How to winterize your above ground pool?

Whether it's your first or tenth time closing your pool, it's normal for the task to seem daunting. Don't worry, with the instructions below we'll guide you step by step through the winterizing process of your above-ground pool in the simplest way possible.

To make opening your pool easier in the spring, it's recommended to close it as late as possible, ideally in October, when the water temperature reaches approximately 10°C (50°F). Even if you're no longer swimming, keep the pump running to prevent freezing (run it 24 hours a day).

1. It is recommended to test your water one last time to ensure the parameters are correct. Adjust the alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm and the pH between 7.4 and 7.6.
2. The water should be clear, free of algae and leaves at the bottom. Using a leaf skimmer, remove any leaves from the water and give the bottom of the pool a final brushing or vacuuming.
3. Only turn off the filtration system on the day of winterization.
4. Filtration system and all related equipment: take the time to mark the inlets/outlets, make a sketch or take a photo of your installation, you will avoid a headache in the spring when connecting it.
5. Remove the solar cover, ladder, step, thermometer, or any other accessories. Clean and then store everything away.
6. Clean the non-submerged part of the canvas with a specially designed cleaner and a cloth or sponge.

IMPORTANT: Do not use an all-purpose household cleaner, as this could affect the water chemistry in addition to damaging the canvas material.

1. Stop the pump.
2. Set the filter lever to the "Backwash" position.
3. Leave the pump running until the filter window loses its colour (2 to 3 minutes), then stop it.
4. Clean the non-submerged part of the canvas with a specially designed cleaner and a cloth or sponge.
5. Turn the filter lever to the "Rinse" position and run the pump for 1 minute. Stop the pump after this time.
6. Set to "Whirlpool" (recycle) mode. Let it run for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then close the pump.

Swimming pool with a bottom drain

• Turn off the pump - Be careful not to empty the pool in "Backwash" mode, as this could seriously damage your filter.
• Place the filter handle in the "Drain" (or waste) position.
  Using the selector handle on your three-way (by-pass) valve, completely close the skimmer water inlet (handle pointing upwards).
• Restart the pump, the pool will then empty through the bottom drain.
• Stop the pump when the water level is reached. Be sure to maintain the water level 18 to 20 inches below the skimmer, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Swimming pool without bottom drain

• Position yourself as if you were going to vacuum. Once the hose is connected to the skimmer, set the selector handle to "Drain" (or "Waste"). Never drain the pool in the "Backwash" position.
• Turn the filter on.
• Once the water level has dropped below the skimmer, it is normal for the filter to draw in air.
• To maintain suction, run water through the skimmer at a low flow rate using a garden hose.
• Stop the pump when the water level is reached. Be sure to maintain the water level 18 to 20 inches below the skimmer, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Hardware store winterization

The worst enemy for your pool during the winter is the presence of water or water seepage in any component other than the pool itself. Pay close attention to what's coming.

• Remove the basket and the skimmer door, and set aside.
• If your skimmer has a light: unplug it from the electrical outlet, disconnect the connectors and disassemble the light housing. Set everything aside.
• Unscrew the water return: starting with the ring and then the eye. Use the blue key specifically designed to unscrew the inner part of the water return eye.
• Insert a water return plug or an expanding plug to properly seal the opening. Set everything aside.
• If your water return is equipped with an integrated light: unscrew the ring that holds the bulb of the outdoor light in place, disconnect the connectors, remove the light and plug with an expanding plug.
• Inspect all removable hardware pieces that you have taken off the pool. Clean as needed and store in a dry, frost-free location.
  

Winterizing the bottom drain with a three-way valve

The goal here is to replace the water with antifreeze. Specially designed for swimming pools and composed of calcium, antifreeze is denser than water, so it will fill the pipes of your main drain.

• Unscrew the hose that connects the three-way valve to the pump, clean it and set it aside. ***CAUTION: When unscrewing a pipe, be careful to retrieve the O-rings located at the end. Place all the O-rings in a resealable plastic bag.

• Unscrew the union that connects the three-way valve to the bottom drain pipe using plumbing pliers.
• Using a hose clamp, add an expansion tube to the end of your bottom drain pipe. To prevent the antifreeze from draining away, it is important that this pipe remains higher than the pool basin throughout the winter.
• Securely attach the hose to the pool edge using a rope or a multi-purpose fastener. tie wrap.

