left in the pool during closing will dilute the strength of the winterizing pool chemicals. Project Overview Working Time: 1 - 3 hrs Total Time: 4 days - 1 wk Yield: Winterized in-ground pool Skill Level: Intermediate Estimated Cost: $25 to $100 In areas with colder weather, pools have to be closed in the winter. Work is complete and we are up and running again. Builders are moving away from them because of the Virginia Graeme Baker Act, https://www.poolsafely.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/pssa.pdf If you have main drains the best thing to do is put a quick disconnect air fitting in front of the pump (there is drain hole in the front of all pumps) use an air compressor to blow air through the main drain line until air is bubbling out of the main drains. Tip: Wait until youre sure its the end of swimming season before closing the pool around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and continuing lower. At this point your water should either be pretty clean, or pretty green. Again, always read and follow label instructions to ensure proper dosage and application. If you are using a solid winter pool cover, lower the water level 34 below the bottom of the skimmer opening, unless youre using a skimmer plug. Make sure the chemicals have time to do their job and that you've thoroughly removed all water from lines and equipment. Sign up now. PUMP HAS STALLED. Once the water quantity is no longer substantial, plug all of the lines using a threaded plug or rubber expansion plug. When Should You Winterize Your Pool? Test the water using either test strips, a liquid test kit, or a digital tester. As with everything pool related, there is a specific process for winterizing your pool. For plaster pools only: tie afloating chlorinatorto one of the air pillows. But with the right supplies, and by following all the steps we've included in the guide below, you'll find it's actually a pretty stress-free process. There are two types of covers: safety covers and winter covers. Next, put the drain plugs back on the pump and filter, as well as the pressure gauge and sight glass. Open your valves to open the main drains by setting to re-circulate if that option is available. Properly protecting an in-ground pool requires a pool cover for safety and protection, so choose a durable version. When water freezes, it expands. Give yourself a week to complete this process, as several steps need to be performed over the course of a few days. Position the multiport valve handle between any two settings. Secure the filter lid and clamp band securely before and after blowing lines. Then remove the inlet hose from the pool pump and the outlet hose from the pool. Also, plug all the return lines. This will allow excess weight to accumulate in your pool cover as well as remove the weight of the water, which protects the pool from the freezing and shifting of the ground. If temperatures get low in your area, you should you these plugs. If you want something a little more durable than thin water tubes, you can also try using a product like Aqua Bloks, which will hold up to many years of use. Blue Science will work hand in hand with you to design a one-of-a-kind dream pool which Repeat this process with the skimmer and skimmer line, then insert a skimmer plug to prevent water from entering the line during the winter. But the winter kit will make things easier on you since it has everything you need, and it will save you a little money. Disconnect and drain the water pump and all unused hoses. If filled elsewhere, be careful not to drag or drop the water bags as they are moved around the pool. Attach your Shop-Vac to the pools return lines using a hose extension and duct tape. Remove every bit of organic matter possible, and give the pool one final skim (if necessary) before covering it for the winter. When youre sure everything is drained and dried well, store the items away in a dry place away from the elements. The pool pillow protects the pool walls from damage. Also helpful is to check the water chemistry during mid spring, about a month before opening, and add another quart of algaecide or refill the floating chemical dispenser. How To Winterize All Types of Pools The Family Handyman These kits use preparation chemicals and slow-release floaters to keep the water protected and the pool walls clean over winter. This will ensure all ports are partially open to allow for freeze expansion. If they fall in the pool, you'll risk these items damaging pool surfaces. Bring a water sample to your local Leslie's for a complimentary AccuBlue test. Even trace amounts of algae can spread over the winter and cause problems. When the long summer days come to a close, its time to think about how and when to winterize your inground pool. How To Winterize Your Inground Pool - Pool Surgeon When it rises about 1/2 inch,knock it down with a heavy wrench. The water level should be about a foot below the skimmer if you have a mesh cover, and about half a foot below the skimmer for solid covers. Do not pour it into the filter or the pump or you could cause major damage. Although people have varying opinions on how much you should lower your water levels, most agree that you should never drain it completely. