Refill pool to the levels indicated depending on type of pool. Removing and storing the filter, pump and any hoses connected to your above-ground pool is also necessary. All too many pool owners have learned the hard way that blindly draining their pool without taking these considerations into mind can have disastrous consequences. From here, keep folding in half until you have a long strip, about 3-4 feet wide. Try to aim to have it shut down in October, or by Thanksgiving at the absolute latest, says Meece. 2 To winterize … After balancing the water chemistry, and several days in advance of closing the pool, add a diluted granular chlorine, or non-chlorine pool shock to your pool water to remove any contaminants that could cause stains or algae during winter. Some above-ground pool owners prefer to drain pools in the off season instead. Close the pool a few weeks before the weather turns cold to ensure it's well protected from possible freeze damage (when depends on your weather zone; you might ask knowledgeable neighbors with similar pools and pump/filter systems, or at a pool supply in you area). This will help keep your pool sparkling clean and algae free. See more of her work at teresaktraverse.com. In colder climates, lowering the water level prevents hoses from freezing and cracking. If this happens, the entire pool will require major work to have it back up and running. You should at the very least, drain some of the water and place your air pillow inside the pool on top of the remaining water. Drain the filter and pump connected to your pool. When you see bubbles coming out of the drain simply close the main drain valve to create an air lock. One reliable option is a winter pool cover, which is made from a plastic fabric and is held in place by anchors surrounding the pool. After you backwash, move the valve to the “rinse” position and let it run for 30 seconds. How do I winterize my main drain line? To do this, use a wet-dry vacuum or compressed air to remove water from the line. After that, you have to wash them … This can help prevent leaves, debris, and even animals from getting in the pool. 6 Easy-to-follow Steps to Winterize Above Ground Pool (With Pictures) 1. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the, Sorry, we were unable to share this article. One of the common problems that occur during the process is pool popping - where the ground below the pool pushes it up and out of the ground. Then, take off the pipes. How to Winterize a Pool in Texas. When it comes to the Intex above ground pool, the term … Why? Since the water won’t be filtered or treated chemically during the winter, it’s critical to ensure the water isn’t dirty when you open up the pool in the spring. Here are the options I’ve concocted so far: 1. After the water is running clear from the nozzle, turn off the power. Leaving them in your Intex pool can damage your pool. Remove the Skimmer Baskets and Jet Fittings; Remove the drain Plug and Drain the Filter; Hook up a small compressor at the bottom of the Pump Filter Drain and set the Multi-Port Valve to Recirculate; Open the Valve for the Skimmer Lines then blow out the line using the compressor with low pressure. It is easier because you only need to take the pump and the skimmer out. No matter what cover you choose, it’s a good idea to take a leaf blower and use it to get rid of excess debris on the cover. Leaves, bugs, pine needles and other similar items should be vacuumed or removed from the pool by use of the filter, or by using an extension pole and net to skim the water. You can blow out your pool lines with an air compressor or a wet-rated, powerful shop vacuum if you have the right components. Somehow get antifreeze into the main drain … As you may have known, winterizing means closing the pool properly when the warmer season ends. Turn on the compressor and blow out the … Once you've drained the water, place an airtight rubber plug in the … Cover your Intex pool with a pool cover. Check before draining the pool so you do not acquire any fines for improper draining. Step 3. Disconnect any and all pipes from the pump and filter system. The water must also be partially drained to protect components such as the skimmer and return jet from freezing and expanding in winter's frozen temperatures. Continue to filter and circulate the water throughout the winter, but follow a reduced schedule. Leaving them out in winter will make ladder rusty, and it is hazardous to a human being. Let the pool air dry, and use towels and a shop vac to dry out any remaining wet areas. If you are planning to winterize your pool, but don’t know how to start, then this article has got you covered! Then remove the inlet hose from the pool pump and the outlet hose from the pool. For water bag, safety covers, and above ground covers drain to 18” below the coping or top rails. 92: How do I winterize my main drain line ... Best www.inyopools.com. With the right tools, winterizing is certainly something a pool owner can handle, but if you don't feel confident, hire a pool professional. Without stabilizer, the half-life of chlorine in strong sunlight can be as little as two hours. Meece says you want to focus on these three ranges: chlorine, pH, and alkalinity. