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Pool Winterizing Procedure

There are six main steps involved in Winterizing your pool:

1. Water Balance & Winterizing Chemicals
2. Physical Pool Cleaning
3. Removing Pool & Deck Accessories
4. Winterizing the Equipment
5. Winterizing the Above-ground/Underground Lines
6. Install Winter Cover and Leaf Cover

Closing Checklist for the Winter Months

***Please read all instructions thoroughly before starting your Winter Close Down Procedures

STEP 1: Water Balance & Winterizing Chemicals

Chemicals needed for Pool Closing: The Winterizing Kit, Clear Blue, Filter Rinse. Check your home stock for: Pool Shock, pH Up, and Buffer in case you need these.

One Week before Pool Closing

Bring in a water sample to The Pool Shoppe at least one week before Closing. All chemistry adjustments should be made at this time, before adding any of the Winterizing Chemicals. It is particularly important that the pH and Total Alkalinity are tested and any necessary adjustments are made. As well, the Chlorine/Bromine reading must be between 1.0-3.0 ppm.

As the temperature of the pool water drops, the water becomes more corrosive. Improperly balanced water may result in the liner becoming brittle and the formation of wrinkles in the liner. Further damage could be the corrosion of any metal parts (face plate screws), and the staining or pitting of a concrete/gunite pool surface. All chemistry adjustments should be made at this time, before adding any of the Winterizing Chemicals. A second water test may be necessary if major chemistry changes were made.

Three Days before Closing The Pool

1. Add a clarifier such as Clear Blue to the pool to help the sand filter catch all fine debris. Dilute Clear Blue at the rate of 60 ml per 45,000L of pool water and distribute around the pool edges.
2. Add the Meta Sol from the Winterizing Kit. It is used to coat metals and minerals in the water to prevent stain and scale formation both on the pool surface and in the filter media. Dilute the full bottle from the Winterizing Kit and distribute around the pool edges.

One Day Before Closing The Pool

1. Add the Oxi-Shock from the Winterizing Kit. This is a non-chlorine, non-bleaching, totally soluble Shock Treatment. Broadcast the whole container from the kit evenly over the pool surface.
2. And lastly, add the Concentrated Algaecide from the Winterizing Kit. It is a 50% concentration used to both kill and prevent all strains of algae growth. Dilute the whole bottle of the algaecide from the Kit and distribute around the pool edges.

Day of Closing

On Closing Day, during your final backwash, add a treatment of Filter Rinse through the skimmer while backwashing to properly clean out the Sand Filter.

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STEP 2: Physical Pool Cleaning & Lowering the Water Level

The physical cleaning of the pool begins with a thorough vacuum of the pool (walls & floor) and then backwash when the vacuum is complete. If the pool is very dirty, a preliminary vacuum may be needed to clean the pool before adding any of the Winterizing Kit.

Some people will backwash first & then perform their final vacuum on the 'drain' or 'waste' position, cleaning the pool floor and lowering the water level simultaneously.

The Backwash should be completed with FILTER RINSE to thoroughly clean out the filter's sand. If you have a Cartridge or Diatomaceous Filter, there are proper cleaning solutions available at The Pool Shoppe to soak the elements. This seasonal soak is mandatory to prolong the efficiency and life of the elements.

When the final vacuum has been completed, the water level must be dropped to Winterizing Level. Winterizing levels are as follows:

1. Above Ground Pools: 6" below the Return Jet.
2. Inground or ½ inground Vinyl Liner Pools installation: Winterizing level is traditionally 4"-6" below the skimmer mouth.
3. Inground Pools-Gunite/Concrete: Winterizing Level is traditionally 12"-14" from the top of the pool or to just below the Return Jets.

In both (b) and (c) pools, remember that initially, the water level will be temporarily lowered to just below the Return Jets. This is so that the Underground Lines can be Winterized (those instructions are found later on in these instruction pages). After the Underground lines have been Winterized, the pool water level will have to be filled back up to the above-mentioned Winterizing Level.

When performing the final vacuum, do note that when the water level drops below the Skimmer, some systems may begin to draw air and you could lose the prime on the pump. To prevent this air draw, run water into the Skimmer with the garden hose, keeping a 'water seal'.

Completely remove the 'ring-around-the-pool' with Aqua Vinyl Cleaner and a sponge. This will prevent staining of the liner over the winter. Continue to clear the top rails or coping using the vinyl cleaner. For Gunite/Concrete pools, use either Tile-X (a granular cleaner) or TLC (and acid-based cleaner).

