CARVIN
®
SILVER SERIES ABOVE-GROUND POOL | USER MANUAL
15
WINTERIZING THE POOL
In regions where freezing temperatures occur, it is common practice to close a pool
during the winter months. This is called winterizing.
All our pools were designed to stay outdoors during the winter. However, it is
necessary to follow the following directions to winterize your pool.
A proper winterization should only take a few hours and will make the spring open-
ing of your pool easier.
As winter approaches, the temperature of the water cools, the addition of chemicals
becomes less and less necessary. However, it is necessary to periodically check the
chemical parameters of the water in order to keep the water clean and without
deviations from the recommended values. Failure to respect these values could tar-
nish the pool liner and reduce its life span. It is recommended to winterize the pool
as late as possible (end September/beginning October) when the temperature of the
water is under 10°C (50°F). At this temperature, the proliferation of contaminants is
very slow.
Do not turn off the filtration system until the pool is completely closed. The early
closing of the system could allow the water in the pipes to freeze and break some of
the elements of the filtration system.
INSPECTION
STEP 1
Before the annual closing of the pool, check the chemical parameters of the water
(PH, alkalinity, chlorine…). Pool water with unadjusted parameters will degrade the
liner and could cause rust on the wall.
STEP 2
Check for any leaks in the liner. To make sure, sometime early in September, check
that the water level does not drop in a week period. If a drop in the water level is
observed, there is a leak. Repair the holes in the liner using a repair kit which can
be found at your local dealer. Check for any leaks around the skimmer opening and
water return. If a leak is found, actions must be taken immediately to repair the
problem. Check that the liner is still firmly attached to the top of the wall.
STEP 3
Check the structure of the pool. If corrosion and scratches occur on the pool wall,
you must be repair them by using an anti-rust enameling product. Rub the rusted
surface with a wire brush, apply the anti-rust product and repaint the wall to match
the repair to the color of the wall. Also check that the walljoint (joining the two ends
of the pool wall) is solid and that the screws are tight.
PREPARING THE WATER
STEP 1
Keep average water parameters in the weeks before closing your pool. When closing,
use a pool closure kit sold at your local dealer. This kit contains algaecide and
chlorine specially made for winterizing swimming pools. Using these kits will reduce
the amount of chemical products when you restart your pool in the spring.
Clean the bottom of the pool of any dirt, leaves or sand before lowering the water
level.
Empty your pool so that the water level is between 6’’ and 20’’ (15 cm and 50 cm)
under the water return. The water return hole can be blocked or closed once the
water level is lowered.
The hole under the skimmer must stay opened
Keep the skimmer on the pool. Do not let water accumulate in it. Make sure the
water that will go through the skimmer will drain as far as possible from the pool to
avoid causing ground movements.
For regions where freezing is greater, we recommend lowering the water level
between 15’’ and 20’’. (40 cm and 50 cm) under the water return. Check with your
local dealer to know his recommendations as to the level of water to be kept during
winterization.
Neglecting to follow the winterizing will avoid the
warranty of your pool.
IMPORTANT
It is also recommended to check the water level during autumn once the
winterization is done before the pool water freezes. If the level rises drastically, it is
recommended to empty this water to bring the water back to the acceptable level.
Do not empty the pool completely.
This could cause your liner to move, it will also
put your pool at risk of flying upwind and causing significant damage to your
property or your neighbors. It could also cause serious injury.
If you have a main drain, it is recommended to use antifreeze specially designed for
swimming pools in order to avoid pipes from freezing. To do so, once the pool is
emptied unplug the pipe that connect the main drain to your filtration system. Make
sure the pipe is above water level (to prevent the pool water from emptying through
the hole). Fill this pipe with antifreeze until you see antifreeze coming out of the
main drain of the pool. (You will not be able to fill the pipe since the water pushed by
the anti-freeze will go into the pool by the principle of communicating vessels.) Make
sure that the pipe remains higher than the water level all winter by tying it to
a top ledge.
WINTERIZING THE FILTRATION SYSTEM
STEP 1
Disconnect all the hoses from the filtration system. Follow the instructions manuals
of the various components of your filtration system to winterize. Store all the
equipment; pump, ladder or other in a protected and closed area.
USE OF A WINTER COVER
STEP 1
For the use of a winter cover, we recommend you ask your local dealer for
information. Since many types of winter covers are available, your dealer can advise
you on the best installation for your pool.
Never leave water in the filtration system. It must be drained to prevent freezing of
water in the system that could damage the components.
Never let water accumulate in the skimmer during freezing periods. It could dam
-
age the skimmer and the pool wall could collapse.
The pool is designed to support the weight of water in a horizontal way. Make sure
to remove any amount of snow over 12” (30 cm) on the structure of the pool
(top ledges).
During winter, do not hit a pool filled with frozen water. This could damage the pool.
Never climb on a pool (frozen) during winter. This could move the ice and damage
the liner and the pool structure.
