![\"Above](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wetheadmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pictures\/2009\/08\/Above-Ground-Winter-Pool-Cover.jpg?resize=457%2C250&ssl=1\" "\\"Above")
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The end of swimming season is near, and it’s time to begin preparing for winterizing the above ground swimming pool.\u00a0 Here is a handy guide for preparing your pool for the winter season:<\/p>\n
Step 1<\/strong> Step 2<\/strong> Step 3<\/strong> Step 4<\/strong> Step 5<\/strong> Step 6<\/strong> Step 7<\/strong> If your pool is hard plumbed, use an air compressor or shop vac\u00a0(attached to the blower side of the vac) to blow water out of the system by forcing air down the skimmer and through the plumbing.<\/p>\n Step 8<\/strong> Step 9<\/strong> If covering your pool with a winter cover, place the cover over the pool, then thread the cable through the\u00a0loops or grommets. Use the winch provided with the cover to tighten the cable.<\/p>\n If your above ground pool has a deck, place wall bags<\/a> end to end around the edge of the pool. Fill the bags 3\/4 full\u00a0with water.\u00a0 Do not over-fill because the bags could burst when the water inside freezes.\u00a0\u00a0Never use bricks, concrete blocks, etc. to secure the cover because they can damage your pool cover or your pool.<\/p>\n
\nBefore closing\u00a0your pool, make sure\u00a0the water is chemically balanced. Adjust the chemical levels if necessary. Chemically balanced water protects the pool from corrosion or scale buildup that can occur while the pool is not in use. Your chemical levels should be as follows:<\/p>\n\n
\nRemove all deck equipment, including ladders, stairs, etc.<\/p>\n
\nBrush down the sides and floor of your pool and then vacuum.\u00a0 This step prevents staining, which\u00a0can occur if any dirt or debris is left to sit in the pool.<\/p>\n
\nAdd winterizing chemicals<\/a>\u00a0by broadcasting them into the deep end of the pool.\u00a0 These chemicals\u00a0help protect water quality during the off season months.<\/p>\n
\nClean the filter, skimmer, and pump basket. Remove all unused chlorine product from the chlorinator. Cartridge filter elements and D.E. grids should be cleaned and stored. If you have a sand filter, backwash it.<\/p>\n
\nSome people insert a\u00a0skimmer guard<\/a> into the skimmer and plug the return line. Others lower the water in the pool below the returns (where the water jets into the pool) and the skimmer. Either method is fine —\u00a0the choice made is based on personal preference. NEVER COMPLETELY DRAIN A POOL! <\/strong>This can cause your above ground pool to collapse.<\/p>\n
\nIf your pool is plumbed with detachable, flexible hoses, remove them\u00a0and store\u00a0for the winter. Remove all drain plugs from the pump, filter tank, and any other pool equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific equipment. Place all drain plugs in the pump basket for storage.<\/p>\n
\nIf you are using an air pillow<\/a>, inflate it\u00a0by using a shop vac. Tie the air pillow at two places and position it in the center of the pool. Tie strings to the pool wall so the pillow will not move during installation of the\u00a0pool cover. Air pillows are commonly used, but not absolutely necessary. They are a good idea in colder climates in case the water freezes and expands. The water will freeze inwards on the pillow instead of outwards which can potentially damage the pool wall. Pillows are NOT used to create a dome-like effect to keep rain off of the cover.\u00a0 Rain water will always settle around the pillow.<\/p>\n
\nPlace an above ground pool\u00a0winter cover<\/a> over the pool surface, black side down.\u00a0 Some homeowners who have children or pets\u00a0prefer to cover the pool with a\u00a0safety cover<\/a>\u00a0over the winter.<\/p>\n