If you are unable to disconnect the pipe that connects your bottom drain to the skimmer, the operation will have to be done from the pipe that joins the skimmer to the pump inlet.

• Using a hose clamp, add an expansion tube to the end that should normally connect to the pump.
• Secure it firmly to the edge of the pool.

• Pour the antifreeze directly into the pipe attached to the pool coping until you see a pink liquid appear in the main drain. For above-ground pools 21 feet and smaller, one gallon of antifreeze should be sufficient. Use two gallons for larger pools. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Take the insulating foam roll (Ethafoam) and insert a piece about 4 feet long into the expansion pipe.
• Fold the end of the sausage over itself and insert it into the pipe to hold it securely in place.
• Get the skimmer protectors made of insulating foam (styrofoam).
• Insert the round piece into the bottom of the skimmer. Place the second piece into the skimmer by passing it through the internal opening of the pool.
• Secure the two pieces of insulating foam using the wooden rod.
• Finally, place the 3-way valve in the open position.

• Your pool and its piping are now ready for winter!

WARNING: If your plumbing differs from that shown here, please contact your local Club Piscine Super Fitness store, who will be happy to recommend the appropriate technique for your installation.

Regardless of the piece of external equipment, the same logic applies: clean, drain the water, dry and store.
***CAUTION: When unscrewing a pipe, be careful to retrieve the O-rings located at the end. Place all the O-rings in a resealable plastic bag.

Filter

• Unscrew the hose that connects the filter to the pump.
• Clean and set aside with the other pipes.
• Unscrew the drain plug at the bottom of the filter.
• Unscrew the inspection window and the pressure gauge.
• Store with the drain plug in place. *** To avoid losing small pieces, you can put everything in the pump basket.
• Position the filter head Winter . ***If your filter does not have this mode, simply position the lever between two modes.
• Cover the filter head with a plastic bag to protect it.

Pump

• Turn off the circuit breaker and unplug the pump.
• Unscrew the lid, empty the water from the pump and clean the basket.
• Unscrew the drain plug(s) underneath the pump. Be sure to drain all the water. Clean and dry the pump.
• Store the caps and other parts in the pump basket.
• Store everything in a dry place, protected from frost.

Heat pump

• Check that it is in Stop Mode since the circuit breaker is properly closed.
• Disconnect the two hoses attached to the back of the heat pump.
• Clean and set aside with the other pipes.
• Put it away bypass in a dry place, protected from frost for the winter.
• Drain the water from the heat pump using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. ShopVac .
• Wipe away any remaining water.
• Alternatively, you can plug both outlets with expanding plugs.
• Cover the heat pump with a waterproof cover.
• During the winter, check for snow accumulation on the heat pump and clear it if necessary.

Chlorinator or Nature2 Vision

• Start by detaching the two pipes attached to the system.
• Clean with clean water and set aside with the other pipes.
• Carefully disconnect the chlorinator, discard its contents, empty the water and dry thoroughly.
• Store the device in a dry place, protected from frost. Even though the Nature2 cartridge can only be used for one season, we suggest leaving it in the tank until you open it next spring. You can replace it once your water is clean and balanced.

The same procedure applies to the UV system. If you are unsure about winterizing the bulb, please refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual.

Salt chlorine generator

If your pool is equipped with a salt chlorine generator:

• Unscrew the ring that connects the cell to the water return to disconnect the cell.
• Screw the cleaning support onto the bottom of the cell and place it on a suitable flat surface. The opening should be pointing upwards.
• Next, pour the cell cleaning fluid (Cell Net) into the cell. As with all chemicals, handle the liquid with care.
• Leave for approximately 30 minutes while you continue closing the cell until the liquid is no longer effervescent. ***This liquid can be collected and reused to clean the cell again the following year.
• Rinse the cell with clean water after cleaning. Dry everything thoroughly.
• Store in a dry place, protected from frost.

Closing kit

To know which closing kit to use for your above ground pool, refer to the indications on the packaging or consult a Club Piscine Super Fitness advisor. Caution, always handle chemicals with care.

Mesh cover

You can purchase a leaf netting cover at your local Club Piscine Super Fitness branch. Installing this type of cover will save you a lot of work, both in the fall and spring.