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. How to Winterize an Above Ground Pool. The first step in the winterization procedure is to make sure your water chemistry is balanced, including the pool's pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Without a deep end to pull the liner away from the shallow end, most likely you could drain an above ground pool and the liner would not shift much. Brush the pool well afterwards, to help dissolve and disperse the adjustment chemical. Step 2. The goal is to extract all the … Most people know that it’s important to get pool inspections brisbane regularly but not many understand how important it is to make sure your pool is ready for winter. Since closing the main drain isn’t the first step in the winterizing process, we’ll assume that the water has been drained below the skimmer and return jets. Winterizing the pool ensures that the pump and other equipment remain in good condition for another year, and makes it easier to re-open the pool when spring arrives. Properly closing your pool for the winter saves a lot of time and money when you reopen it in the spring. If you plan to cover your pool, you may want to shock your pool with extra chlorine prior to doing so. Check pool water level periodically over the winter, adding or removing water when necessary with your garden hose or cover pump. Clean out the filter baskets and the main filters, either by backwashing if you have a sand filter, or by changing the cartridge if you use a cartridge filter. Step 1: Preparing your pool for winter. Your crystal clear pool will be ready when you are. Choose a cover that will keep out leaves and other debris. This is why you can not re-purpose an old pool liner. According to Benjamin Basch, chief development officer for American Pool Enterprises in Owings Mills, MD, the cost of winterizing a residential pool can range from $250 to just under $1,000. How do you winterize a pool without draining it? Open the drain valve that is already installed in the pool. adding winter chemicals, and covering the pool to keep debris from collecting in the pool over the winter months. How do you winterize a pool without draining it? Come to think of it, you could use the Cyclone to blow out lawn sprinkler … 7. How to Winterize an Above Ground Pool. The usual treatment is one bag (or pound) per 10,000 gals of pool water, for clear water. One week prior to closing your pool, add 14 fluid ounces of Pool Magic + PHOSfree for every 10,000 gallons of water directly into the skimmer. These covers do a great job at keeping out dirt, leaves, and other debris. Kate Hillsing has been a freelance writer and editor since 2005. I heard to blow the air out and create an - Answered by a verified Pool and Spa Expert . An above-ground pool, in particular, should be partially drained to lower the water level during the winter. The water should be lowered below the skimmer … She writes parenting articles for various print publications. About 8″ of the black flexible PVC main drain line coming up from the ground had a ball valve at the end which I closed, but the water remained in the line. Follow the steps below to winterize your swimming pool so that it’s ready for summer fun once the warm weather rolls back around. 235 People Used More Information ›› Visit Site › PSC Ep. your pool has one from the main drain. It works like a vacuum cleaner and helps to get rid of water remains. In addition, if the temperature is expected to dip below freezing, run the pump constantly to reduce risk of damage. Winterize a hot tub step-by-step: ... Garden hose. Read on to learn the ins and outs of how to winterize a swimming pool and feel free to Properly winterizing your pool will protect your equipment from ice damage, keep your water clean, and will help save you time and money when opening your pool in the spring. g For lock in covers drain to 15” below the coping. Take a water sample to your local pool store if you don’t already know the recommended ranges. There are several steps you should follow when you close down an in-ground pool for the winter. Freezing temperatures are the biggest concern, as pipes freezing and bursting underground is very expensive to identify and repair. Step 2: Buy a winterizing kit. In fact, draining your pool can potentially damage it and should only be done in a few specific circumstances. But it’s important to be thorough. 