Closing above ground for winter

Krulligo · Sep 2, 2022

I just wanted to get some clarity on closing an above ground pool for a Canadian winter. I read over the pool school article and it's quite clear what to do with the equipment and water level but no information on what to do with chemistry so that I am able to open to a clean and clear pool in the spring.

Am I safe to say that I should wait for the water to drop to temp of 15C before closing? At this point, I should do a good clean of my pool (brush and vacuum). Then balance alkalinity/pH. Adjust CYA to back up to about 40-50 then right before the cover goes on, add chlorine to shock level for the winter?

What should I expect at opening next season. Will there be any chlorine left in the pool to keep stuff from growing early spring, or is the goal to really open before the water gets above 15C temp?

Texas Splash · Sep 2, 2022

Krulligo said:
Am I safe to say that I should wait for the water to drop to temp of 15C before closing?

That is correct. The colder the better. Along with our link below, I'll addresses a few of your concerns:

- Do one final cleaning of the pool (brush, vacuum, etc).
- With the exception of FC, balance your pool water like normal.
- Now increase the FC to SLAM level as noted on the FC/CYA Levels. Your CYA should be at least 30, but 40-50 is fine.
- You have the option of covering the pool now or adding Polyquat 60 as insurance. If you wish to use the Poly, you may want to allow the FC to fall a bit, say about half of your SLAM level, otherwise the high chlorine will eat-up the Poly anyways.

Open as soon as you can next spring. There should be some residual FC and CYA in the water, but it can vary based on local conditions and when you open.

Closing (Winterizing) Your Above Ground Pool

Closing an above ground pool at season’s end should be a fast and worry-free process. Learn the basics of above ground pool winterization in easy steps.

www.troublefreepool.com

andrexxxo · Oct 7, 2022

Texas Splash said:
That is correct. The colder the better. Along with our link below, I'll addresses a few of your concerns:

- Do one final cleaning of the pool (brush, vacuum, etc).
- With the exception of FC, balance your pool water like normal.
- Now increase the FC to SLAM level as noted on the FC/CYA Levels. Your CYA should be at least 30, but 40-50 is fine.
- You have the option of covering the pool now or adding Polyquat 60 as insurance. If you wish to use the Poly, you may want to allow the FC to fall a bit, say about half of your SLAM level, otherwise the high chlorine will eat-up the Poly anyways.

Open as soon as you can next spring. There should be some residual FC and CYA in the water, but it can vary based on local conditions and when you open.

Closing (Winterizing) Your Above Ground Pool

Closing an above ground pool at season’s end should be a fast and worry-free process. Learn the basics of above ground pool winterization in easy steps.

www.troublefreepool.com

I also have a follow up question: after blowing/vacuuming the water lines do I add some antifreeze to them? if so, Do they get completely filled with antifreeze?

Also, If I choose not to cover, how do I keep the water level from raising too much when under deep freeze and/or snow storms? I dont think it would be ok with the liner to disturb water with ice in it right?

oh and last (lol) , Do I need a plug for the skimmer? mine is an AGP if it makes a difference?

Thanks!

Texas Splash · Oct 7, 2022

andrexxxo said:
after blowing/vacuuming the water lines do I add some antifreeze to them? if so, Do they get completely filled with antifreeze?

That is really a personal choice depending on how well someone feels they cleared the lines. If the lines are clear, antifreeze really isn't necessary, but if water seeps back in it could be worth it. If you wish to add some, the amount depends on the length of your lines. You may won't get them 100% filled, but you hope to focus your attention on the lines closest to teh frost line. The skimmer area is always of prime concern.

Your sig shows an AGP, is that what you still have? Are any lines buried?

andrexxxo · Oct 8, 2022

Yes mine is an AGP. only a very small section is buried and the rest is on ground (about 30-40 feet away)

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Closing above ground for winter

Krulligo

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Texas Splash

Closing (Winterizing) Your Above Ground Pool

andrexxxo

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Closing (Winterizing) Your Above Ground Pool

Texas Splash

andrexxxo

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