Above Ground Pool Shut Down Guide
It is recommended to shut down the pool as late as possible, by mid-October. If there are algae or if the water is fuzzy, treat immediately.
STEP 1: DAY BEFORE THE SHUT DOWN
1. Pass the vacuum and do a back wash.
2. Balance the alkalinity and PH.
3. Proceed to an over chlorine treatment.
4. Clean the filter.
STEP 2: CLEANING THE FILTER AND ACCESSORIES
1. Clean the filter with an appropriate type of cleaner.
2. Clean the dirt circle around the pool.
3. Clean the solar canvas with an appropriate product and store in a dry area.
STEP 3: DRAINING THE POOL
Pull down the lever of the three-way valve to position 1 to shut down your skimmer (Position 1 should be at the top of the skimmer).
Shut down the pump. Position the filter’s lever to drain (only of the filter was drained); if not, position to back wash for 5 minutes and after, position to drain.
For the pools that do not have a bottom drain, the draining has to be done with the vacuum.
Lower the water level to 15”to 18” below the skimmer (consult your vendor as water levels can vary from one manufacturer to another).
Shut down the pump.
STEP 4: PUMP STORAGE
1. Unplug the pump.
2. Unplug all the hoses.
3. Empty from water and clean as necessary the pump’s basket.
4. Store the pump in a heated location.
STEP 5: FILTER STORAGE
1. Unscrew the manometer.
2. Take off the glass bubble (if there is one).
3. Take off the cap at the bottom of the tank. Leave a slope for a few days to properly drain the tank.
4. Store all the pieces together.
5. Leave the filter position to “Winterize”.
STEP 6: BOTTOM DRAIN
1. Pool antifreeze is required in the bottom drain’s hose, regardless of the type of valve used or of the type of connecting hose.
2. Place the three-way valve at the “Full Drain” position (meaning opened enough to pour the antifreeze in the skimmer.
3. Pour the antifreeze through the skimmer to the bottom drain.
4. Insert the Styrofoam flange through the skimmer and to the bottom of the pool and shut down the skimmer’s valve.
For unsteady fields (inappropriate draining):
1. Disconnect the bottom drain’s hose under the three-way valve.
2. Tie the hose to a tutor near the pool and leave it hanging above the pool.
3. Pour the antifreeze very slowly.
4. Insert the Styrofoam flange and fix it tight with a piece of scotch tape or bend it. Ensure that the skimmer is draining by leaving the three-way valve opened.
STEP 7: SKIMMER
1. Take off the skimmer by gentle bending its little door and taking away its basket.
2. Clean the skimmer.
3. Insert the Styrofoam inside the skimmer.
STEP 8: WATER RETURN
1. Unscrew the ring around the water return to take away the eye.
2. Screw the winter cap to avoid water leakage.
WATER RETURN LIGHTS
1. Take away the light and store it in a dry location.
2. Insert a cap in the cavity.
STEP 9: SHUT DOWN KIT
1. See the explanation pamphlet according to the shut down kit.
2. Applying a shut down kit will help you maintain the water clean during the entire winter.
STEP 10: WINTER CANVAS
When using a winter canvas, you must insert a ball under the canvas and ensure that the water that accumulates on it will be drained; this will avoid unnecessary tension on the canvas which could eventually damage the pool. The winter canvas should be taken off before periods of heavy freezing weather.
NET
If you are using a leaves net, you can take it away after the leaves have fallen. However, if you are installing an elastic system, the net can spend the winter over the pool without any problems.
STEP 11: SHUTTING DOWN THE WATER HEATER
1. Drain the heating apparel with a vacuum (Shop Vac style).
2. Consult with your retailer to find out if you need to add antifreeze in the water heater’s hoses.
ATTENTION: Once your pool is shut down, the heavy autumn rainfalls could make the water level rise. A water level too high combined with gel could damage the skimmer’s side panels. If the water rises, it is recommended to lower again the water level to 18” under the skimmer. Ensure that the rain and snow water will drain appropriately, meaning that they are draining away from the pool, to avoid damage to its structure.
IMPORTANT:
Please note that the above recommendations are for information only and that any type of work done to the pool is at the client’s risk.
Happy winter season!!!