How To Winterize An Inground Pool In 9 Easy Steps
- Step 1. Clean your pool. The first step in closing your pool for the winter is to give it a thorough cleaning. Manually...
- Step 2. Test & balance your pool water. You'll now need to test your water to make sure all the chemicals are properly...
- Step 3. Add your winterizing chemicals. I mentioned earlier that you'd need a...
How do I drain the water from my pool skimmer?
Some skimmers have two holes in the bottom. The hole furthest away from the pool is the line that goes back to the pump. The hole closest to the pool would be the one that connects to the main drain. This is called an equalizer line. Since you drained the pool below the skimmer, the water level in the main drain pipe should be lower as well.
How do you plug a main drain during winterizing?
To plug a main drain during the pool winterizing process, first make sure that your pump is off and disconnected from power. Next, use a screwdriver to unscrew the lip of the main drain lid and take the lid off.
How do you blow air out of a pool drain?
To blow out the main drain, block the airflow as above, and then open the main drain valve. After air has been bubbling strong for 30 seconds, close off the main drain valve tightly, while the air is still blowing. While the Cyclone will always blow out main drains, some wet/dry vacs will not, especially on deeper pools.
How do I winterize my Pool?
When winterizing, it’s better to be on the high end of each chemical range. The chemicals will wear out eventually, but if they’re relatively high to start with, they’ll last longer. Adding an algaecide is optional, but usually a good idea. Once you’re done adjusting the chemicals, clear the lines in your pool.
How do I close my main pool drain valve?
0:163:12Explanation of Skimmer and Main Drain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can switch that to point the off towards the MD MD for main drain and that means all our water isMoreWe can switch that to point the off towards the MD MD for main drain and that means all our water is now coming from this side which is SK I am the skimmer side.
How do I winterize my underground pool plumbing?
0:075:34Winterize a Pool - Blow Out Lines, part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're gonna adapt this vacuum running it backwards to blow air through this hose to this pipe. WhichMoreWe're gonna adapt this vacuum running it backwards to blow air through this hose to this pipe. Which is adapted to a two-inch threaded fitting in the bottom of the skimmer.
How do you winterize a main drain on an above ground pool?
2:157:36Closing Your Pool installed with a Main Drain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will have a hose going to the top of the valve from the skimmer. And then a hose coming from theMoreYou will have a hose going to the top of the valve from the skimmer. And then a hose coming from the back of the valve to the return of the pool.
Should my main pool drain be open or closed?
For proper water circulation, it is best to position the flap so that it is about 2/3 closed. This will allow for more flow through the main drain than through the skimmer, which will promote a "bottom-to-top" circulation throughout the pool.
Will underground pool pipes freeze?
As long as water is moving through all pipes and all equipment, nothing will freeze. Water in underground pipes won't freeze right away, it takes several days of below freezing temps before the soil freezes.
How far drain inground pool winter?
In-Ground Pools Drain the water down to no more than 6 inches from the bottom of the skimmer if you plan to use a standard floating winter cover. Use your pool filter, switched to the "Drain" setting, to empty the pool water.
Where is the pool main drain valve?
The main drains are usually located on the lowest point in the pool, so the entire pool surface slants toward them. Most of the dirt and debris that sinks exits the pool through these drains.
Do I need to lower the water level in my above-ground pool for winter?
When winterizing your above ground pool, lower the water level around 4" to 6" below the skimmer. You can do this with a submersible pump or by siphoning the water out with a short garden hose.
What is the purpose of a main drain in a pool?
The main drain for a pool is a suction port that should be located at the deepest point on the pool floor. A main drain is responsible for aiding in the circulation and filtration of the pool water. Having a properly working and dedicated main drain line can also allow you to fully drain your pool if necessary.
What is the main drain on inground pool?
The main drain is the primary way that water is drawn from your pool into the pump and filter. The main drain is located on the bottom of the pool in the deepest part. Most pools have one, but larger pools may have multiple main drains. Main drains must be protected by an approved cover.
How do I know if main drain in pool is working?
The test is as simple as this: put a leaf on your main drain. If it floats around a bit, your main drain isn't working, which usually means that it's clogged up with debris. If the leaf sticks, your main drain is in working order.
How do you drain a pool with a main drain?
0:492:49How to Drain Water From an In-Ground Pool With a ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing you would do is locate your valve. And this valve right here has a suction for theMoreThe first thing you would do is locate your valve. And this valve right here has a suction for the skimmer as well as a suction for the main drain as well as an off position.
How do you winterize an inground pool bottom drain?
0:442:32How do I winterize my main drain line? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn the blower on and wait for the bubbles to emerge in the main drain. Let that continue for 30MoreTurn the blower on and wait for the bubbles to emerge in the main drain. Let that continue for 30 seconds or so and with the blower still running close the valve. This will create an air pocket.
