- Connect the vacuum head to the hose and the pole. Then place the vacuum in the shallow end while keeping the free end of the hose on the deck.
- Make sure the valves at the pump are turned to ¾ suction through the skimmer. Full skimmer suction may be too powerful to vacuum properly.
- Connect the skim vac to the free end of the hose and hold it in front of the return line until air bubbles are completely pushed from the hose.
- Place your hand over the end of the hose to prevent air from entering the hose and then place over the skimmer. Suction should now be apparent.
- Move the vac head slowly across the pool bottom and walls, overlapping each stroke.
- When finished vacuuming, disconnect the hose, drain the water from the hose and store the equipment out of the sun. Return the valves at the pump to the original positions.
- Service the filter if necessary (ex: backwashing a sand filter).
Please do not hesitate to call the store with any questions.
Winterizing your pool consists of more than just pulling a cover over it. We strongly recommend that you have your pool closed professionally to ensure that it is done properly. Proper winterizing makes springtime opening easier and faster, saving time and money. Please protect your pool and equipment from freeze-thaw damage by having the correct winterizing accessories.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS!! FAILURE TO DO SO COULD VOID WARRANTIES!!
- Clean your pool. Vacuum your pool. Make sure to clean all seams and corners where algae may grow.
Remove any debris in the pool and the baskets. - Chemically treat the pool. Shock your pool and use a good algaecide. Circulate for at least 48 hours after applying chemicals.
- Make sure your winter plugs and blowout extension are in acceptable condition.
- Remove all ladders, handrails, diving board, safety ropes, eyeball directors (return lines), skimmer baskets and weir doors. Store all equipment together for ease in the spring.
- At this time lay out the water bags around the pool approximately one foot apart, and then fill them about ¾ full. (Please disregard this step if you have a Loop-Loc Cover.)
- Unplug the pump and then disconnect the pump and filter system. Our systems are supplied with quick disconnect unions. Sand filters should have the drain plug and the top valve removed. D.E. and Cartridge filters should be drained and stored inside for the winter. At this time you should disassemble the filter and clean it before storing for the winter. Remove the pump, drain and store the pump inside. NOTE: We offer filter cleaning services.
- To winterize the plumbing you will need at least a 5 H.P. shop vac. Install the blowout extension in the skimmer and close the main drain valve and make sure the skimmer valve is completely open. Put the shop vac on exhaust and place the hose on the valve and blow out the line until only air is blowing out at the skimmer. Then turn the power on and off a few times to make sure all the water is out. The
blowout extension acts as a plug and will prevent the skimmer from breaking. - The next step is to clear the return lines of water. Plug one return line and place the hose of the shop vac on the return union. Blow the line out as you did for the skimmer and then plug the line at the pool (this requires two people as your return line is under water). After plugging the first line, repeat for the next.
- HEATERS: If you have a Sta-Rite heater, remove the drain plug located at the bottom of the heater and let all of the water drain out. Hold the shop-vac up to the “in” and “out” ports of the heater to blow out any remaining water in the lines. If you have a Hayward heater, you will need to remove the front equipment compartment panel and remove the pressure switch to let the water
drain out. Use the shop vac on the “in” and “out” ports of the heater to blow out any remaining water in
the lines. Do not use anti-freeze in your heater. - Now that the lines are relatively clear, you need to add one gallon of non-toxic anti-freeze to each line, including the main drain because that line cannot be blown out. Now cover the open ends of the pipes with plastic bags and open the valves.
- Standard Winter Cover:
- If your pool has steps, you will need to place a 4’ X 8’ sheet of ¾” plywood over the step to relieve stress on the winter cover.
- Open the winter cover along the length of the pool. Pull the cover across the pool and when the cover is in place set the water bags on the edge in the provided loops. It is very important not to pull the cover tight; let it form to the pool.
- Winter Mesh Cover:
- Using the 18” hex anchor screw key (this is found inserted into the installation tool) unscrew the brass anchor insert that is set in the concrete.
- Lay the cover across the pool. Be sure to line up the extension on the cover with the extension of the pool (ex: for an “L” shaped pool – line up the “L” shaped portion of the cover with the “L” of the pool).
- Start placing the springs over the anchors manually, as tension will allow.
- The springs that are too tight to place manually will require the help of the installation tool. Slide the spring onto the bar (over the notched end). Place the end of the bar over the anchor with the notched end facing the pool. Pull the bar back until the bar is perpendicular with the deck. Using your foot, slide the spring down the bar. Once the spring is at the bottom of the bar, twist the bar until the notch is facing away from pool. The spring should now be over the anchor. Continue until all the springs are installed.
- Standard Winter Cover:
- Turn off the power to all pool circuits including the lighting.
- Sand filters can stay outside but should be covered with a tarp. Heaters and fiber optic light boxes do not have to be covered according to the manufacturers, however covering them is acceptable.
NOTE: Do not remove any water from your cover during the winter months. That could cause unequal pressure from the water table, which could result in damage that is not covered under warranty. If you have any questions please call the service department at (315) 652-3854.
