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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. These adjustments should be made about five days before you completely close down the pool. The filter needs to be back-washed repeatedly. Are pools supposed to have their pumps removed during winter time? This article has been viewed 428,290 times. After reading this article and viewing all the pictures, you will know more than your pool company does about closing your inground pool. Adjust the pH to a level between 7.2 and 7.6. Also, it's much nicer to look at without a cover too. Air pillows to fit under your winter pool cover, and they help relieve pressure When to close your inground pool. FREEZING AREA – Water should be 4-6 inches below: skimmer (vinyl-lined) or tile line (plaster)NON-FREEZING AREA – Water should be filled to the top, almost to the point of overflowing, This is one of the most important pool closing tips. This article outlines the steps you need to take to winterize your pool. An air compressor might build up excessive pressure in the system or damage the system otherwise. This will keep debris from falling into the pool as well as keep pool water clean. Another option is the Pillow Pal, which creates a lock between the air pillow and bottom of … Ice below the cover should be left alone. If your cover sits in the pool and not over the edges, then there's no need for air pillows. After a partial It helps prevent a child or pet from wandering into the pool. Buy an extra-strength algaecide. I will walk you through the steps of closing an inground swimming pool, how to drain the filter, how to drain the pool and to what level, where to add antifreeze and how to install your pools safety cover properly. just uncovered it for spring today. Cover the pool: A tight fit of your pool cover is essential. Put 1/2 gallon of antifreeze above the plug in the skimmer(s). Last but not least, remember to cover the entire pool. I use one gallon per skimmer and per returns. Juana on July 26, 2018 at 5:18 pm said: I have a sand filter but sand is coming into the pool. Secure your cover with water bags, ropes and stakes, or whaterver method you choose. Pets and children will have accidents regardless of the season. We recommend storing the drain plugs in the pump basket over the winter. We offer the best selection of pool and spa chemicals, pool cleaners, pool equipment, cleaning accessories and pool inflatables and floats. If it lifts, you will need to get the old vermiculite out and have the whole pool bottom re-done. Try not to let it fall in the water. I am going to start to brush/clean it tomorrow. In this video I show you how you can make your own pool cover.My pool is quite square so this design works well. And don’t forget the air pillow! I tried one winter without a pool cover and had very nominal problems in the spring. Also realize that the damage that can be done due to freezing is very costly to repair. Larger pools require two or more air pillows. Make sure to thoroughly brush the sides and floor, skim the surface and clean out the skimmer and pump baskets after vacuuming the pool. How much water should I leave in the pool? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Filling an in-ground swimming pool can lead to all sorts of unexpected problems. Without it, your pool cover will fail to work effectively. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. An anchored, strapped down, reinforced, mesh safety cover would tightly fit the pool to protect it. Salt Systems. First of all, please realize that most damage that occurs to hot tub spas is caused by improper winterization. However, don’t close too early, wait for the water to get down to 60 degrees or lower. Solid covers will require a cover pump or siphon to remove rain water and snow melt. Total Alkalinity should be between 80-120 ppm, pH level should be between 7.4-7.6. This season I closed my pool without incident after several hours of cleaning the pool, removing leaves. Now is a good time to take stock of your pool closing supplies – winter chemicals, pool cover attachments, plugs and other gizmos used to close the pool. Making sure these are all in balance protects the pool from corrosion or scale buildup that can occur over the winter while the pool is shut down. Solid winter covers create a stronger seal against debris getting in your pool, but may require a cover pump to help remove water throughout the winter. What it does is create a little space between the frozen water and the cover. A safety cover is the best type of pool cover for winterizing, or for protecting a pool that is not regularly maintained, due to lack of funding or an empty house. Do the valves for the water returns stay open or closed for the winter? Learn positive self-talk. Other Things To Consider . The pool builder told me I didn't need to blow out the lines, just drain the water below the frost line, put an inner tube in the water to prevent freezing, and something about opening drains in the filter or pump to allow for expansion. Visualize a pool without a cover. Jim, I owned a pool for 20 years in NJ (in ground concrete – auto pool cover). This can prevent damage, both to the cover and to the pool liner because it helps prevent too much expansion if … Once your swimming pool cover is clean and dry, tightly roll it and store it indoors or in a garage. Measure water balance using a test kit or bring it in to your local Leslie’s Pool Supplies for a Free 10-Point Water Test. Add a Winter Cover Use a solid swimming pool cover that keeps out all debris, block the sun, and inhibit algae growth. References. By using our site, you agree to our. Warning Make sure all water is out of the lines to avoid damage over the winter. This could set you back an additional $600.00 to $1500.00 when replacing your liner. A pool pillow is an air pillow you put on the surface of your pool underneath the pool cover. If there are sharp points that extend into the pool, like step units or "ELS", then it is a good idea to put rags or cardboard between the cover and the points on the pool which extend out. 2nd Day Air Shipping and Overnight Shipping not available for chemicals, spas, and other items that normally ship by freight. Follow our tips for how to close it the right way for the season. Even if you are located where it rarely freezes, if you’re not using it, you may as well cover and close the pool for winter. Be very careful if you choose to close down your own spa. How to Winterize & Close an Inground Pool. A pool cover with sewn webbing relies on a tight, clean stitch. Wait for the ice on your cover to melt and then pump it off. Do I need to add logs to my ingrained concrete pool when I am winterizing it in a cold northern climate? There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. It saves energy and water and reduces What the heck!!!! Sign up for email to receive $10 off your first order of over $50. Pool Fact Pumps should be kept running during freezing temperatures or completely drained during the winter to avoid a risk of damage to the pump, filter, heater, pipes, and any other in-line equipment. If you folded the cover accordion-style for storage, it should easily pull over the pool. If the soil conditions are right, the pool can actually begin to Another option is the Pillow Pal, which creates a lock between the air pillow and bottom of your winter cover. The use of a pool cover is recommended as long as it meets certain requirements to keep it in good condition. Look for a mesh or solid-surface safety cover. 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