How do I keep my pool pipes from freezing?
Clear pipes and equipment of water using a blower or compressor and plug the pipes at the pool. Add swimming pool antifreeze to the lines to prevent freezing. Place a Gizzmo* (or similar device) in the skimmer to seal it and absorb pressure from ice.
How do you put antifreeze in pool pipes?
2:094:03Winterize a Pool - Chemicals and Antifreeze - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it needs to be safe for swimming. So let's start by adding the half gallon antifreeze there'sMoreAnd it needs to be safe for swimming. So let's start by adding the half gallon antifreeze there's nothing tricky about it you simply pour it down the open hole in the bottom of your. Skimmer.
How do I prepare my inground pool for winter?
How to Winterize Your Inground PoolRemove Ladders and Accessories. Loosen the ladder anchor socket bolt. ... Balance Water Chemistry. ... Clean the Pool. ... Lower the Water Level. ... Turn off System Components. ... Add Winter Closing Kit Chemicals. ... Drain Pump and Filter. ... Blow out Water Lines.More items...•
How to winterize pool water?
For winterizing, it’s generally better to be on the high end of each chemical range. The chemicals will wear out eventually, but if they’re relatively high to start with, they’ll last longer.
Why is winterizing a pool important?
Winterizing a pool is essential for avoiding a variety of problems. Here are the most common threats winter poses:
How does freezing affect pool chemistry?
Cold and freezing temperatures can affect your pool chemistry. While the temperatures usually inhibit the growth of algae and bacteria, improperly winterizing your pool could throw the chemical balance off and lead to structural damage.
How long does a winterizing kit last in a pool?
Many pool stores sell winterizing chemical kits that should last for the entire season. Use one of these in your pool and follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly.
What to put in pool while it's open?
Accessories include toys, pool ladders, and anything else you might leave in or around your pool while it’s open. Thoroughly clean them, then store them in a dry area away from sunlight.
What is an air pillow in a pool?
Sometimes known as ice compensators, pool air pillows help to balance out the weight of any ice and snow that fall on top of your cover. The pad should be placed around the middle of the pool and ideally kept there somehow.
Can you winterize a pool when it gets too cold?
Unfortunately, cold snaps can be unpredictable, and homeowners like you don’t always have the opportunity to winterize things properly before it gets too cold outside. In these cases, the best option is to keep your pump running and winterize your pool as soon as possible.
When winterizing a pool, should you always clean out your filter?
When winterizing a pool, you should always clean out your filter.
How to get water out of winter cover?
Start by using a cover pump to move water off the winter cover, and then remove the cover. At this point your water should either be pretty clean, or pretty green.
What does "winterizing" mean in swimming?
Winterizing refers to closing down a swimming pool during the winter months ; important if you live in a 4-season climate and want to protect the structure year-round.
How to attach a shop vac to a pool?
Attach your Shop-Vac to the pool’s return lines using a hose extension and duct tape. Turn it on so it blows air into the return line, pushing water out of the return jets.
Why do you need a pool pump?
A pool cover pump is essential for moving water off the cover. Not only does it protect the cover from water damage, but stagnant water can introduce algae growth and also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
What happens when a pool is disconnected?
With the filtration system disconnected during the cold months, the stagnant water in the pool will quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, as well as algae blooms.
How much does it cost to close a pool?
Pool professionals charge anywhere from $150 to $300 to close a pool, so many pool owners take it upon themselves to learn the winterization process and save money.
What does it mean to winterize a pool?
To “Winterize” pool plumbing means to use air to remove the water from all of the pipes and equipment, to prevent costly freeze damage repairs. Today, I’ll explain how to use a blower to winterize an inground pool….
How to blow out a main drain?
To blow out the main drain, block the airflow as above, and then open the main drain valve. After air has been bubbling strong for 30 seconds, close off the main drain valve tightly, while the air is still blowing.
How to connect a wet vac to a skimmer?
Wet/Dry vacs however, usually have a fat 3 or 4″ hose, that you need to connect to a smaller pipe or hose, or series of hoses, with lots of duct tape. Either thread a male pipe adapter and about 2′ of PVC pipe into the skimmer, or use a hose adapter and a 1-1/2″ filter hose. Then duct tape them together to make an air tight seal.
How to blow out a skimmer line?
Turn on your blower, and let it run until it’s just barely spitting water, or spraying droplets. You’ve just blown out the skimmer line, congratulations.
Where is the air bubbling in a pool?
You should soon see the air bubbling at the pool wall return lines. If not, check for air loss (the air has to go somewhere). As the return pipes blow, it will begin strongest out of the wall return that is closest to the pump.
