What you need:
Pool cover and cover winch
Air pillow
Return plug
Skimmer plug or Skimmer cover
Winter chemicals
Get you pool water tested before closing your pool to make sure the pool is properly balanced. Backwash your filter and make sure it’s all cleaned out. If you have a DE filter, drain it and leave the valves open. If you have a cartridge filter also drain that and leave the valves open.
On sand filters just undo the drain cap on the bottom and let it drain and leave the cap off. After it’s finished draining, turn the multiport valve to close or winterize.
For More information on how to backwash your type of filter:
How To Backwash A DE Filter
How To Backwash A Sand Filter
Undo the return valve in the pool and use a rubber plug to plug it up. Also on the skimmer remove the basket and plug up the bottom with a rubber plug as well. Drain and remove the pump, chlorinator (if you have one) and all the hoses. We recommend you put all the drain plugs in the pump basket so that you keep them all together and you wont loose them. Keep the pump, chlorinator and hoses indoors to prolong their lives.
Add the winterizing chemicals to your pool. Depending on your kit it is recommended you use a liquid kit or chemicals. If you buy a powder based kit or chemicals they we recommend that you dilute the chemicals in water before adding it to your pool to ensure a good even distribution without any powdered chemicals settling to the bottom.
At this time drain the pool about 4 inches below the skimmer unless you are using a skimmer plate. Blow up the air pillow and place it anywhere in the pool. Note: The reason aboveground pool owners use an air pillow is prevent the sides from bearing the pressure when the water turns to ice and expands. It’s not needed but it is highly recommended.
Place your pool cover over top of your pool and the air pillow and secure it by using the cable and winch. Make sure that throughout the winter you keep an eye on your cover and make sure that you keep the cover relatively dry. We recommend buying a small sump pump in order to keep good care of your winter cover.
