Before you start!

Please ensure that the pool is clean and the basic chemicals are balanced properly before closing your pool for the winter. The winter chemicals are used after the pool has been properly balanced.

Pool Prep and Chemical Treatment:

1. Clean the pool and make sure that the chemicals are balanced. 
2. Remove ladders and steps. Store in a safe place for the winter.
3. Super chlorinate with liquid chlorine (shock) and add an algaecide to water. If it is a mesh cover, PH+ and stain preventer are recommended. 
4. Thoroughly mix chemicals into the water. 
5. Water level should be lowered two inches below the skimmer. 
6. Shut pump off. 

Pool Shutdown:

1. Placing an empty and capped plastic bottle in the skimmer will help avoid cracking in the winter.
2. Store all parts in the skimmer basket for easy location in spring. Keep these parts where they will not freeze. (If applicable)

• Remove all eyeballs in the return jets.
• Remove all weir doors in the skimmers. 
• Remove all safety grids in the suction ports.

1. Fill an air pillow for lifting the cover about half to two thirds full to avoid pillow popping during the winter.
2. Drag cover over pool and secure with either a cable and winch or cover clips.
3. Optionally put on a leaf cover.
4. With a solid cover, water and excess weight must be removed off of the cover throughout the winter.
5. Open the ball valve under the skimmer and disconnect the hose underneath it so excess water can drain.

System Shutdown: 

1. Store all parts in a skimmer basket for easy location in spring. Keep these parts where they will not freeze. 

• Remove the TWO plugs on the bottom of pump housing. 
• Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the filter tank. 
• Remove the pressure gauge on the filter and the site glass if you have a sand filter. 

1. If you have a control valve on the filter it should be placed in “winterize” or a neutral position. (In between ports) 
2. For a system with a chlorinator: Remove chlorinator. DO NOT store partially used chlorine tablets indoors or with new/dry tablets. May be used under cover with a floater. Otherwise, keep in a separate sealed container after they have dried out. 
3. For a system with a salt cell: Check cell for build up or scaling, acid clean if necessary. Leave knuckles loose on the salt cell so water can drain. Leave the cell unplugged. 
4. For a system with a heater: Disconnect heater and remove drain plug, then blow out the lines with a shop vacuum or a blower.
5. For a system with a cartridge filter: Cartridges should be cleaned if needed to be ready for spring start up.