Answer
<< Back
How do I winterize my inground pool?
1. CHECK FOR LEAKS—Make sure there are no leaks in the pool by checking water level for at least a week. Failure to detect leaks may cause ice movement and possible liner damage.
2. GET YOUR WATER BALANCED—Bring us a water test around a week prior to closing for a personalized water analysis. Take care of any existing problems such as visible algae or cloudy water before closing as these problems are likely to worsen by the time the pool is. If you applied Optimizer this year, be sure to have the level tested because this product is as beneficial to you during the winter as it is for the summer, especially with Loop-Loc covers.
3. DO ALL HOUSEKEEPING CHORES—Brush pool surface vigorously, and then vacuum the pool to remove all visible debris. Clean the water line with BioGuard Off The Wall. Clean your solar blanket with BioGuard Stow Away to remove accumulated body oils, lotions, and other deposits that will be more difficult to remove in the spring.
4. ADD BIOGUARD WINTER PRODUCTS—Shake Pool Closing Complete well before adding to pool at a rate of 1 bottle per 25,000 gallons. Circulate for at least one hour. Apply Winter Shock and allow the pool to circulate for one hour. Add the Arctic Blue Algaecide and let the pool circulate for no more than 15 to 30 minutes.
5. REMOVE LADDERS & HANDRAILS—Remove and store ladder bumpers, anchor wedges, and escutcheons in an empty container or bag. Coat threads with grease to prevent corrosion. Do not store ladders & handrails with any containers of chlorine. The metal will tarnish and pit from the chlorine fumes.
6. LOWER WATER LEVEL—The suction valve should be on full main drain prior to lowering water level. For DE “finger” filters, remove DE from filter as you would when changing DE. Then pump water through the drain valve of the filter to the desired level. For grid DE filters and sand filters, backwash the filter then put your multiport valve on waste to lower the water level. If you have a cartridge filter, remove drain plug from filter and then pump water through. If you will be leaving the filter outside with the cartridges/filter elements in it over the winter, leave the drain plug out of the tank. If you have a solid winter cover, bring the water level to just below the skimmer faceplate. If you have a Loop-Loc mesh cover, bring the water level to 8 - 10 inches below the skimmer faceplate but no more than 18 inches below the cover.
7. CLEAN THE FILTER THOROUGHLY—The filter should be taken apart, inspected and cleaned. All DE and cartridge filters should be chemically cleaned every winter. We recommend using BioGuard's Strip-Kwik to chemically clean your filter followed by Kleen It. Never soak your filter elements in the filter tank; always use a separate container. Don’t store a dirty filter, since deposits and scale may harden and cake over winter, leaving you a tough repair or clean up job in the spring.
8. PREPARE EQUIPMENT FOR WINTER—Drain water from pump(s), heater, salt cell, hoses and pipes. Most underground lines need to be blown out and non-toxic antifreeze (not automobile antifreeze!) added before plugging the lines. On a Rainbow Pools installation, the only line that needs to be blown out & antifreeze added is the automatic vacuum (Polaris) line. Make sure electricity and/or gas is shut off. Skimmer and main drain valves should be left in the winter position. Small equipment such as pumps, salt cells, chlorinators, and automatic vacuums should be stored in a warm, dry place for the winter.
9. COVER THE POOL—A well-designed cover will keep your pool relatively free of leaves, debris, and dirt. If you use a Loop-Loc mesh cover, you'll need to add a treatment of Arctic Blue Algaecide just before the water freezes (usually in November) and again after it thaws (usually in March). If you are using a solid “tarp” cover, only use vinyl or plastic water bags or containers to secure the pool cover. When using water bags, only fill 2/3 full with water. When the water freezes over the winter, it will expand and if the water bags are too full, they will pop. Never use concrete blocks, stones, wood, etc. as they can end up being pulled into the pool causing damage to the liner.
10. SIPHON OR PUMP WATER ON COVER—As water accumulates on top of the pool cover, drain off with a siphon or submersible cover pump. Once ice forms in the pool, do not attempt to drain or adjust the cover until ice is completely thawed—even if the cover falls in. It can be extremely sharp and if disturbed can cut through your liner.
In the spring, be sure to add water to the pool with a garden hose as you are removing the water from the top of the cover. Before you attempt to remove the cover in the spring, make sure all the leaves and water accumulation is removed. If you are using a Loop-Loc mesh cover, there is no need to do anything. Snow load and ice will make the cover dip into the pool, but when everything thaws the cover will spring back automatically.
Need a Part or Looking to Upgrade?
SHOP ONLINE, PICKUP IN STORE!
We have hundreds of products available on our online store website.
Click below to shop now.
