As a pool owner, you know that the winter months mean a time to prepare for pool closure. For all your equipment to last during this season, it is very important that all your equipment be properly shut down for them to last during this season.
If not properly done, you can run into losses and incur a lot of unnecessary expenses.
A sand filter is one such piece of equipment that must be taken care of properly. In this article, I will be taking you through how to properly shut down your sand filters for the off season.
How do you winterize a pool with a sand filter?
You can winterize your sand filter in a few easy steps:
- Perform a backwash. Do a backwash to make the filter clean. There is really no need to leave all that debris for the whole winter. Now, with the help of a control lever and water, rinse the filter out.
- Set it to recirculate: Set your filter to “recirculate” or “whirlpool.” Depending on the age of your filter, it would have one of these settings. In this mode, everything bypasses the filter and goes straight to the pool.
- Disconnect your components: After setting it on “recirculate,” you can remove the sight glass, air relief valve, and pressure gauge. When you do this, the right place to store them is in the skimmer basket. This ensures that your pool accessories are all together when the spring comes.
- Blow through the system: After disconnecting those parts, what next you should do is blow through the system. You should blow from the discharge port of the pump. Then from the discharge port to the head of the filter; and then from the head of the filter out to the pool. This process ensures the elimination of water completely from the pump-filter system.
- Set it to “Winterize”: The next step is to set the filter to “winterize.” If your pump is quite old and it doesn’t have that setting, this is what you do: Go in between any two settings and pull the dial to rest there. Make sure you don’t pull it all the way down to the next setting. This ensures that all the ports are open. This is basically what a “winterize” setting does. It leaves all the ports open and ensures that you are not going to leave any water trapped. If water is trapped, it can freeze over the winter and damage your filter.
- Remove the drain plug: Make sure to remove the drain plug at the bottom of the filter. If you don’t, you are essentially leaving your filter full of water. And if you are leaving it full of water, that can damage your filter. When winter comes, it will cause it to freeze and break the filter. And come springtime, you will need a new filter.
- Package your components. The sight glass, air relief valve, pressure gauge, and drain cap should all be stored in a dry place.
Can you leave a sand filter out all winter?
There are some factors to consider before doing this. You can decide to leave your sand filter out in the winter. But before doing this, ensure that the drain plug has been removed. The drain plug keeps water inside the filter. This is why it is essential to remove it. You don’t want water inside your filter freezing and breaking your filter apart.
How do you drain a pool with a sand filter?
If you happen to use a pool with a sand filter, there are some quick and easy steps to follow:
- You must ensure that the valve to the suction line is turned off. You wouldn’t want air entering into your pump. A pump drawing in air is dangerous to it. It can cause cavitation and overheating.
- Ensure that the valve to the main drain is open.
- The next thing to do is to turn the pump off. You don’t want the water to already be draining before you get started.
- Rotate your multiport dial in a clockwise direction to “Waste”.
- Ensure that your backwash line is well in place. Also ensure that you are draining to the correct area in your yard. Check that the hose is well clamped to the adapter. The rubber hose should also not have any kinks in it. If there are kinks, they can lead to tears and rips.
- Turn the pump back on.
- Let the water in your pool drain. You can drain it to about an inch below the return jets. When you are satisfied, turn the pump back off.
- Now rotate the multiport dial in a clockwise direction from “Waste” to “Filter.”
- Shake out the backwash hose. This is to ensure all the water gets out. You can then roll it back up for storage.
Should I drain my in-ground pool for winter?
When draining an inground pool, you must note that the pool shouldn’t be drained completely. Only partially drain it to a level just below the return jets.
How long does it take to drain a pool with a sand filter?
The length of time is dependent on how much water you are draining. If you intend to partially drain your pool to a level just below the water jets, it would take between 1 and 2 hours. However, if you intend to drain the pool completely, you should be looking at close to 14 hours.
Do inground pools freeze in the winter?
Inground pools can freeze solid in the winter if the temperatures go very low. Ice water freezes at 32° Fahrenheit. To prevent this, the most effective way to do this is to keep your pool heater running at least 12 hours daily. The only thing to consider is the cost of running a heater that long.
Do I need to vacuum my pool before I close it?
This is important. It is recommended that you vacuum the surface of your pool for any debris or floating matter. It will ensure that your winterizing chemicals are not used up before the winter ends.
Can a sand filter freeze?
A sand filter can freeze if not properly winterized. Before packing up for the winter, ensure that there is no water left in the filter. If this happens, the water can freeze and end up cracking the filter housing.
How do you start a sand filter pump after winter?
To start your pump, follow these steps below:
- Remove any debris from the surface of the pool.
- Check the water level of the pool. Make sure it is not less than halfway up the skimmer inlet. You don’t want air being sucked into the pump and causing damage.
- Check all fittings. Ensure that all the drain plugs are properly fitted. Remove the plugs from the skimmer and return jets.
- Prime the pump. Priming the pump involves removing air contained in the pump by pouring in water. This step is important before starting the pump. You don’t want the pump to run dry.
Try filling up the pump with water from a hose and then try turning it on. It might gurgle a bit, but after that period, the pump begins its job.
Should I cover my pool filter for winter?
It is not necessary to cover your pool filter during the winter. Some individuals might choose to do this. Pool equipment is designed to withstand winter conditions. The most important thing that you must consider is ensuring that you winterize the pool filter very well.
Does pool filter sand need to be changed?
On average, sand filters should be changed every 3 to 5 years. You will know to change it when the pressure reduces. In this case, the water will have a hard time coming out. Then you know it is time to change the sand. But if it is in good working condition, you might not need to change it even after 5 years.
What chemicals do you put in the pool for winter?
- Chlorine-Free Pool Shock: This will help kill algae and harmful bacteria. Add it 2 days before closing the pool.
- Stain & Scale Treatment: This is to prevent metal buildup in your pool.
- Winter Algaecide: Its primary purpose is to kill algae.
- Muriatic acid: This helps to lower the pH of a pool.
- Metal sequestrants: they prevent metal from staining a pool.
- Baking soda: this raises the pH and alkalinity of a pool.
- Soda ash: a cheaper alternative to baking soda. It also increases the alkalinity and pH of a pool considerably.
What happens if you don’t close your pool?
Failure to close your pool over the winter can cause some problems. Debris, leaves, branches, and dirt can easily build up in your pool. This can cause unnecessary issues, especially when you open it up in the springtime. In addition, this falling matter can use up the chemicals you must have added over the winter.
Should I add algaecide when closing the pool?
You should add algaecides before closing your pool for the winter. You don’t want to wake up to a potentially messy situation once spring breaks. Algal infestation is really a thing.
