How to Winterize an Above Ground Swimming Pool

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:WinterizeAboveGroundSwimmingPool
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How to Winterize an Above Ground Swimming Pool

Introduction

Summer's over, and it's time to pack away the lounge chairs and the beach towels, and time to winterize your above-ground swimming pool. Unless you have an inflatable swimming pool, you'll need chemicals and a cover to properly winterize your pool. Winterizing your pool will take a few hours, but it's time well-spent to ensure your pool surviving a long winter and providing you with hours of fun next summer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

  • Winterizing kit
  • Cover
  • Air pillow

Steps

1

Step One

Test the water for the proper pH balance, which is between 7.2 and 7.6. Take a sample to your local pool store so a professional can check it as well.
2

Step Two

Vacuum the pool and backwash filter. Add the chemicals from the winterizing kit. Follow all instructions for amounts.
3

Step Three

Run the filter for 4 hours. Then lower the water level, if necessary, plug the return and skimmer and remove all hoses. Remove the filter drain plug, and leave it off for the winter. Add some water to the pool, if necessary, to raise levels above the skimmer and inlets.
4

Step Four

Disconnect the pump and filter. Drain all water from the filter to prevent water from freezing and cracking the filter body. Cover the filter with a heavy plastic tarp or store in a shed or garage.
5

Step Five

Blow up an air pillow and place in the center of the pool. Tie off ropes attached to the grommets on the pillow to the sides of pool. If you choose not to use an air pillow, tubes, empty plastic milk jugs or any air-filled objects will do.
6

Step Six

Install the cover over the pool. The cover should drape over the sides of pool by about a foot. Secure the cover cable wire tightly so the pool cover does not blow off or collapse into the pool.

Tips & Warnings

  • Purchase a pool winterizing kit at any local pool store.
  • Consider a pool cover one or two sizes larger than your pool to ensure adequate coverage.
  • Discard sand or diatomaceous earth from the filter to start anew next season.
  • Choosing not to use an air pillow or any other air-filled objects may cause the sides of your swimming pool to crack when water freezes and expands.
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