Closing a Bestway Max 18’ AGP in Upstate NY

buckybun

Member
Nov 9, 2013
5
Looking for advice here..we just put up an 18’ Bestway AGP this summer and it’s time to close it here in upstate NY. We used to have an Atlantic 18’ AGP for the past 20+ years so I wanted to use a procedure as close as possible to that one but wanted to run it by you all to see if it’s ok? I’ve seen a few YouTube videos from people in the NE who say it’s no issue but still…I want to be sure:

1: Pool level is probably 2” from max right now. I didn’t want to drain it since we have a well and refilling it in the spring is going to be taxing to the well pump. Also have concerns about draining it too far down and then the weight of the cover and any snowpack might cause the walls to move inward.
2: Will disconnect the hoses to the returns and filter valve port and stopcock the 2 return lines. Not sure if there’s any means to protect the filter valve port. It does sit higher in the pool than the others but it would still involve draining about a foot of water out of the pool and that will still tax the well in the spring.
3: I have a mesh cover that I used in our old 18” AGP that’s in good shape so I was going to use it for this one. Also going to use a 4x5 ice pillow in the middle.
4: For snows where the here is a heavier accumulation, I was going to clean off the cover of snow to help with weight.
5: Pump and filter will be stored inside.

Basically wondering if there’s something I can use to plug the filter valve port and then drain any excess water from the valve itself. Also wondering if my “plan to close” would work…we only need the pool to last another summer as we’ll be moving next fall. Thank you in advance.
 
The pool came with Abe Lincoln style 'hats' to plug all the openings. If you threw them out not knowing better, then standard issue expanding rubber plugs will work great. Any hardware store or home center has them.

Then remove and drain the plumbing and equipment. Bringing it indoors is optional, but i opt, myself.

The pillow is also optional, and i would not opt, but no harm if you do.

If you get a bad snowstorm, chances are the pool is already frozen and will easily support the weight of the snow until it's convienent to brush off (so it doesn't overfill you when it melts through the mesh)
 
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