How should I CLOSE my Above Ground Pool?

Closing your Above Ground pool:

1. Bring in a water sample to Pools Plus. Proper water chemistry is very important over the long winter months. A pH that is too high or too low can be very damaging to your liner and other pool equipment. Also, closing your pool with algae only means an even dirtier pool in the spring and a longer opening process. Always clear the pool of any algae problems before closing. It will save you time and money in the long run!
2. Vacuum your pool and brush it. Make sure all debris is out of the pool. Leaves and other debris can stain your liner over the winter.
3. Add your Bioguard closing kit:
• Arctic Blue Algae Protector: This is a liquid algaecide that is designed to last in cold water and protect against algae growth. Arctic Blue should be added directly to the pool water.
• Arctic Blue Shock: This is a granular product that both oxidizes and clarifies your pool water. Arctic blue should be broadcast into the pool.
4. Filter the chemicals for 2-4 hours for proper distribution. After the 2-4 hour period, be sure to backwash your sand filter. When you finish backwashing, turn off your pump and switch to waste/drain. Drain the pool to the bottom of the skimmer. Be sure to not let the pump run dry. Keep a close eye on the water level.
5. If you use:
• The Aqua Door Skimmer System, and it is already installed you only need to lower the water level the bottom of the skimmer. After you have done so, simply snap the Aqua Door into place. If the door is a little tight, put the lid in some warm water. This will allow the plastic cover to expand. After you snap the lid in place splash some cooler water on to the cover to make it retract to its normal shape and size.
• The Metal Ice Skimmer Plate only remove the screws from your skimmer plate that correspond with the pre-drilled holes on the Metal Skimmer Plate. Do not remove the face plate!
• If you use neither of these systems drain the pool below the return jet.

* If you have an Aqua Luminator light, properly secure it for the winter by following these steps:

• Remove the back piece from the rear of the light.
• Disconnect the wires.
• Remove the threaded ring.
• Pull light out.
• Install rubber universal adaptor.

6. With the Aqua Door or Metal Ice Plate be sure to unscrew the return jet (or more commonly know as the “eyeball”). After it has been removed, block off with either a threaded plug or an expansion plug. This step should be skipped if you are not using either of these products or something that performs a similar act.
7. Drain the filter tank and pump completely of water.
8. Disconnect the hoses from your skimmer to your pump.
9. Disconnect the hose from your filter to your chlorinator (only if one is installed).
10. Disconnect the hose from your filter to your return.
11. If you have a sand filter:

• Remove the drain plug.
• Move filter handle to “Winterize” or “Closed” position.
• All hoses should be disconnected from the filter system and the pool.
• If possible, bring your pump inside.

12. Turn off electricity to pump.
13. Disconnect the ground wire.
14. Disconnect the union from between the pump and filter (if you have one installed).
15. Remove ladder. If it is a deck to pool ladder be sure to remove the ladder from the flanges.
16. If you have steps installed in your pool you may leave them in the pool. It is recommended that you push the steps towards the middle of the pool if leaving them in. You may also remove them from the pool and store them elsewhere. To do so:

• Remove handrail from the flange to the steps.
• Remove sandbags from steps.
• Carefully raise the steps out of the pool. Do not let the steps drag against liner, you may tear the liner.

17. Inflate your air pillow(s) by using a wet/dry vac or air compressor. Air pillows should only be filled about ¾ of the way. It is recommended that you inflate the air pillow 24 hours before closing the pool. You will be able to detect any leaks in the pillow if done. Pillows should be secured with kite string or fishing line. Your pillow does not need to be centered. The pillow may deflate over the winter.
18. Place your winter cover on your pool, black side down.
19. The cover should be secured by threading the cable provided through each grommet.
20. Once you have completely threaded the cover, take both cable end pieces and thread them through the winch or ratchet. Tighten the winch/ratchet until the cable is tight around the pool.
21. DO NOT use water jugs or any other non pool related objects to secure covers. Any covers that are secured in this matter will not be covered under any manufacturer’s warranty.
22. A small amount of water on your pool cover is expectable. This will add extra weight to your cover. Excessive water should be pumped off the cover to prevent ripping.
23. Cover clips may also be used for extra security of your cover.
24. If you have a D.E. Filter now is a good time to chemically treat it. Strip Quick or Kleen It should be used. Both of these products can be purchased at Pools Plus. At Pools Plus we can perform this service for you for a small fee.
25. Remember, if you have any questions contact us at Pools Plus and we will be glad to help you!