The blue thing is a gizmo it is screwed into the skimmer hole. It is meant to keep water from entering the skimmer pipes and also to prevent the water, when frozen to not expand and crack/break the skimmer. The pool noodles add that extra layer of protection and the antifreeze helps to keep what water does get in from rain/snow melt from freezing.
Winterization in December (Michigan) and pool cover options.
- Thread starter Helium
- Start date
Update:
I have drained the pool, is this an acceptable level, or maybe even too low?
Before:
After:
I have drained the pool, is this an acceptable level, or maybe even too low?
Before:
After:
Once there’s ice on the water you should not touch it. The ice can rip your liner.
Ideally since you live in a freezing area I would drain it more so you’re not draining as often. BE VERY CAREFUL about busting up the ice you could puncture the liner . The ice being disturbed could cause the ice to shift side to side or up and down???? If it was mine I’d hang loose until it melts which hopefully that’s possible before the winter sets in. Other experts will hopefully chime in on this!
This crossed my mind AFTER I drained it and saw the ice shift. I didn't see any glaring issues and figured I'd do this now rather than when the ice becomes thicker.
I have a solid HPI safety cover coming soon.
Depends where in Michigan you are, and the usual winter precipitation. Here in the Mpls/St Paul area of Minn., the usual is to drain below the outlets, so maybe another 8-10" below what you have. Then let the winter rain/snow melt fill it up. In 30 yrs, I've never been below the skimmers come spring, and never had a risk of overflow either. Your situation may vary, as well as how permeable the cover(s) you end up using are. That solar cover is basically just heavy bubble warp, so between UV exposure from the extended use and the wear/tear from the ice, expect to have to replace it next spring.
If we get a warm enough day that the ice melts, I'll pull the solar cover out.
Nice temps today. I pulled the cover out and have the little giant pumping more water out. How much lower should I go? Should I go below the water jets, if so how much lower?
Can't wait till spring to pull these out.
Can't wait till spring to pull these out.
I take mine about 2 “ below the rim cover on the returns. I definitely wouldn’t go any lower than that. I’m lazy and don’t want to pump out later in the winter. That puts me approximately 20” below the pool deck, loop loc covers shouldn’t be any lower then 18” below the deck. I typically get enough rain, light snow melt that fills the 2” extra before a heavy snow load on the cover. Are you leaving it without a cover? If not check what depth requirements are for your cover. Also, I’d get a pool net, leaf net whatever and try to remove the leaves carefully wo scrapping the vinyl to hard. I’d be afraid of them staining?
I have an HPI solid pool cover that I’ll be installing soon. I too am worried about scraping the liner with the hard pool rake so I think I’ll deal with the staining for now.
I’m not familiar with a solid cover. What water level is recommended for the solid cover ?
Just below the returns so you can winterize easily. Try to get all the solids out from the pool bottom as they may stain if left. If you have a good leaf rake it won't damage anything.
Here’s my dilemma. HPI says 18” but I’d like to get an extra 2 to get below the returns. I am almost at 18” now. What do I do? Can I push it to 20”?
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With a solid cover you won’t get much water going in the pool to fill it up. If it’s going to be weeks before you get the cover on then yea, I’d probably go 20”. I’m sure my pool has frozen before when the return was right where yours is now with the water level. Hopefully someone else will give their opinions! Try searching the forum for what others have discussed with this topic. Good thing is you have screw in plugs so they are not going to pop out
Those plugs are fine underwater. Ironically you want them more submerged because it will take a while for the ice to be thick. As said above, you wont accumulate water like those of us with mesh covers.
Draining below the returns helps with winterizing but it isn't required. Plenty just install the plug with air bubbles shooting out underwater.
Draining below the returns helps with winterizing but it isn't required. Plenty just install the plug with air bubbles shooting out underwater.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year everyone!
I had an HPI solid cover on my pool up north. It was on year 10 when I left, and still fine. Get the HPI, its a good cover. Also, I never drained my pool. Blow out the returns, plug them, blow out the return with gizzmo return plugs installed. NEVER an issue. No reason to drain the pool, dont waste your time