WINTERIZING ABOVE-GROUND POOLS | WINTERIZING IN-GROUND POOLS

Pool Winterizing 1-2-3

In climates where there is no risk of freezing, closing down the pool for winter is not so important. But in preparation for freezing temperatures, the pipes of an in-ground swimming pool must be emptied. An above-ground pool also should be closed so that ice does not drag down the pool wall, collapsing its structure.

The plumbing is sealed with air—typically with rubber plugs—to prevent cracking from freezing water. The pool should be covered to prevent leaves and other debris from falling in. The cover is attached to the pool via a stretch cord and hooks fitted into the pool surround.

The skimmer is closed off, or a floating device is placed in the skimmer to prevent it from completely freezing and cracking. Floating objects such as life rings or basketballs can be placed in the pool to prevent freezing under the cover. Drain plugs on the pool filter should be removed after the filter has been cleaned and winter chemicals added to keep the pool clean.

Browse these step-by-step guides for the complete process of winterizing a pool.

How to winterize an above-ground swimming pool

Step 1
Prior to closing the pool, ensure that the water is chemically balanced. Adjust chemical levels if necessary. This is a very important step because chemically balanced water protects the pool from corrosion or scale buildup that can occur when the pool is shut down. Chemical levels should read as follows:

• pH 7.2 - 7.6

• Alkalinity 80 - 120 parts per million

• Calcium Hardness 175 - 250 parts per million

• Chlorine 1 - 3 parts per million

Quick Tip:
Use Blue Wave® Winterizing Chemical Kits to get your pool winter-ready!
Comes with all the chemicals you need to winterize your pool, including FREE pool closing instructions!

Step 2
Remove all deck equipment (ladders, rails, etc.)

Step 3
Brush down the sides and floor of the pool and then vacuum. This is important because if any debris or dirt is left in the pool, staining can occur.

Step 4
Add Blue Wave winterizing chemicals by broadcasting them into the deep end of the pool to help protect water quality during the off-season.

Step 5
Clean the filter, skimmer, and pump basket. Remove all unused chlorine product from the chlorinator. Cartridge filter elements and D.E. grids should be cleaned and stored. If a sand filter is used, it should be backwashed.

Step 6
A guard can be inserted in the skimmer and the return line plugged, or the water in the pool can be lowered below the returns—where the water jets into the pool—and the skimmer. Either method is strictly user preference and suitable for pool closing time.

Step 7
If a pool is plumbed with detachable, flexible hoses, these should be removed and stored in the winter. Also remove all drain plugs from the pump, filter tank, and any other pool equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific equipment. Place all drain plugs in the pump basket for storage.

If the pool is hard plumbed, use an air compressor or Shop Vac (attached to the blower side of the vacuum) to blow water out of the system by forcing air down the skimmer and through the plumbing.

Step 8
If using an air pillow, inflate by Shop Vac. Tie the air pillow at two places and position it in the center of the pool. Tie strings to the pool wall so the pillow will not move during cover installation. Air pillows are commonly used, but not absolutely necessary. They are a good idea in colder climates in case the water freezes and expands. The water will freeze inward on the pillow instead of outward, which may damage the pool wall. Pillows are NOT used to create a dome-like effect to keep rain off of the cover. This will not work. Instead, the rain water will simply settle around the pillow.

Step 9
Place a winter cover over the pool surface, black side down. Choose from a complete selection of Blue Wave Arctic Armor winter covers found here.

• Cover installation process, above-ground pools:
  Place the cover over the pool, then thread the cable through loops or grommets. Use the winch provided with the cover to tighten the cable.

• Cover installation process, above-ground pools with decks:
  Place water tubes end to end around the edge of the pool. Fill the water tubes 3/4 full of water. DO NOT OVERFILL because water expands when freezing and it could burst the water tubes. Never use bricks, concrete blocks, or other objects to secure the cover since they can damage both the cover and the pool.

Step 10
Some covers may require placing a cover pump in the center of the pool cover to drain off excess water accumulation. This is very important because too much water on top of the cover can cause the cover to rip or pull the cover and water tubes into the pool. This will result in a very messy cleanup.

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How to winterize an in-ground swimming pool

Step 1
Prior to closing the pool, ensure that the water is chemically balanced. Adjust chemical levels if necessary. This is a very important step because chemically balanced water protects the pool from corrosion or scale buildup that can occur when the pool is shut down. Chemical levels should read as follows:

• pH 7.2 - 7.6

• Alkalinity 80 - 120 parts per million

• Calcium Hardness 175 - 250 parts per million

• Chlorine 1 - 3 parts per million

Quick Tip:
Use Blue Wave® Winterizing Chemical Kits to get your pool winter-ready!
Comes with all the chemicals you need to winterize your pool, including FREE pool closing instructions!

Step 2
Remove all deck equipment (ladders, rails, etc.)

Step 3
Brush down the sides and floor of the pool and then vacuum. This is important because if any debris or dirt is left in the pool, staining can occur.

Step 4
Add Blue Wave winterizing chemicals by broadcasting them into the deep end of the pool to help protect water quality during the off-season.

Step 5
Clean the filter, skimmer, and pump basket. Remove all unused chlorine product from the chlorinator. Cartridge filter elements and D.E. grids should be cleaned and stored. If a sand filter is used, it should be backwashed.

Step 6
Lower the water in the pool below the returns—where the water jets into the pool—and the skimmer. Use an air compressor or Shop Vac attached to the blower side of the vacuum to blow water out of the system by forcing air down the skimmer and through the plumbing.

Step 7
Cap off return lines by using threaded plugs, or use expandable rubber plugs if the returns are not threaded. Add pool antifreeze by pouring it through the skimmer. Use one gallon of antifreeze per 10 feet of distance from the pump to the pool.

Step 8
Remove all drain plugs from the pump, filter tank, and any other pool equipment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific equipment. Place all drain plugs in the pump basket for storage.

Step 9
Place a winter cover over the pool surface, black side down.
Cover installation process, in-ground pools: Place water tubes end to end around the edge of the pool. Fill water tubes 3/4 full of water. DO NOT OVERFILL since water expands when freezing and it could burst the water tubes. Never use concrete blocks, bricks, or other objects to secure the cover because they can damage both the pool cover and the pool.

Step 10
Place a cover pump in the center of the pool cover to drain off excess water accumulation. This is very important because too much water on top of the cover can cause the cover to rip or pull the cover and water tubes into the pool. This will result in a very messy cleanup.

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