Winterizing Instructions

Winterizing Fiberglass Pools

Although there are many different techniques one can utilize to winterize a pool, it is essential that regardless of whatever method you or your pool professional chooses that you include the following few simple rules:

  • Never drain your pool below the skimmer opening.

  • Never let your pool overflow.

  • Remove the pool water from all equipment and all plumbing pipes at or above the frost line. All pipes need to be blown out, and main drains need to be air locked.

  • Do not remove water from a pool cover without simultaneously adding the same amount of water to the pool.

  • Never allow exterior water to overflow into your pool.

Winterizing Inground Pools

Starting Out

  1. Thoroughly vacuum all of the debris from the pool, and scrub the water line, walls, and floors.

  2. Super chlorinate pool water with 1lb. per 5,000 gallons of Super Shock, add 1 qt. of E-Z Clor algaecide. Customers on the Sustain program will need 32oz. per 20,000 gallons of Sustain Winter Shield.

  3. Remove any ladders and handrails from the pool deck. We recommend leaving the diving board on the stand and covering it.

  4. If the pool light is less than 2’ below water level, remove the underwater light from niche. Lower gently into the pool, keeping the lens face down, or bring light to the surface and store it in a protective carton or bag. It is not necessary to disconnect the wiring on the light. Fiber-optic, Hydrel lights, and Pal TREO lights that are mounted 2’ below water level may be left in place for the winter. CAUTION: Never turn a light on when it is out of water.

Sand or D.E. Filter

  1. Rotate the multiport handle clockwise to the “backwash” position, then backwash for 90 seconds and rotate the multiport handle clockwise to the “Rinse” position for 5 seconds; repeat if necessary.

  2. Rotate the multiport handle clockwise to the “winterize” position. Drain out the filter by removing the drain plug and allowing water to drain out.

Cartridge Filter

  1. Release the air valve on top of the filter. Take out the drain plug on the bottom of the filter and allow the water to drain out of the filter.

  2. While the filter is draining, unscrew the knobs around the filter, remove the clamps, and lift the lid off.

  3. Take the cartridges out and clean them thoroughly. Elements may be placed back into the filter or stored in a clean, dry place for the winter.

  4. Remove skimmer baskets and weir (flapper door) from each skimmer and insert gizmos.

  5. Remove eyeball fittings from all the return jet wall fittings and thread winter plugs into all. If the winter plug does not thread in correctly, the threaded piece of the eyeball fitting is still in the return jet wall fitting. A removal tool is sold at the retail store.

  6. Store all cleaning equipment and accessories in a safe, dry place.

  7. Unroll the cover down the length of the pool. Adjust so it is even all around, leaving some slack so it is not taut. Fill water tubes halfway. NOTE: It is not recommended to overfill water tubes as it may cause them to split when frozen. No other form of anchoring is necessary or recommended.

Safety Covers

Anchors should be turned up with the allen wrench tool. The cover can then be unrolled and placed on the pool. Using the installation rod, start at each corner and attach the springs to the anchors. The springs should be compressed at least 75% for a taut cover.

Heaters

AquaCal heat pumps and gas heaters must be drained and blown out with either a shop vac or air compressor to rid the system of water. We recommend a mice preventative be installed in every heater.

Important Note

Do not drain water from your pool during the winter. The water at the proper level is what supports the cover. Accumulated water on top of the cover must be pumped off periodically in fall and spring. Water must be replenished under the cover with a hose to prevent the cover from slipping into the pool. These recommendations follow established procedures. However, Snyder Swimming Pools, Inc cannot assume any responsibility for them because individual situations are beyond our control.

Winterizing Above-Ground Pools

  1. Vacuum the entire pool floor and walls if needed; backwash the filter thoroughly. Clean the “bathtub” ring at water level and any staining off the liner.

  2. Super chlorinate pool water with 1 lb. per 5,000 gallons of water, Add 1 qt. of Algaecide. Sustain customers will also add 32oz. per 20,000 gallons of Winter Shield.