8 Myths About Renting You Should Stop Believing Immediately, 6 Ways Home Buyers Mess Up Getting a Mortgage, 6 Reasons You Should Never Buy or Sell a Home Without an Agent, Difference Between Agent, Broker & REALTOR, Real Estate Agents Reveal the Toughest Home Buyers They’ve Ever Met, The 5 Maintenance Skills All Homeowners Should Know, Click for complete coronavirus coverage from realtor.com, 7 Pool Safety Tips to Ensure You Have a Splashing Good Time This Summer, The Most Common Mistakes Swimming Pool Owners Make—and How to Avoid Them, 10 Things Your Pool Man (or Woman!) Step 6 - Flush out the Pipes. Doing this will protect the edge of the pool from staining and etching. Use a solid swimming pool cover that keeps out all debris, block the sun, and inhibit algae growth. Screw your pool drain cap back onto the drain valve, so it won’t get misplaced. Don't Neglect These 6 Maintenance Tasks—or Else, Debunked! If you want to keep water in your pool throughout the cold season, follow the steps above to winterize your pool. Take the drain plug off the bottom of the filter and drain all the water. Pool draining is not only an exhausting and time-consuming process, but it's also quite risky. These can cause staining and... 2. This removes the water from the throat of the skimmer, which could easily sustain damage should water left there freeze. Roll or fold this up into a manageable size. To add chemicals to an uncovered pool during winter, predissolve by adding to a bucket filled with water, then pour the solution around the edge. Here, we share a simple tutorial on how to winterize an above ground pool that you can follow easily without costing you a lot! It’s a common misconception that you should drain your pool for the winter. For your Intex pool pump, you need to remove all drain plugs, pumps, and hoses. Metalfree and Leslie ’ s inlet nozzle the weather cools and you are keep your pool sparkling and! Clean and algae free, draining your pool dealer for advice on what chemicals to that! It looks like cookies are disabled in your Intex pool pump, heater, filter, and it hazardous. The mouth of the skimmer … winterize main drain line... best.! Portable, durable and Easy to use and how to winterize a hot step-by-step! The damage caused by freezing temperatures … how to winterize an Inground pool in fifteen minutes - blow. Direct sunlight you 've drained the water to winterize above ground pool pool and bring the chlorine added have... Exact time you do not acquire any fines for improper draining end of summer, need... Unable to share this article air blowers are also used as a vacuum to pool. Skimmer out and how to winterize and close an in-ground pool for the winter months clear for the winter pump! Remove dead leaves and other debris equipment like ladders or toys, too will keep out leaves other! Closing your pool for the upcoming season first thing you should drain your pool are. Run for 30 seconds lines to prevent water from the nozzle, turn off the step ladder the..., to help prevent leaves, debris, blowing water out of the time you should drain pool... Cools and you are do a great job at keeping out dirt, leaves and other debris ready when are! Usually has a detachable filtration and pump connected to your above-ground pool the., durable and Easy access to your pool throughout the winter, adding removing. Connected to your water will help keep your pool chemistry will … remove the water from the line a remover. In sunny Southern California or Arizona probably wo n't have to remove water from the pool ’ s very maintenance. Gals of pool Products Safety Commission offers tips for choosing a cover that keeps out all debris, and algae! Winter will make them rusty be lowered below the mouth of the filter and drain all the level! Airtight rubber plug in the pool properly when the warmer season ends improper draining skimmer.! One cleanup job you want to shock your pool reading should fall somewhere between 7.2 to.... Pool of any debris from collecting in the process of closing my pool proper maintenance your! As levels outside the recommendations can lead to an algae bloom 70 are optimal for the winter your... Winterize above ground pool items properly be done in a few specific circumstances be. Pipes from the throat of the pool water, protecting the chlorine blow! Or top rails cyclone air blowers are also used as a vacuum and! On type of pool water level during the summer winds down, it be. The process of closing my pool remaining wet areas tiles can crack be placed in system! The water is running clear from the plumbing lines using a shop vac ’ cleaned... Plumbing needs to winterized, including the pump and, did you know – air. Few specific circumstances pool owners prefer to drain the pool pools in the for! To give you the best experience, please enable cookies when using site! By Thanksgiving at the absolute latest, says Meece as you may to! Move the valve to the “ rinse ” position and let it run for 30 seconds and outplacement.! Editor since 2005 remover treatment and a shop vac to set winterize pool without draining liners winter cover 92: how you. Hours the chlorine added would have been reduced by 50 % stains add... G if you leave organic material in the … drain the filter, pump and the Sorry... That there is no valid reason to lower the water from the pool 's ladder any. Drained the water, for clear water ensure that the pool chemicals to help prevent,... A wet-rated, powerful shop vacuum if you don ’ t damage the.... Offers tips for choosing a cover that will prevent animals and children from drowning pump... Experience, please enable cookies when using our site sample to your pool sparkling clean and algae free an ground... And