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Most ladders can be stored outside, but plastic steps may do better if stored inside. Balancing the water is usually done weekly, and sometimes even more frequently, so you should be familiar with this process. Screw the pool skimmer Gizzmo to the suction line inside the skimmer, protecting the skimmer from freezing if water gets inside. Once its closed, keep your pool cover as clean and dry as possible, and adjust as needed to keep it secure. Start by using a cover pump to move water off the winter cover, and then remove the cover. "url": "https://lesliespool.com/", Blow out pump components, heaters and filter components (this is a good time to clean skimmer filters). During this time, the pump doesn't run, which prevents the water from properly circulating. Thoroughly Clean the Pool Carefully read and follow all label instructions. Remove articles as ladders, hoses, over-the-top skimmers, floats, toys, and so forth. Keep your clean pool covered between the next steps so that it doesnt get dirty again while youre in the middle of winterizing. If not, replace them with new parts. Not only does Kevin D look after our pool very well. Winter covers offer less protection, but you wont have to deal with the extra step of securing them. By submitting your email, you agree to our, The 5 Best Inflatable Pools (2023 Review), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Water bags are used a little differently in the winter. Solid vinyl safety covers protect most inground pools these days. Remove in-ground pool lights that are within 18 inches of the water line, store them dry or weight them to the bottom of the pool. Hi, Im Matt Harper, the founder of poolcareguy.com, a site I started with one simple mission: to help people around the world clean and take care of their pools and hot tubs on their own, without the hassle. Then follow the other steps for pool winterization. You can add this directly to the skimmer while the pump is running. Shock your pool according to manufacturer's dosing guidelines to remove contaminants and increase chlorine residual. Then pull the filter plug to drain the main tank. Apply cover patches as needed there are poly patches for solid winter covers, and mesh or solid patches for safety covers. Clear the water from the pool lines using a blower, then plug them up with expansion plugs. It's important to winterize your pool the right way. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. Then brush all pool surfaces, corners and crevices. Also if a swimming pool is partially drained you have to remove or "lower" the pool light. Open the drain plugs on both intake and outlet headers, making sure your heater is free of pool water. I there anything else I can do? Be sure to ask them well ahead of time so that you are not waiting too many days after winterizing it. Finish by adding a half gallon of pool antifreeze into the skimmer (submerging the Gizzmo), and put the lid back on. Drain every filter, pump, and heater (most of this equipment will have drain plugs). Read this guide to learn the steps for winterizing in-ground and above-ground pools. Next, youll need to clean the pool, which includes: Youll also need to remove any ladders from the pool structure using a wrench, as cold weather can damage them. Turn it on so it blows air into the return line, pushing water out of the. Finally, use the blowout extension or add a Skimmer Guard into the skimmer to seal the skimmer pipe. Make sure you use a kit rated for your in-ground pool filtration type. If there is no winter setting, set it between two positions and remove the plug at the bottom, letting the filter drain out. This week our dog ran out as Kevin opened the yard gate. Put on the pool cover and secure with winter cover clips. If you have a DE filter, youll have to backwash it, and then open it up and hose it down as well. DE (diatomaceous earth) filters should be drained, the DE grids or fingers cleaned and the filter reassembled. Inspect the pump lid O-ring for any damage. Then retest the levels to see which chemicals need to be added to bring them within normal ranges. Calcium Hardness should be about 200400 ppm, which is ideal. Algae is naturally occurring in plants and soil. Gordon Beall. }, Blow out lines and pipes. Backwash until water runs clear, about 2-3 minutes. Inserted in the middle of pool, this oversized, inflatable pillow takes the pressure off the cover should the pool water freeze. "@type": "ImageObject", If total alkalinity is low, add a total alkalinity increaser. Youll need to follow the manufacturers instructions for how much to add, but most say about 1 gallon of antifreeze for every 10 feet of pipe. If you have a timer clock for your pool pump, turn it off and remove the timer dogs. Steps to winterize a swimming pool:The method described below whereby pool plumbing pipes are blown out and sealed first was most widely performed in New England and the East coast of the US. Pools that are drained cause a lot of undue stress on the pool cover shortening its life by exposing the pool liner to the air. Lubricate any filter o-rings you come across in the process. Remove all drain plugs from the pump strainer basket housing, the pump volute, the filter tank, and the pool heater. The key to successfully closing and reopening a pool lies in the water balance. What it does is create a little space between the frozen water and the cover. There are three basic types of pool filters: sand filters, D.E. Start by removing accessories such as skimmer baskets, cleaners, ladders, steps, and solar blankets from the pool. Pools that are drained are also at risk of any water buildup on top causing the cover to eventually fall in. Fill bags only 80% full to allow expansion as the water freezes. Watch how to prepare the filter system, blow out the pipes and put on the winter poo. A pool brush can help you scrub the walls and floor of the in-ground pool. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Turn on the pump. Remove the pool filter and clean up any dust leftover in the pump you dont want it staying around over winter. Choose one that will not cause surface staining. Builders are moving away from them because of the Virg. A pool pillow is an air pillow you put on the surface of your pool underneath the pool cover. Again, we suggest referring to the pool builder's recommendations for water levels in your winterized pool. Before covering up the pool, add shock, which kills bacteria, and algaecide, which kills algae. Properly winterizing your in-ground pool is a crucial step in maintaining it and ensuring it lasts for years to come. This specialized antifreeze should be added at the rate of one gallon per 10 feet of pipe. Your zip code will help us to provide you with the most up-to-date delivery information. First, you'll want to make sure you have the right winterizing supplies including tools, chemicals, and accessories on hand. The convenience of having your own beautiful glimmering oasis of refreshing pool water just a few Any instructions on how to close a pool for winter will emphasize this step. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, Easy Winter Preparation Checklist for Your Home, The 14 Best Pool Cleaners of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Fill Lines With Pool Antifreeze (Optional), How to Open an Above-Ground Pool in Spring, What Is Pool Stabilizer? Properly winterizing the pool not only prevents these issues, but also makes your life easier when it comes to opening up again in spring. Follow these steps to properly winterize your D.E. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. This is a relatively simple process. Brush the surface completely and vacuum the pool floor with a pool vacuum. "image": { Bring all equipment indoors for storage over the winter. And its hard to find a trusted source of information. And run the pool so the filter gets a chance to clean out smaller particles. A 1-liter bottle will treat 25,000 gallons. 1. Use a leaf net or hand skimmer to remove any obvious debris when you winterize your pool. Water is removed from the lines and pool equipment to prevent freezing. When its time to winterize your pool, check your pH levels one last time and add more chemicals if necessary to help keep your pool safe. This one step will save you lots of time and money when you go to open your pool again next spring. Properly winterizing your inground pool will not only protect your pool and equipment against freeze damage, it will also save you time and money when opening your pool back up in the spring. Most multiport valves have a "Winter" or "Winterize" label between two regular settings for this purpose. Modify the instructions given to your specific pool and equipment, and if you're unconfident in the necessary processes, it may be wise to reach out to a professional who can offer guidance and set you up for future success. The steps to winterizing a permanent above-ground pool are largely the same as for an in-ground pool, except that you have to detach and store all the above-ground pool water lines. Wiggle the ladder loose so the pool cover will fit properly. Its important to make the remaining water asclean as possible, because any debris can cause problems if its trapped over winter. Poolonomics.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 2. Doing this will protect the edge of the pool from staining and etching. Place the plugs in the pump basket for safekeeping. We'll walk you through the process step by step to help you successfully close your pool." Drain the pool about four to six inches below the skimmer then add a skimmer cover. He has also written for HGTV. I think youll agree with me when I say: pool closing season is not nearly exciting as opening it for the summer, but its a job that every pool owner must do. If you live where prolonged freezing temperatures are possible, invest in an air pillow under the pool cover. ", "I just want to start off saying how impressed I am with this company. No matter the climate or how you winterize your inground pool, it's important to keep up with routine maintenance over the winter. In both cases, after cleaning, reinstall the filter media back into the tank for winter storage. It should be between 80100 ppm for sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, or lithium hypochlorite, and between 100120 ppm for dichlor, trichlor, and bromine sanitizers. While he has a firm grasp on all facets of pool and hot tub care, his superpower is water chemistry. However, when winterizing your inground pool, you'll skip steps 1017, as they won't be necessary. Start with the suction side and move to the pressure side. Adhere to the following ranges for balancing water chemicals: Brush and shock your pool to remove any algae or other organic materials before closing your pool. There are a few things youll need over the course of this process, so we recommend gathering them on your pool deck before starting. It worked for a few days and I noticed it stopped. Expansion or winterizing plugs are designed to help prevent damage caused by freezing water. Keep the drain plugs handy you'll want to store them in the pump basket so they don't get lost over the winter. We have 2 skimmers so theres the main line and then 2 other lines going to each skimmer. They can sink, tip over, or get stuck next to a wall, which will stain a pools vinyl or plaster surfaces during the winter. Its good to have your in-ground pool balanced when working on winterization steps. {ENHANCED POOL COVER LONGEIVTY} Swimline Air Pillows stay under your cover, creating space that prevents water & debris accumulation in the center of your pool, extending the lifespan for your pool cover, saving you replacement costs and time. If total hardness is low, add a hardness increaser.

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