Many pool owners dislike winter, not just because of the cold weather, but also because of the effect it has on their pool.
During summer, everything feels cozy and smooth while chilling in your pool. Then eventually, winter comes by and you can barely step outside without putting on a jacket. Talk more about going into a pool.
The problem with the winter period is not just how it prevents you from using your pool, but the threat it poses to your pool during the period.
Now, we’ll be looking at some of the ways you can keep your above-ground pool safe during the summer season.
- Winterize your sand filter system by performing a backwash and turning off the power after the water runs clear from the nozzle. Again, after backwashing, move the valve to the rinse position and allow it to run for 30 seconds.
- Rinse the valve after a backwash and place it on the winterized setting on the top mount valve.
- Drain all the water from the filter tank by unscrewing and removing the drain cap on the bottom of the filter barrel. Find a safe place and keep the cap there till you next need it or open the pool again.
- Remove all the hoses from the filter, including the pump and drain.
Winterizing a pool during the winter season is critical for pool safety; otherwise, the winter season may come and go with your pool (damaging your pool before it leaves).
Here are ways you can winterize your above-ground pool sand filter and heater.
- Blow through the sand filter, pump, and heater. You must blow on the pipes that connect them until you hear no more water. Set the filter to re-circulate if you have settings like that. It helps send the water through the filter head itself and not the tank.
- Now, without changing your blower or filter head settings, this turns off the blower and removes the sand filter pressure gauge and the backwash sight glass. Store them safely. Lastly, turn on the blower again. This will help eject the remaining water in the sand filter.
- Turn off the blower and change the filter settings to “winter.” If your sand filter does not have the winter setting option, kindly push the filter handle as if you’re going to change settings but leave it at the edge without arriving at any option. Now all your ports are open from leaving the handle at the edge. Blow through the sand filter one last time to ensure there’s no more moisture in it.
- Finally, remove the sand filter plug from the tank to drain it; keep it in a safe place so you don’t lose it and can easily retrieve it when needed.
How do you prepare a sand pool filter for winter?
Without the proper knowledge, a lot can go wrong in the process of preparing for winter, especially if you’re a pool novice.
Here are ways you can effectively prepare for winter.
- Remove all pool accessories, including skimmer baskets, hoses, ladders, solar blankets, and so on. Clean them and keep them in a safe area.
- Thoroughly clean the pool: Make sure the pool is thoroughly cleaned, and remove any leaves, silt, debris, or other dirt particles from the surface. This will help keep the chemical level balanced and prevent bacteria growth.
- Adjust the chemistry: Before closing the pool, test the water chemistry level for balance. If it’s not, try to adjust it.
- Lower the water level: Lower the water level by six inches below the skimmer. This is important, especially if you don’t have a skimmer cover, as it’ll prevent freezing.
- Drain and store the equipment. Drain the equipment to avoid freezing.
- Put shock and algaecide: Shock the water and add algaecide one last time before you close the pool to kill bacteria and algae.
- Finally, cover the pool.
How do I winterize my above-ground pool filter and pump?
Winter is never as easy as other seasons, especially not for pool owners, and this phase comes with a lot of thinking and learning in order not to make any drastic mistakes that can pose a great threat to your pool in the winter season.
As stated below, winterizing your above ground pump and filter can take a few steps.
- You can close the pool during the winter but do not drain it. Drain the pool water below the water level to avoid the water getting into your sand filter system and freezing.
- During the winter, it is very necessary that you keep your pump on. Your pump must be running in order to avoid being frozen by the cold weather conditions that the winter season brings. The heat generated during the process of the pump running will not allow the water to freeze.
- Ensure that you blow your filter completely out. Open up the valves and pipes to make sure there’s no water or moisture left in them to avoid damage or it getting frozen.
How far down should I drain my above-ground pool for winter?
When winter comes, pool owners often have questions and don’t know what to do, especially new pool owners who have never had a pool in the winter before. This article tends to do justice to that; it covers everything you need to know and do for your pool during the winter period.
The winter season comes with a lot of cold that makes it impossible for you to enjoy your pool. Imagine having water poured on you while sitting in the freezer. Not nice, right? This is what it feels like when you use the pool during the winter.
So, protecting and safeguarding your pool during this period is a priority.
It is advised that you drain during the turn to prevent the water jet from freezing and expanding due to the winter temperatures. After draining the water, place an airtight water plug in the return jet, then attach a skimmer plate inside the pool on the skimmer opening.
Also, if your pool is an above-ground pool, you should drain the pool one inch below the skimmer opening. If you live in an area with more precipitation, drain it up to six inches below the skimmer.
The same thing goes for in-ground pools; drain the water not more than six inches below the skimmer opening.
How do I keep my above-ground pool from freezing in the winter?
Pools getting frozen is one of the biggest issues for pool owners when the winter period begins. It could be very devastating to see your pool get frozen, so we’ve put together some things you can do to keep your pool from freezing during the winter.
- Get a pool pillow: Place a pillow on top of your pool to keep the water from becoming completely stagnant and freezing. A pool pillow can help your pool in the winter period.
- Put a cover on your pool: A pool cover is very important, especially during the winter season. It covers your pool completely from snow and debris and prevents it from freezing.
- Always remove snow and ice: If your pool is without a cover or pillow on the surface, then you have to watch out for snow on the surface of the pool and make it a duty to remove it immediately before it freezes up your pool.
- Use a pool cover pump to remove snow and rain from your pool cover. Install a submersible pump at the top of your pool cover to remove snow and water and keep it from freezing.
Does an above-ground pool freeze solid?
Above-ground pools can freeze solid if they are not drained or covered during the winter season. Negative temperatures can freeze up above-ground pools within days.
What chemicals are needed to close an above-ground pool?
There are a few chemicals you need to add to your pool before closing for the winter.
- Chlorine-free pool shock: At least 2-3 days before closing the pool.
- Stain and scale treatment: apply 1-2 days before pool closing.
- Winter algaecide: Add to the pool before closing.
- Winter floater: Place into the pool just before closing.
Do I need to run my above-ground pool pump in the winter?
You must run your above-ground pool pump if you do not want your water/pipes to be frozen, which can cause them to expand and crack.
Should I shock my pool before closing?
Yes, it is important that the pool be shocked before winterizing to have a safe and clean pool in the summer.
Can you winterize a green pool?
You can winterize a green pool (the green growth levels), but it is not the best thing to do. The green color in a pool is caused by algae growth, and it is best to treat that first. Test the water, balance the levels, then you can winterize, else it might even be worse by the following summer.
How do you keep your pool from turning green in the winter?
You can keep your pool from turning green in the winter by treating and maintaining it. Checking chemical levels and applying algaecide before closing for the winter can go a long way in helping your pool stay green-free.
What happens if you close a pool with algae in it?
Closing a pool with algae in it will only allow further growth of generations of algae. Closing an algae-infested pool and lowering the water level will only cause water saturation and more dead cells.
