Bring sand pump inside for Winter

[Javajo91]

Good morning. First time closing pool. I read the article on this site under pool equipment and it mentions bringing the pump indoors but not the filter. Should I just drain and cover it? Also it mentions draining the pool 6" below the skimmer. Part of my pool package was this cover for the skimmer opening. What do i use that for? Lastly how do i seal up my return port?

Update. Saw a "Blue Wave" pool cover on Amazon for 55 bucks. If I get one New Jersey winter I'll be happy. Thoughts? How many 4x4 pool pillows to buy...should I buy enough to cover pool?

Appologies for all the questions. First closing anxiety. Envious of all you folks in warm climates!

Thanks again

 

[JVTrain]

The skimmer cover is used if you don't want to drain the pool below the skimmer. Sometimes this is necessary such as when there is an autocover and the cover should rest on the pool water over the winter. There are many levels to close at, depending on the type of pool, the height of skimmers and returns, etc. Drain none, drain below skimmers or drain below returns.

Personally, I drain below the skimmer for sure and have also drained below the returns. I have a standard safety cover and don't have skimmer covers, so those drain heights work for me. My returns aren't much lower than the bottom of my skimmer so it's basically not much different. Both heights allow my safety cover to rest on the water just a little in the center, without being deeply frozen into the water.

If you completely drain your pump and filter, they can be left outside. Mine stay outside all winter (as an inground pool). If you prefer to bring them inside, that's fine too, but as long as they are completely drained, either is fine. Covering them up is nice too.

To close your return(s), you can use a basic 1.5" cap nut in most cases. Remove the eyeball and install one of these:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002ZJ1K9O/ref=pd_luc_rh_bxgy_01_04_t_img_lh?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
There are also fancy "duck" fittings that are used in IG pools, but probably not necessary for an AG pool:

I don't use pillows, but I have an IG pool so perhaps checking through some threads about closing in the AG pool forum might have some more insight.

 

[Javajo91]

The skimmer cover is used if you don't want to drain the pool below the skimmer. Sometimes this is necessary such as when there is an autocover and the cover should rest on the pool water over the winter. There are many levels to close at, depending on the type of pool, the height of skimmers and returns, etc. Drain none, drain below skimmers or drain below returns.

Personally, I drain below the skimmer for sure and have also drained below the returns. I have a standard safety cover and don't have skimmer covers, so those drain heights work for me. My returns aren't much lower than the bottom of my skimmer so it's basically not much different. Both heights allow my safety cover to rest on the water just a little in the center, without being deeply frozen into the water.

If you completely drain your pump and filter, they can be left outside. Mine stay outside all winter (as an inground pool). If you prefer to bring them inside, that's fine too, but as long as they are completely drained, either is fine. Covering them up is nice too.

To close your return(s), you can use a basic 1.5" cap nut in most cases. Remove the eyeball and install one of these:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002ZJ1K9O/ref=pd_luc_rh_bxgy_01_04_t_img_lh?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
There are also fancy "duck" fittings that are used in IG pools, but probably not necessary for an AG pool:

I don't use pillows, but I have an IG pool so perhaps checking through some threads about closing in the AG pool forum might have some more insight.

Thanks so much Joel. Much appreciated.

 

[jeffchap]

I used a solar blanket instead of pillows and it worked well. If you don't have one already, you might consider that and then you'll have it to help extend your swimming season a little as well.

 

[JoeSelf]

see this post of mine on how I close. I get a new cover every year.

Closing procedures in NY

Add this: Drain & leave filter outside . You can cover the muti-valve. I bring the pump into the garage.

 

[Javajo91]

I used a solar blanket instead of pillows and it worked well. If you don't have one already, you might consider that and then you'll have it to help extend your swimming season a little as well.

Morning Jeff - How doyou use the blanket? Do you fold it up and toss under the cover?

 

[jeffchap]

I just spread it out normally and then put the cover on over it. The blanket floats, as it's just glorified bubble wrap, and it keeps the cover from sinking into the water.

 

[Javajo91]

I just spread it out normally and then put the cover on over it. The blanket floats, as it's just glorified bubble wrap, and it keeps the cover from sinking into the water.

ah. got it. Thank you!

 

[niteshift38]

I can address the sand filter issue. I unhook both the hoses (skimmer and return) at the filter. Drain the sand tank and pump basket. I Leave the plug off of the sand tank (just placing it on the multivalve after setting it to winter) and re-plug the pump basket drain plug. Next, I fill the pump basket with RV Antifreeze until it overflows out the fitting where the skimmer hose attaches (this keeps the pump itself full of antifreeze). Finally, I cover the entire thing (sand tank & pump & motor) with plastic. Hope this helps!

P.S. I use the RV antifreeze because I figured if it works for my camper, it should work for the pump basket and pump itself. (Knock on wood, never had that not work)

 

[Javajo91]

I can address the sand filter issue. I unhook both the hoses (skimmer and return) at the filter. Drain the sand tank and pump basket. I Leave the plug off of the sand tank (just placing it on the multivalve after setting it to winter) and re-plug the pump basket drain plug. Next, I fill the pump basket with RV Antifreeze until it overflows out the fitting where the skimmer hose attaches (this keeps the pump itself full of antifreeze). Finally, I cover the entire thing (sand tank & pump & motor) with plastic. Hope this helps!

P.S. I use the RV antifreeze because I figured if it works for my camper, it should work for the pump basket and pump itself. (Knock on wood, never had that not work)

Thank you!