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STEP 3: Remove Pool & Deck Accessories

1. Fully clean solar blanket with 'Cover Cleaner", dry off and fold neatly for storage. Store Cover indoors or in a shed if possible.
2. Remove deck ladders and drop-in steps.
3. Remove the diving board and base; grease ground bolts.
4. Clean and wax slide.

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STEP 4: Winterizing the Equipment

* Along with these basic instructions, always refer to the Equipment Owner's Manual for further details.

1. Pump and Filter
Remove the pump from its base if it is removable. Turn it upside down to drain the water and take it indoors. There is nothing to lubricate on a pool pump. If you cannot remove the pump, you will have to winterize it in place. Remove the drain plugs from the Pump Housing. Water should drain out. Re-install the drain plugs. Pour Non-Toxic Anti-freeze into the Strainer and Pump Housing. Lubricate the lid O-ring with a non-petroleum lubricant and re-install lid. Do not wrap motor in plastic. That would retain moisture and rust out the motor bearings. Simply cover pump and motor with a plastic box, for example, to protect it from the elements. Also, refer to your Owner's Manual for any further instructions.

There are different styles of filters on the market. Always refer to the Owner's Manual for specific details.

On Cartridge Filters and Diatomaceous Earth Filters, bring indoors when possible. Also soak filter elements in a proper cleaning solution, such as Filter Free, to prolong their life and efficiency. If the canister cannot be brought indoors, drain all water out of the canister and cover canister to protect it from the elements.

With Sand Filters, they will usually be left in place because they are too heavy to move. There is a drain plug that must be removed. The water that is in the tank will drain out, and the sand will stay in. Leave the drain cap off for the winter. If the valve head is easily removed, remove it. If the tank is outdoors, use an Equipment Cover to protect it from the elements.
2. A Chlorinator canister must be emptied of all water and chemicals. Remove all feeder tubes. Lubricate lid O-ring and valve O-rings with a non-petroleum based lubricant.
3. It is just as important to properly Winterize the Pool Heater as it is to have it properly cleaned out in the Spring.
   1. First Shut off the Gas Line and turn the Gas Valve 'OFF'. Remove all Drain Cocks.
   2. Use a 'Shop Vac' to blow all of the water out of the heater by putting the 'Shop Vac' Hose into the inlet water pipes.
   3. The small water tube that leads to the pressure switch must be disconnected as well for the winter. Do realize that rodents and spiders look for a Winter Home and the Pool Heater offers a lot. Each Spring, a licensed Gas Person should be hired to clean out the burner tray and pilot tube to prevent a gas back-up, resulting in an inefficient heater or flame roll-out.

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STEP 5: Winterize Above-Ground/Underground Lines

Above-ground Lines

• Disconnect all hoses and pipes and store out of sunlight
• Remove eyeball from Return Fitting and Install Winterizing Plug
• Remove Skimmer contents and leave Skimmer open

Underground Lines

• This is a very important job to properly complete. Any water remaining in unprotected lines will freeze and expand, possibly damaging pipes and fittings.
• If you have a 'Shop Vac' available to blow the water from the lines, please follow (A) directions, then (B). If you do not have a 'Shop Vac', follow Section (B).
• Realize that there are two sets of lines to be Winterized, the Suction Line and the Return Line(s). The Suction Line is the line that runs from the back hole in the Skimmer to the front of the pump. The Return Line(s) run from the top of the Filter head to the Return Jet(s) in the pool.

1. BLOWING THE LINES WITH A SHOP VAC



1. Winterizing the Suction Line:
   There are two holes in the bottom of the Skimmer. Temporarily plug the hole closest to the pool with a Rubber Plug. This is the line from the Main Drain and if it is connected to your pool, it will continually fill the Skimmer with water, making the 'blow-out' difficult. Sponge dry the Skimmer and ensure that the back hole is clear. At the front of the pump, insert and tape the 'Shop Vac' hose into the Suction Pipe with Duct Tape. Put the 'Shop Vac' on 'Blow' mode. This force will push all water in the Suction Line out at the Skimmer. Leave the Vac running for 4-5 minutes, sponging the water out of the Skimmer Bowl. Do this until ther is no more water. See Section (B) for installing Foam Rope and Non-Toxic Anti-Freeze, which will complete the Suction Line Winterizing.



2. Winterizing The Return Line(s)
   You have already lowered the water level to just below the return jets during the Physical Cleaning Instructions. This will allow most of the water in the lines to drain out. You should still use the 'Shop Vac' to force the balance of the water out of the lines. This is done by inserting and taping the 'Shop Vac' hose into the Return Line where it comes off the filter head (and through the heater too, if you have one). Put 'Shop Vac' on Blow mode and the water in the Return Lines will blow out. See Section (B) for installing Foam Rope and Non-Toxic Anti-Freeze, which will complete Return Lines Winterizing.