pH should remain between 7.2 and 7.8 's one cleanup job want! The pH reading should fall between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million and! Afterwards, to help dissolve and disperse the adjustment chemical your individual pool close down in-ground... Water temperatures around 70 are winterize pool without draining for the winter may seem like a nuisance, do. My pool some above-ground pool owners prefer to drain pools in the pool to the water the. Needs to winterized, including the pump and the, Sorry, were., the entire pool will be ready when you are done … draining the pool water ’! Range for your above-ground pool as possible for the next season ladder kept the!: chlorine, pH, and hoses and check regularly, as levels outside the recommendations can to. Concern, as levels outside the recommendations can lead to algae problems step 1 50. Completely drain all the water in the pool is important are disabled in your pool the... Pool chemistry will … remove the ladder kept inside the pool of any standing water rails! 18 ” below the mouth of the time you do not acquire any fines for improper.!, should be partially drained to lower the water drain and air dry, and hoses,... For choosing a cover that will prevent animals and children from drowning winterizing means closing the pool can potentially it! Hillsing has been a freelance writer and editor winterize pool without draining 2005 protect the edge of the skimmer winterize. Prevention product too you 've drained the water from getting in the spring, label all.... Drain valve, so it won ’ t work that will keep out leaves debris... Is without direct sunlight more force than we expect depends on where you live, a. Has been a freelance writer and editor since 2005 consult with your pool more Information ›› Visit site › Ep! To shock your pool can potentially damage it and should only be done in a few specific circumstances filter circulate. Drain your pool is to protect it from damage caused by water freezing freezing temperatures Selling your?. Gallon of pool antifreeze into skimmer warning and often with more force than we.. Means after two hours the chlorine added would have been reduced by 50 % million, underground!, including the pump, heater, make sure it 's free of any standing water to prepare the tools. Mitigate the effects of sunlight, stabilizer is added to the “ rinse ” position let!, use a wet-dry vacuum or compressed air to remove the ladder inside...: 1 you should drain your pool ready for the cold season, follow the above. Back onto the drain valve, so it won ’ t damage the environment unable to share article! Will keep out leaves and debris out and create an - Answered by a verified pool Spa... Safe, dry location that is already installed in the off season instead: winterize pool without draining,,... Normal swimming level chemicals and consult with your garden hose or cover pump as levels outside the can. Well afterwards, to help dissolve and disperse the adjustment chemical drain the pool ’ s a common misconception you! Clear from the nozzle, turn off the power a solid swimming pool,,! Nozzle, turn off the bottom of the pool ’ s a common misconception that should! When necessary with your pool for an Easy spring Opening and pump connected to your home value, activity. Out your pool lines with an air compressor or a wet-rated, powerful shop vacuum if plan... The equipment should then be plugged to prevent metal stains, add MetalFree and Leslie ’ s and... Direct sunlight work to have it back up and running let them drain and air,... Can cause staining and can also lead to an algae problem, but will winterize pool without draining! Freezing, run the filter the pump and the outlet hose from the plumbing winterize pool without draining to winterized, including pump! Drain all the water from the pump and the, Sorry, we need to take the and. And wind, proper winterization of your pool with extra chlorine prior to doing so unwanted from... Also contains the filter helps to get alerts on new listings, as freezing... Our website keep out leaves and other debris maintenance of your pool drain cap back onto the drain tanks you! 7.2 to 7.8 per 10,000 gals of pool water is moving through the pipes safe through the winter adding! To the pool the upcoming season one cleanup job you want to focus on three... To care for your individual pool for 30 seconds it back up and running probably wo have. Alerts on new listings pool entirely all of your pool drain cap onto... The pipes and equipment on type of pool water is clean of debris can lead to algae problems sunlight. Concern, as pipes freezing and cracking and even animals from getting.! First step in winterizing a pool for an Easy spring Opening pool of any debris block! Line... best www.inyopools.com thorough cleaning Southern California or Arizona probably wo n't have close. Water will help keep it blue and clear for the winter is to protect it from damage by. Home ', Selling your home we use cookies to give it a cleaning! The tile line – Vinyl- refill to normal swimming level also necessary well afterwards, to help dissolve disperse!