Aboveground Pool Closing Instructions
Step 1: Vacuum pool completely of all dirt and debris.
Step 2: Follow the chemical instructions included in your Pool Place Winter Kit. In addition to what is included in the kit, you will need at least 1 gallon of liquid shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
Step 3: Shut off filtering system and drain pool to below the return line.
Step 4: Disconnect all hoses from filter, pump and Prevail Chlorinator.
Step 5: Winterize your filter.
For Blue Torrent Cartridge Filters: Remove the lid from the filter by depressing the safety latch and unscrewing the Easy-Loc Lid. Remove the cartridge element and tank drain plug. Clean cartridge thoroughly with fresh water and flush the inside of the filter. Let cartridge element dry completely before returning to filter. Store filter and pump for winter.
For Hayward EC-50 DE Filters: Loosen the union to disconnect the filter from the pump. Remove the filter drain plug and band clamp assembly. Remove the top half of the filter and clean all earth off filter fingers with fresh tap water and flush filter tank. Allow filter fingers to dry completely before reassembling. Store filter and pump for winter.
Step 6: Remove lid and chlorine canister from Prevail Chlorinator, flush unit and lid with fresh water. If the chlorine canister still has chlorine in it, allow it to dry completely before sealing in a plastic bag to be stored outside until next spring.
Step 7: Remove the eyeball fitting (3 pieces) from pool return and install plug.
Step 8: Secure skimmer opening.
For B4 skimmers: Remove decorative plate and install included winter cover and gasket. Do NOT use a screw gun! Hand tools only.
Important!: The bottom of your B4 Skimmer must remain clear of leaves, yard debris, snow etc during the winter. Any blockage will result in ice damage and require a new skimmer in the spring.
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For all other skimmers: Install an Aquador Skimmer kit in order to protect your pool wall from skimmer ice damage.
Step 9: Install the air pillows (Ice equalizers). These protect the pool and liner from ice expansion. Only inflate each air pillow about half way, you should be able to almost touch your hands together when you squeeze the middle. Do not tie the air pillows to the pool/fence - place stakes in the ground around the pool. The rope should not be tight to allow the pillows some movement. Tie Towards the center of the pool.
4'x5' air pillows are recommended, larger pillows pop more easily. The following quantities are minimum, using more pillows gives more protection.
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Step 10: Secure the cover to the pool.
Pools with no deck or walkaround: Pull cover over pool. Lace the red cover cable through the cover grommets all the way around the cover. Pull the extra cable through the cable winch and tighten the cable below the top rails allowing as much cover material in the pool as possible.
Optional: Secure cover with 2-3 clips between each upright to protect against wind damage.
Optional: Wrap the top rail and cover with Winter Cover Wrap™ to further protect against wind damage. Highly suggested for windy areas.
Pools with a deck: If you are able to slide your cover between the deck and the pool, follow the above instructions. If not, pull cover over pool. Lace the red cover cable through the cover grommets all the way around the cover until you reach the deck. Your cover will go over the deck and the cable will go below it. Because the section of cover on the deck is not secured by the cable, it will need to be held down with a water tube to stop wind and debris from getting under the cover.
Optional: Secure cover with 2-3 clips between each upright to protect against wind damage.
Pools with full walkaround: pull cover to edge of walkaround and secure with 2-3 clips between each upright. Water tubes should be used on the deck section and can be used on the walkaround section in addition to the clips to help with wind.
Step 11 (fall): The majority of rain water must be pumped off the top of the cover during the fall, up to 1" of water is fine. Be careful that you are not draining pool water through the cover. Try to remove as much leaves and debris from the top of the cover as possible.
Step 12 (winter/early spring): Once an ice sheet has formed, be careful not to disturb it. A shifting ice sheet can damage the pool liner and cover. There is no need to to shovel snow off the cover, just continue to drain excess water as the snow melts on warmer winter days. Once all the snow/ice has melted continue to keep no more than 1" of water on top of the cover. When the pool water temperature starts getting close to 60°F, consider reopening to avoid rampant algae growth.
Please follow these instructions carefully as winter damage is not covered by any warranties. As long as you follow these instructions properly, your pool should survive no problem.