2. INSTALLING FOAM ROAPE AND NON-TOXIC ANTI-FREEZE


Foam Rope and Non-Toxic Anti-Freeze must be installed into both the Suction and Return Lines to complete Line Winterization.


1. Suction Line and Skimmer
   
   Pour 2L of Non-Toxic Anti-Freeze down the hole furthest from the pool. After that, force 3'-4' of foam rope down the hole. Remember that there is probably an elbow at the bottom of the skimmer, so it may be difficult to force down the foam rope. Knot the foam rope at the top so that it is easy to retrieve in the Spring. After the foam rope has been installed, plug off the hole with a #10 Rubber Plug. You can now remove the temporary plug in the Main Drain Line if your main drain is open. Water will fill into the skimmer, as this line is always full of water. Force 4'-5' of foam rope down this line, to get past the frost line. Knot the foam rope at the top so it is easy to retrieve next Spring. Thread the Gizzmo into this hole. The Gizzmo is a sacrificial part that is used to protect the skimmer from freezing. It will displace water that may accumulate in the skimmer and compress to the pressure of freezing water. Sponge out the water that may have filled into the skimmer.



2. Return Lines
   Force 4'-5' of foam Rope into each line. Knot foam rope at eyeball opening so that it is easy to retrieve in the Spring. Generously Teflon tape a threaded plug and snugly thread into each Return Fitting opening. Remember to top up water level at this time if necessary.

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STEP 6: Install Winter Cover and Leaf Cover

Below is a copy of our Winter Cover Owner's Instructions. These instructions outline Cover Performance, Care and Maintenance and Cover Installation for all types of Pools. Following these instructions should give you a trouble-free Winter.



Cover Performance

The '2010' and 'Polar Protector' Winter Covers that we sell are manufactured from a special fabric developed exclusively for H-P-I Industries in Toronto, Ontario. The Winter Covers are made of high quality woven polyethylene that is U.V. Stabilized for long life and durability. Strong 'Triple-Ply Reinforced' edges add to the strength and durability of H-P-I Winter Covers, and therefore The Pool Shoppe and H-P-I offer extended warranties on the product.



This Winter Cover is designed to:

1. Keep the dirt and debris out of your pool during the non-swimming months when your pool is closed. When combined with a proper winterizing program, the Cover is especially effective in maintaining clean pool water for the Spring Opening.
2. Protect your investment by sheltering your pool from the wear and tear of winter weather.

In performing its job, the Winter Cover will be subjected to considerable abuse. It will become dirty and grimy. This appearance does not mean that your cover is of inferior material construction. To the contrary, it indicates the Cover is doing its job of saving your pool from the destructive forces of nature.

Pin-holing is not covered under warranty as this is caused by wind-whipping. Should your pool be located in a high wind area, adequate ballast must be provided to ensure cover remains flat on the pool surface. In high-wind areas à Wall bags must be installed every 2-4 feet. Wall bags were created especially fore high wind problems. They are 2' vinyl bags that you fill with water and suspend to lay against the inside walls of the pool. This ballast will hold down the Winter Cover material so that the wind will not billow the cover into the air, causing pin-holing.

Tree leaves and other heavy debris will add extra weight to your Winter Cover, which could shorten the expected life span of your Cover. A Leaf Mesh Cover may be installed on top of your winter cover to collect debris. This Leaf Cover will then be removed before the freezing weather starts, which will lighted the load on top of the cover.

Winter Cover Care & Maintenance

Proper care in handling, storing and maintaining your cover will prolong its useful life.


1. Do not use abrasive materials such as concrete blocks, bricks or boards to hold a cover down.
2. Do not remove leaves or debris from the cover with a sharp object such as a rake. Using a Leaf Mesh Cover will help to remove this debris in a single step without the mess.
3. Do not install a cover without padding sharp corners, decking protrusions, rough edges of the coping, etc.
4. Do not store your cover without cleaning it with water and 'Cover Cleaner' and scrubbing it with a soft nylon-bristle brush. The cleaner will leave a residue to help preserve the material and prevent mildew.
5. Do not allow excessive amounts of water to accumulate on top of your cover. Use a Submersible pump or a siphon to safely remove excess water.
6. Do not remove your cover from the pool without first pumping all the water off the cover.
7. To store your winter cover for the Summer Months, roll up and put into storage bag, then hang it up. To leave it rolled up on the floor of a shed or garage will allow insects or rodents to eat the cover material.

WINTER COVER INSTALLATION - INGROUND AND FULLY DECKED POOLS

The Cover rests upon and is supported by the pool water. Therefore, prior to cover installation, it is important to make sure the pool is not leaking.

