Ok, I have read the post about winterizing your AG pool: Closing (Winterizing) Your Above Ground Pool - Trouble Free Pool but still have some questions I was hoping to get some help with so I can get busy getting the supplies I need to be ready to close! I have an 18’ round Coleman Ultra-frame pool that I’m going to keep up for the winter with a 3000 GPH Intex Krystal Clear AG Sand Filter. I live in Indiana, winters are cold and can be snowy.
So, the instructions say to:
Drain water to 6″ below lowest return/skimmer opening and hoses/fittings removed.
Only drain below return, what about the intakes, is that is what is meant by “skimmer’? As this is a frame pool I don’t technically have a skimmer, just a jet for the return and two holes that pull in the water below the waterline. can you not drain below intakes and just plug those? I’d definitely prefer not to drain below the intakes if it is possible as that would be over half the water and I’m not sure how secure the frame pool would be with that little water.
A polyquat algaecide may be administered per dosing instructions on product (optional.) Distribute evenly with brush, leaf rake or leaf skimmer.
If this is optional what are the pros/cons of doing it vs not? Or are there some situations where it is recommended?
Secure a large black plastic garbage bag or tarp over larger/sand filters to prevent debris, snow, ice, and water damage.
Do most people keep the sand tank for an AG pool sand filter outside all winter? Mine is largish. DH probably is strong enough to pick it up and get it moved with sand in it if necessary but that still seems really difficult.
What do I need to know about winter covers?
Maintenance - Do you add chlorine over the winter at all? Check at intervals? Check at certain temperatures?
TIA for any help!
So, the instructions say to:
Drain water to 6″ below lowest return/skimmer opening and hoses/fittings removed.
Only drain below return, what about the intakes, is that is what is meant by “skimmer’? As this is a frame pool I don’t technically have a skimmer, just a jet for the return and two holes that pull in the water below the waterline. can you not drain below intakes and just plug those? I’d definitely prefer not to drain below the intakes if it is possible as that would be over half the water and I’m not sure how secure the frame pool would be with that little water.
A polyquat algaecide may be administered per dosing instructions on product (optional.) Distribute evenly with brush, leaf rake or leaf skimmer.
If this is optional what are the pros/cons of doing it vs not? Or are there some situations where it is recommended?
Secure a large black plastic garbage bag or tarp over larger/sand filters to prevent debris, snow, ice, and water damage.
Do most people keep the sand tank for an AG pool sand filter outside all winter? Mine is largish. DH probably is strong enough to pick it up and get it moved with sand in it if necessary but that still seems really difficult.
What do I need to know about winter covers?
- Any tips for securing them with a frame pool? Stakes?
- Type suggestions? I was considering one of the kind that allows water to soak through them but I live in the country and so we just have lots of dirt and debris floating around. I’ve been keeping the pool covered recently (but running filter) since it’s become too cool to swim it was getting so dirty. Currently the cover is very filthy looking from the recent harvesting of soybeans behind our property. In my situation would the water just get too dirty over the winter - lots of snow, rain, tree leaf and buds dropping and plowing going on – and that dirt just soak through as well? Or would it not be any worse than the dirt that would get in while trying to remove a solid cover?
- Air pillows - if doing a solid cover do air pillows actually stay inflated in cold weather? Seems like they wouldn’t to me!
Maintenance - Do you add chlorine over the winter at all? Check at intervals? Check at certain temperatures?
TIA for any help!