Hello,
We recently acquired a house that came with an Splash Brand Omega 20 pool. This pool holds 9000 gallons according to the website:
::SPLASH SUPERPOOLS::
http://www.splashpools.com/getFile.asp?fileName=SplashPoolManual2.pdf
it has a 75gpm pump and uses a Cartridge based filter system, possibly a bad PSI gauge.
Being North Dakota, it can get beastly cold so I am looking for info on how to properly winterize this pool, based on questions I have come up with from reading the TFP guide.
So lets get it going!
1. Drain water to 6" below lowest return/skimmer opening and hoses/fittings removed.
QUESTION:
On this pool, I see the return line from the filter as well as the part where the water goes into the pump / filter combo which is described in the manual as the intake, and there is a area that is plugged probably 6 to 12 inches (maybe a bit more, memory here) above it which from the manual is the skimmer hold down. The manual says to drain below the Return Fitting, should I go with that or the skimmer opening that is plugged?
2. Skimmer/return plugs or "gizmos" may be installed or they may be left open - this is a personal choice for each pool owner
QUESTION:
What exactly are "gizmos" and what exactly do they do and there advantages / disadvantages?
3. A polyquat algaecide may be administered per dosing instructions on product (optional.) Distribute evenly with brush, leaf rake or leaf skimmer.
QUESTION:
- What is a specific algaecide recommended?
- What should be looked for / avoided in a chemical list for an algaecide?
- When can this be applied exactly (not sure if what was listed was in order)?
4. Drain filters/pump well and remove pump, hoses and fittings. Inspect all items for evidence of damage or excessive wear and plan to order replacements before spring.
QUESTION:
- When draining a Catridge based filter, what is the best method? (stand upside down, etc) and how long?
- Also, any use in storing these say indoors where its temp controlled or is that over kill?
5. Remove muti-port/spider gasket. Smaller fittings, hardware and filter drain plugs can be stored inside pump pot basket - lube pump pot basket with silicone lube. Remaining pump hardware can be placed inside gallon zip-lock bag and taped to side of pump.
QUESTION:
Looking in the manual for the pool, I don't see something described this way but could be wrong? In this case, anyone have any ideas?
6. If using a winter cover, install per manufacturers instructions (i.e., pillows and anchoring)
QUESTION:
- For this, what exactly is the difference between say a specific "winter cover" versus a cover? Reason I ask is the previous owner mentioned they go through covers (and others in the area) in like 1 year like its common. But I think its not a true "winter" cover.
- I have heard of a cover that lets water seap through or something to that affect, is there one such as that and thoughts on it?
- I also noticed that there are these metal "plates" around the permitter of the pool as if it was used to strap to. anyone know what these are? (I will post a pic later when I get the chance)
- Are there a particular brand of pillows to use that are good? I have heard of people using inner tubes and filled (or not?) empty bleach bottles, any info on that?
7. Pool Antifreeze:
QUESTION:
- What do you recommend for a specific brand and / or stuff to look for in the ingredients?
GENERAL QUESTION:
- We have an algae problem due to I believe CYA high levels, does it pay to clean and refill now or just due it after winterization and in the spring?
I appologize for all the questions, I am trying to figure all this out in a quick timeframe as I figure by mid or so September we will start this winterization process, heck, probably won't get in the pool at all it looks like due to the issues
We recently acquired a house that came with an Splash Brand Omega 20 pool. This pool holds 9000 gallons according to the website:
::SPLASH SUPERPOOLS::
http://www.splashpools.com/getFile.asp?fileName=SplashPoolManual2.pdf
it has a 75gpm pump and uses a Cartridge based filter system, possibly a bad PSI gauge.
Being North Dakota, it can get beastly cold so I am looking for info on how to properly winterize this pool, based on questions I have come up with from reading the TFP guide.
So lets get it going!
1. Drain water to 6" below lowest return/skimmer opening and hoses/fittings removed.
QUESTION:
On this pool, I see the return line from the filter as well as the part where the water goes into the pump / filter combo which is described in the manual as the intake, and there is a area that is plugged probably 6 to 12 inches (maybe a bit more, memory here) above it which from the manual is the skimmer hold down. The manual says to drain below the Return Fitting, should I go with that or the skimmer opening that is plugged?
2. Skimmer/return plugs or "gizmos" may be installed or they may be left open - this is a personal choice for each pool owner
QUESTION:
What exactly are "gizmos" and what exactly do they do and there advantages / disadvantages?
3. A polyquat algaecide may be administered per dosing instructions on product (optional.) Distribute evenly with brush, leaf rake or leaf skimmer.
QUESTION:
- What is a specific algaecide recommended?
- What should be looked for / avoided in a chemical list for an algaecide?
- When can this be applied exactly (not sure if what was listed was in order)?
4. Drain filters/pump well and remove pump, hoses and fittings. Inspect all items for evidence of damage or excessive wear and plan to order replacements before spring.
QUESTION:
- When draining a Catridge based filter, what is the best method? (stand upside down, etc) and how long?
- Also, any use in storing these say indoors where its temp controlled or is that over kill?
5. Remove muti-port/spider gasket. Smaller fittings, hardware and filter drain plugs can be stored inside pump pot basket - lube pump pot basket with silicone lube. Remaining pump hardware can be placed inside gallon zip-lock bag and taped to side of pump.
QUESTION:
Looking in the manual for the pool, I don't see something described this way but could be wrong? In this case, anyone have any ideas?
6. If using a winter cover, install per manufacturers instructions (i.e., pillows and anchoring)
QUESTION:
- For this, what exactly is the difference between say a specific "winter cover" versus a cover? Reason I ask is the previous owner mentioned they go through covers (and others in the area) in like 1 year like its common. But I think its not a true "winter" cover.
- I have heard of a cover that lets water seap through or something to that affect, is there one such as that and thoughts on it?
- I also noticed that there are these metal "plates" around the permitter of the pool as if it was used to strap to. anyone know what these are? (I will post a pic later when I get the chance)
- Are there a particular brand of pillows to use that are good? I have heard of people using inner tubes and filled (or not?) empty bleach bottles, any info on that?
7. Pool Antifreeze:
QUESTION:
- What do you recommend for a specific brand and / or stuff to look for in the ingredients?
GENERAL QUESTION:
- We have an algae problem due to I believe CYA high levels, does it pay to clean and refill now or just due it after winterization and in the spring?
I appologize for all the questions, I am trying to figure all this out in a quick timeframe as I figure by mid or so September we will start this winterization process, heck, probably won't get in the pool at all it looks like due to the issues