Follow The Pool Shoppe or your pool manufacturer/builder's Winterizing Instructions for your pool and accessories.

Use the AquaGuard Chemical Winterizing Kit to properly treat the pool water to stay clear until spring. Pool Water Chemistry must be in balance as well.

Although your Winter Cover is made of a durable material, it is required that you pad sharp corners, abrasive decking, protrusions, rough edges of the coping, etc. with old towels, foam remnants or corrugated cardboard, etc.

Ensure the water level in your pool is below the skimmer (approximately 18 inches down from the coping) to prevent damage from freezing. For more details on closing your pool, please refer to The Pool Shoppe Winterizing Instructions.

Lay out the cover on the ground, black side down. Now spread across pool. Let Cover rest on lowered water surface. Pat extra Cover Material against inside walls of pool all around. Neatly lay out remainder of material on pool deck. Lay out these filled Aqua Guard Water Bags/Tubes on Cover Material on deck. Lay out these Water Bags overlapping the ends to prevent wind from getting underneath the winter cover and billowing the cover. For pools located in high-wind areas, extra ballast will be needed. A second row of Water Bags or Wall Bags may be required on the windy side. Please see explanation of Wall Bags under 'Cover Performance' section. All Water Bags should be half-filled with water to allow Ice-expansion during freezing temperatures. A Leaf Cover may be used if pool has in previous years accumulated a lot of large debris.

When the cover is installed on the pool, it is normal for a small amount of water to seep onto the surface of the cover.

WINTER INSTALLATION - ABOVE-GROUND & PARTIALLY DECKED POOLS

The Cover rests upon and is supported by the pool water. Therefore, prior to cover installation, it is important to make sure the pool is not leaking.

Follow The Pool Shoppe or your pool manufacturer/builder's Winterizing Instructions for your pool and accessories.

Use the AquaGuard Chemical Winterizing Kit to properly treat the pool water to stay clear until spring. Pool Water Chemistry must be in balance as well.

Although your Winter Cover is made of a durable material, it is required that you pad sharp corners, abrasive decking, protrusions, rough edges of the coping, etc. with old towels, foam remnants or corrugated cardboard, etc.

Ensure the water level in your pool is below the skimmer (approximately 18 inches down from the coping) to prevent damage from freezing. For more details on closing your pool, please refer to The Pool Shoppe Winterizing Instructions.

Lay out cover across one end of pool, black side down. With two people, carefully walk cover over pool surface. Let Cover rest on lowered water surface. Pat extra Cover material against inside walls of pool all around. Neatly pull cover edges up and over top rail all around pool, straighten puckering where necessary.

Now, install cable. Insert one end of the cable through the first grommet in the edge of the cover, and weave through all the grommets, all around the edge of the pool cover. When the two ends meet, install the winch. Insert one end of the cable through the hole at the end of the winch and into the spindle. Insert the other end of the cable though the hole at the end of the winch and into the same spindle. Pull both ends of the cable through as far as possible. Start turning winch to tighten the cable. Straighten any puckering.

When cover is installed on the pool it is normal for a small amount of water to seep onto the surface of the Cover.

For partially-decked pools, place the Cover over the pool as outlined above. When weaving the cable through the grommets, weave the cable through the deck slats as well. Another installation method would be to miss a section of grommets when installing the cable, then with the unattached piece of Cover, pull the Cover up onto the deck and weigh it down with Water Bags and Wall Bags. For pools located in high-wind areas, to prevent the wind whipping and pin-holding, extra ballast will be needed. Using Wall Bags or Cover Clips will help. Please see Wall Bag explanation under 'Cover Performance' section of this card. A leaf cover may be used if pool has in previous years accumulated a lot of large debris. Please refer to explanation of 'Leaf Covers' under 'Cover Performance' section of this card.

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Closing Checklist During the Winter Months

• Check water level underneath the pool cover to ensure that the pool is not losing water. If it is, you must maintain the proper Winterizing Level until Spring when you can correct the problem.
• Syphon water off the winter cover periodically to maintain a minimum amount. Water that is left to accumulate on the winter cover will displace the water that is under the cover. This displaced water will spill into the Skimmer and lead to Skimmer damage. Accumulated water will also put undo stress on the winter cover and shorten its life-span.
• Clean off leaves and debris in the fall to leave you with less of a mess in the Spring.
• Replace flat water bags immediately to prevent the cover from falling into the pool.
• If the cover is continually being wind blown, use wall bags as extra ballast to keep Cover in place.


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Still have questions? Please contact us at The Pool Shoppe and a customer service representative will be happy to assist you.



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