POOL MAINTENANCE
WINTERIZING YOUR POOL
Section
5
No Diving or Jumping. Observe all Safety Rules
5-4
Section
5
CLOSING YOUR ABOVE GROUND POOL FOR THE WINTER CONTINUED
STEP 3)
ADD CLOSING CHEMICALS
a. To maintain water quality, use a winter kit which contains an algicide and chlorine especially designed for this
purpose. When it’s time for spring cleaning, this will save you hours of work and reduce the cost of chemicals
needed to restore your water quality.
b. If your pool has a bottom drain, you will have to use pool antifreeze to prevent it from freezing during the
winter. Unscrew the hose from the base of the skimmer and attach an extension. Pass the extension over the
wall of the pool, making sure it remains well attached. Pour antifreeze into the extension. Leave the valve open
so that water can drain from the skimmer.
STEP 4)
LOWER THE WATER LEVEL
a. Lower the water level so as to leave between 6 to 20 inches (15cm to 50cm) below the water return. You may
plug the return jet hole at this time.
**IMPORTANT**DO NOT PLUG THE SKIMMER DRAIN HOLE
(located at the
base of the skimmer). Remove all hoses attached to the skimmer and return fittings. Do not let water freeze
in the skimmer. Leave the skimmer attached to the pool wall and ensure that the skimmer lid is installed.
DO
NOT DRAIN ALL THE WATER OUT OF THE POOL.
b. Depending on your area and if the freezing point is more aggressive, for example 50% is frozen into ice, we
strongly suggest to lowering the water to lowest point. Depending on how great the deep freeze in your area
we suggest you consult with your local dealer about procedures on lowering the water level throughout the
winter.
We also suggest throughout the autumn season to continually check this level before freezing season
starts, as it must not reach the skimmer holes at any time during the winter. Remove any snow which may
accumulate on the top ledge.
STEP 5)
FILTER PREPARATION
a. Disconnect the hoses from the filter. Remove and store the filter, ladder and all other removable parts from
around the pool. The filter should be clear of any foreign objects and water should be removed from the filter
and pump. See the manufacturer’s instructions. Store the pump in a temperature controlled environment (so
that it is not damaged by changes in temperature).
STEP 6)
WINTER COVER
a. For the winter cover we suggest to lower the water level to 1 inch (2.5cm) below the water return. In some
areas your dealer may ask you to install it differently in order to protect the pool and the cover. Contact your
local dealer to verify the correct procedure for your pool.
b. If using a winter cover, make sure to place a ball underneath so that rainwater falls into the pool. An accumulation
of too much water on the cover could place pressure on the pool, causing damage and invalidating the
guarantee. Depending on how great the deep freeze in your area we suggest you consult with your local
dealer about procedures on leaving the pool cover throughout the winter.
