iFit:
Please read up on the information from JVTrain. I would
not recommend watching the pool company or hiring them this year. You have made a wonderful decision to purchase the Cyclone. It is actually less expensive than prior years. Below, I have linked a thread with the 3' 1.5" hose that you will need. Even though I created a modified cover, ironically the hose is flexible enough to be inserted in the pump basket. One side is just pressed against opening.
1. Cyclone Blower (EXCELLENT CHOICE)
2. Plugs for 2 jets (PLEASE ONLY USE THE BLACK RUBBER EXPANDABLE PLUGS)- PURCHASE 2 ADDITIONAL PLUGS (# 11 & # 10) FOR PUMP BASKET HOUSING. YOU HAVE SAME MODEL
3. Plug and cap for skimmer (WOULD RECOMMEND A GIZMO)
4. Antifreeze (IMHO, NOT NEEDED. BUT A COMFORT LEVEL FOR YOU. WESTCHESTER IS COLD, BUT NOT THAT COLD)
5. Small Pool Chemical Closing Kit. (ONLY ITEMS NEEDED ARE LIQUID BLEACH AND KEMTEK POLY-QUAT 60) and the algaecide can be purchased on Amazon.
6. Water Chemistry Test Kit (EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. PLEASE PURCHASE ONE OF THE RECOMMENDED TEST KITS AND HIGHLY SUGGEST SPEED STIR)
Modified Cover for Swimming Pools
Modified Cover for Hayward Super Pump for Closing Swimming Pool
Your pool guy may close it differently than you would. So forget him.
It is highly suggested you lower the water 2" below the skimmers. With your pool, close the main drain and blow out the skimmers and vacuum while water is gushing out. Then close the skimmer with a Gizmo. Now open the main drain and allow the main drain to bubble for 45 seconds to 1 minute (a lot of fun watching the wave). Close the valve first and quickly shut off blower. Now as a secondary precaution plug the suction side with a black rubber plug.
Now, set the filter to circulate and start pushing air to the return jets. Allow to run for a few seconds (at least 30). You may find that both of them will blow as the Cyclone is real powerful. Plug the first return (use goggles to make sure there are no leaks). Now move on to the next and plug the second return. Have someone shut off the Cyclone within a few seconds not to build backpressure.
Next winterize your filter and equipment. I no longer remove any plugs from the pump basket. If completely dry and closed, there is no need and you could eventually strip them, which in turn will cost a lot to replace.
Winterizing your Sand Filter (same as other sand filters with multi-port)
Interesting to note: Hayward Manual for the S244T 24" 300# sand filter, states only this in their instructions for winterizing:
WINTERIZING
1. Completely drain tank by unscrewing drain cap at base of filter tank. Leave cap off during winter.
2. Depress Vari-Flo control valve handle and rotate so as to set pointer on valve top between any two positions. This will allow water to drain from the valve. Leave valve in this "inactive" position.
winterizing with a sand filter
Any questions, please write back. Pictures are always helpful.