Winterize Your Pool
By Wally Warrantech
Now that Summer is behind us, it's time to winterize your pool.
And...a few simple steps can help you avoid unnecessary problems and
costly repairs next Spring.
While all pools are different, the following checklist may serve
as a guideline to help you properly close your pool for the season.
1. Filters - Clean and
backwash filters. Drain DE filter tanks and leave the backwash
valve open. On sand filters, unplug the filter drain plug and
leave it off. Put the drain plug with other removed items in
the pump basket. Make sure the multiport valve has no water in
it. Blow it out with a compressor or shop vac. Do not
"acid wash" DE filters, as the acid could cause the filter parts to
degrade. Cartridge filters should be thoroughly washed.
2. Pump and Filter -
Disconnect and thoroughly drain your pump and filter. Turn the
pump upside down to make sure! Remove any drain plugs from the
pump. Store small plugs or parts in the pump basket, so you
can find them easily next Spring.
3. Heater - If there is a
heater, drain it and remove any plugs. Blow it out as
described above. Store drain plugs in the pump basket.
It isn't necessary to remove the heater tray in most units.
4. Quick Disconnect Fittings -
Unscrew and loosen all fittings or unions for your pump and filter.
If the water is properly drained, you'll avoid freeze damage on
these parts.
5. Jet Fittings - Remove all
return jet fittings. Don't panic if a fitting cracks.
You can purchase a replacement next Spring. Remove all skimmer
baskets and store fittings in the baskets.
6. Return Jet Pipes - Hook up
a shop vac to the return lines at the filter system - or - screw an
air compressor fitting into the drain plug of the pump to blow out
return jet pipes. This seals the system and allows you to blow
it out from one spot. Maintain air pressure until air bubbles
are blowing forcefully in the pool. It is most important to
use a tight fitting plug to seal off the fitting(s) under the water
line.
7. Skimmer Popes - Blow out
all skimmer (suction side) pipes. It is best to use a gizzmo-type
screw-in plug in the skimmer when bubbles become visible. Make
sure to use Teflon tape on the gizzmo threads before installing,
insuring a tight seal. If the lines are properly blown out and
sealed, freezing and cracking can be avoided. Avoid using
anti-freeze type products in the pipes.
8. Main Drain Line - Blow out
the main drain line (if any). Plug the drain pipe on the
equipment end, and blow air into the line until bubbles come out the
drain. Seal the pipe or close the gate valve. An "air
lock" in the line will prevent water form entering the pipe from the
pool side.
9. Pipes - Put duct tape on
all exposed pipes to prevent water or dirt from getting into them.
10. Winterizing Chemicals -
Dissolve winterizing chemicals in a bucket before adding to the pool
to prevent undissolved residue from staining the pool floor.
Liquid winterizing chemicals can also be added, if desired.
Test the pool for pH and Total Alkalinity and adjust to normal
levels. In winter, pH should be between 7.2-7.6 and Alkalinity
should be between 100-150 ppm. Make sure to SHOCK the pool and
maintain a chlorine level of at least 3.0 during the winter.
11. Water Level - Lowering
the water level is not necessary if underground pipes have been
properly drained and plugged - unless your pool has decorative
ceramic tiles at the water line. Keeping a higher water level
prolongs the life of your pool cover, and keeps the pool liner from
drying out. The use of gizzmos prevents the skimmers from
cracking, plugs the pipes and allows the water level to remain high
enough to support the pool cover. To prevent freeze damage to
decorative ceramic tile, lower the water level.
12. Pool Covers - To prolong
the life of your pool cover, repair rips or tears with vinyl pool
patch (for vinyl covers), patch tape (for lightweight covers) or
with a heavy duty duct-type tape.
13. Water Tubes - If using
water tubes, place the tubes through loops on the cover. Do
not overfill the tubes with water, since freezing can cause them to
expand and split. Ideally, tubes should touch each other end
to end when inserted into the cover. Old or warn tubes should
be replaced rather than repaired.
For more information on pool winterizing, see Wally Hints on the
Warrantech Home Service Company Web site.
