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 and thread a winterizing plug through the hose (tie a knot at
the end of the tube that is to be inserted into the hose). 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.
