| 1. If through wall skimmer inlet and outlets are | | | | a heater cover to keep any debris such as |
| used, the skimmer must be blocked off with a | | | | leaves, acorns, etc. this could start a fire when |
| block off plate to prevent any water from lying in | | | | restarting a heater next year. |
| the skimmer. The return fitting must also be | | | | While the pool is winterized it is important that it |
| blocked off by using a plug on the inside of the | | | | remain undisturbed throughout the winter months. |
| pool. It is very important that the return fitting | | | | This is Right! |
| not protrude into the pool and that water is not | | | | The cover should lie on the surface of the pool |
| allowed to flow into the skimmer. If this is not | | | | water. Leave slack, do not pull tight. Any |
| followed, when the ice in your pool forms it will | | | | excessive accumulation of water, or snow should |
| grab onto your skimmer and return fittings, and if | | | | be removed immediately. |
| the ice should shift it will rip your wall at these | | | | This is Wrong! |
| locations. | | | | Do not install the cover this tight. The weight of |
| 2. A properly sized ice compensator (pool pillow) | | | | snow or rain will force the cover at the seams |
| must be secured in the pool water to relieve the | | | | and along the pool edges. |
| ice pressure that can exert severe pressure on | | | | IMPORTANT: During the winter months, inspect |
| the pool wall. | | | | your pool and surrounding area. Remove any |
| 3. The best way to install chemicals is before you | | | | accumulation of water, ice and snow from the |
| do any winterizing processes. Super chlorinate the | | | | top of the pool and from the skimmer and return |
| pool, run the filter for four to six hours, then | | | | to prevent formation of an ice, water or snow |
| install a winterizing kit and then put the cover on. | | | | load which can cause severe damage to pool and |
| 4. A cover must be used to keep out dirt and | | | | pool cover. |
| debris from the pool. It is important when | | | | It is essential that you monitor the amount of |
| securing the cover that enough slack is used so | | | | snow and ice on top of your pool during the |
| that it rests on the top of the water so that the | | | | winter months. If you feel that the cable that |
| pressure is not on the pool frame. A build up of | | | | attaches the cover to the pool is too tight and is |
| snow on the top of the cover should be | | | | pulling up on the pool ledges, or is creating |
| removed. | | | | excessive weight on the pool, release the cable at |
| 5. The filter should be thoroughly backwashed. If | | | | once to prevent damage to the pool. |
| you have a cartridge or a diatomaceous earth | | | | Please note: Improper installation of your pool |
| filter, cartridge or elements should be removed | | | | cover can cause damage to your pool and will |
| sprayed down and cleaned. Next you should | | | | void all pool and cover warranties. |
| remove any winterizing plugs from the filter and | | | | Mild Climates: |
| from the pump. Next if you have a site glass on | | | | Your climate permits a longer swimming season. |
| your valve that should be removed, the pressure | | | | However, if there are many weeks in which your |
| gauge should be removed and shake out any | | | | pool will not be used, continue routine maintenance |
| water that might be inside. If you have an in-line | | | | on a reduced schedule instead of completely |
| Chlorinator removed the lid, remove the | | | | closing your pool for the season. |
| winterizing plug. Take out any chlorine and dispose | | | | 1. Begin by reducing filter-running time in half. Keep |
| of a properly. If you have a multi-port valve put | | | | pH between 7.2-7.8 and free available chlorine |
| the selector handle in between any two | | | | between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (use tester). |
| selections, this will hold the valve open and | | | | Follow pool equipment manufacturer's instructions |
| prevent any water laying in there that could | | | | for proper care of equipment during this time. |
| freeze. Filter hoses should be removed and | | | | 2. If you do not cover your pool, clean your |
| emptied. If you have a heater make sure the gas | | | | skimmer every week, maintain filter according to |
| is turned off and the manifold winterizing plug is | | | | manufacturer's instructions and vacuum as |
| removed (don't forget to remove any plugs in the | | | | needed. |
| heater. Failure to do so can cause very expensive | | | | 3. Covering your pool will keep out leaves and dirt. |
| damage). | | | | Before covering, shock treat according to |
| Do not cover the pump with plastic this will cause | | | | manufacturer's directions. |
| moisture to build up which will seriously damage | | | | S. |
| the inside of the pump. It is a good idea or to get | | | | |