We want to ensure that your pool is properly winterized so you can rest easy this winter knowing your equipment is safe and sound. You'll also avoid cleaning up a green pool full of algae in the spring. Here are the simple steps for do it yourself winterizing that will help prevent your pipes from freezing. Or if you really want to make your life simple, have Vantage winterize your pool for you. Click here for printable pool closing instructions (DIY)
Test water or bring a sample of your pool water to Vantage. Treat algae and/or metal problems. Adjust Total Alkalinity, pH, and Calcium Hardness. Brush walls and thoroughly vacuum pool. Clean filter with BioGuard Filter Brite. Remove solar cover then clean and preserve with Stow Away. Add Hibernate Winter Kit (winter shock and algaecide) to pool water - add Hiber Shock to pool edges. Wait 1 hour then add Hibernate Algaecide. Keep pump and filter on for 1 more hour. These steps are important part of winterizing or closing to keep your pool water clean and clear all winter long.
Give the sand filter a good backwash. Partially drain pool, usually at least 4"-6" below skimmer and returns.
Locate your winter cover, water bags, winterizing plugs etc. You will need a strong shop vac or air compressor to blow the water out out the pool equipment and plumbing.
MAKE SURE ELECTRICITY AND GAS ARE SHUT OFF.
Filter: Set dial valve to 'winter' or at a neutral position ( between settings, not 'closed' ). Take drain cock/plug off filter to drain water from filter and leave it off to drip or drain all winter. Remove sight glass. Take pressure gauge off and bring in the house. Remember, if there is water that can freeze during the winter then ice will likely expand and cause cracks. It is recommended that filters be cleaned annually. Click here for instructions.
Pump: Undo pump lid, leave off. Undo drain plug, leave off. Suck water out of pump with wet vac to prevent freezing.
Plumbing: Disconnect unions, take apart and blow out the return lines/plumbing (suck water out with wet vac). Disconnect union from pump suction line (if there is one). This is the line going to the skimmer/maindrain. Suck dry the plumbing line going to the skimmer (the maindrain line will not be sucked dry). Protect the pipes with Hibernate Antifreeze - never use automotive antifreeze as it is TOXIC! and it can severely damage your pool equipment. Antifreeze goes in the plumbing - not in the pool. Chlorinator should be drained and flushed out but antifreeze should NOT be added to chlorinator.
Eyeballs: Take eyeballs/jets out of returns and install winterizing plugs or rubber stoppers (1 1/2" or 2").
Heater: Disconnect the by-pass. Remove plugs from front and rear headers and suck out any remaining water from the heater to avoid freezing.
Winter Cover: Cover the pool with a well designed winter cover (a tarp specially designed to keep out UV and debris) to protect it from winter winds, leaves, dirt, debris and rain water. Use tie-downs or preferably water bags to secure cover, not cement blocks etc. which will damage the pool if they fall in.
You may decide to use a air pillow under the pool cover. Push the air pillow to the center of the pool to help rain water run to the edges of the cover. This makes it easier to pump the water off.
Note: If you decide not to cover your swimming pool, you will need to add a second treatment of shock about mid-winter. Pre-dissolve shock and pour slowly around pool edges.
You're done! Have a great winter and please contact us at Vantage Pools if you have any other questions about your swimming pool this winter. Or if this sounds like too much work give us a call or email us at info@vantagepools.ca and we will be happy to close and winterize your pool for you.
Or to find out more about BioGuard pool chemicals click here. For ideal chemical ranges click here.
Vantage Pools and Spas is located at 20167 96 Ave. Langley BC (Walnut Grove)
Serving Pitt Meadows, Vantage Pools and Spas is located at 20503 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge, BC, V2X 2P9. We also service the Lower Mainland & Great Vancouver area.
