Closing Pool 1st Time....How to close the filter

[Glock30]

All,
I live in Massachusetts and I am closing my I/G for the 1st time.
With my Sta-rite cartridge filter, I have cleaned the filters, drained the water etc etc.
Do I fully clamp the filter lid and store it like that for the winter or do I just snug down the clamps to keep out mice and not compress the seal all the way?
If the latter, I would leave a note telling myself that it is not tight before startup in the spring.
Thanks

 

[Bama Rambler]

I would remove the cartridges and store them separately and not compress the seal on the housing. But that's just me. Then next year it's a no-brainer. You won't have to try and remember that you left the seal loose. When you replace the cartridges in the housing you'll tighten the seal then.