Hello everyone,
Based on our relatively mild climate (Pacific Northwest), I am trying to winterize per pool store instructions.
I got everything opened up and drained. Ran into two problems.
First, when removing the hoses from the pool filter intake and outlets, do I unscrew the hoses using a plumber’s wrench? The problem is this leaves the hose twisted five times on itself, leaving kings and I’m sure shortening its life. But I couldn’t figure out another way to do it so that’s what I did.
Second, the pool store states the filter should not be brought in for the winter. It is a sand filter and pretty heavy, I don’t know how I would do it anyway. But on a related problem, because I can’t move the sand filter, I can’t access the screws used to hold the pump to the equipment pad, and they somewhat stripped one of the screws when they installed it anyway, which means I can’t bring the pump in. I was told that is not required in our climate though preferred as it may extend the life of the pump. But given I can’t seem to move the filter... I think if I did move the filter off the pad (it seems stuck on) I might have enough leverage on the one screw to really get it off and therefore get the pump inside. It’s a bit of a catch 22. Suggestions?
I could always call the store to do this the first year but really it’s not hard if I can figure out the above.
Based on our relatively mild climate (Pacific Northwest), I am trying to winterize per pool store instructions.
I got everything opened up and drained. Ran into two problems.
First, when removing the hoses from the pool filter intake and outlets, do I unscrew the hoses using a plumber’s wrench? The problem is this leaves the hose twisted five times on itself, leaving kings and I’m sure shortening its life. But I couldn’t figure out another way to do it so that’s what I did.
Second, the pool store states the filter should not be brought in for the winter. It is a sand filter and pretty heavy, I don’t know how I would do it anyway. But on a related problem, because I can’t move the sand filter, I can’t access the screws used to hold the pump to the equipment pad, and they somewhat stripped one of the screws when they installed it anyway, which means I can’t bring the pump in. I was told that is not required in our climate though preferred as it may extend the life of the pump. But given I can’t seem to move the filter... I think if I did move the filter off the pad (it seems stuck on) I might have enough leverage on the one screw to really get it off and therefore get the pump inside. It’s a bit of a catch 22. Suggestions?
I could always call the store to do this the first year but really it’s not hard if I can figure out the above.
I would recomend removing the gauge as well since they take a beating in harsh cold weather. They aren't too expensive though either way. The cold won't hurt the sand, but some owners who do relocate their filter use this opportunity to remove it and clean/inspect the entire unit/laterals well. This also serves as kind of a sand deep-cleaning opportunity since the sand will be removed. Again, totally your call. Not mandatory either way. PS - Please update your signature with all of your pool and equipment info.
You have some standard equipment which can stay-put, while some others have relatively small items who may move them. Anyways, you're fine. Do make sure to remove any of those smaller parts and accessories (pressure gauge, plugs, etc) and store those for the winter - much like noted in the article I posted above. See you next season. 