  3. Remove any A-frame ladder or Drop-in steps.

  4. Remove the eyeball fitting from the return jet wall fitting and thread in the winter plugs. If the winter plug does not thread in correctly, the threaded piece of the eyeball fitting is still in the return jet wall fitting. A removal tool is sold at the retail store.

  5. Remove the skimmers weir door (flapper door) and basket. Remove the suction hose from the front of the pump and let the pool water drain down to the bottom of the skimmer. Leave the hose connected to the skimmer to allow any water to drain out. DO NOT PLUG!

  6. Remove both drain plugs from the bottom of the pump basket and filter tank, and rotate the multiport handle clockwise into the “winterize” position. Let the filter tank and pump basket drain completely.

  7. Remove the pump basket, sight glass, and pressure gauge.

  8. Store all parts together in a protected area for easy access in spring.

  9. Install an air pillow, if desired, in the center of the pool, tying if necessary.

  10. Unroll the cover and place it on top of the pool, keeping it even all around the pool.

  11. Install cable through sleeves in the cover and bind loosely with the winch.

Important information to remember while your above-ground pool is winterized

  • Loosen cable or band to keep cover loose around pool top seats and uprights. Severe structural damage may occur if these precautions are not strictly adhered to. Winter and ice damage are not covered under most above-ground manufacturers’ warranties. (Radiant and Optimum pools are an exception).

  • You need to inspect the cover's tautness frequently. The accumulated water on the cover must be drained off periodically until the pool water is frozen. Water must be replenished under the cover to prevent winter damage.

  • The cable must NOT be under or around the skimmer at any time! It must be tucked under the top seat above the skimmer cover to prevent unnecessary tension on the skimmer/ wall.

  • We do not recommend covering the skimmer with a plate or putting a winter plug in the skimmer. Water needs to be below the skimmer all winter long to prevent winter damage to topseats.

Winterizing Radiant Above-Ground Pools

  1. Vacuum the entire pool floor and walls if needed; backwash the filter thoroughly. Clean the “bathtub” ring at water level and any staining off the liner.

  2. Super chlorinate pool water with 1 lb. per 5,000 gallons of water; add 1 qt. of Algaecide. Sustain customers will also add 32oz. per 20,000 gallons of Winter Shield.

  3. Remove any A-Frame Ladder or Drop-in steps.

  4. Remove the eyeball fitting from the return jet wall fitting and thread in the winter plugs. If the winter plug does not thread in properly, the threaded piece of the eyeball fitting is still in the return jet wall fitting. A removal tool is sold at the retail store.

  5. Remove the skimmers weir door (flapper door) and basket. Remove the suction hose from the front of the pump and let the pool water drain down to the bottom of the skimmer. Leave the hose connected to the skimmer to allow any water to drain out. DO NOT PLUG!

  6. Remove both drain plugs from the bottom of the pump basket and filter tank, and rotate the multiport handle clockwise into the “winterize” position. Let the filter tank and pump basket drain completely.

  7. Remove the pump basket, sight glass, and pressure gauge.

  8. Store all parts together in a protected area for easy access in spring.

  9. To winterize the Radiant LED light in your Metric pool, we recommend removing the lens cap from the light to prevent ice from catching and causing damage.

  10. Install an above-ground winter cover by inserting beading on the cover into the bead track of your Metric coping. The cover bead track on the standard 2” coping is located on the pool's exterior. The cover bead on the 4” coping is located on the pool's interior, above the liner track. Excess cover material should be inside the pool and resting on the water. Add a small amount of water on the cover in windy areas to hold the cover down. No air pillow or flotation is required in the middle of the pool.

Winterizing A Salt Chlorine Generator

  • Disconnect the union that goes directly into the salt cell manifold. (If the filtration system is a Sta-Rite System: 3 Modular Media Filter, undo the lowest union on the filter.)

  • Force air into the manifold using a shop vac or air compressor, blowing water through the pipes back into the pool.

  • Remove the salt cell on the manifold to ensure all the water is out. Concentrate on getting all the water off the spring check valve on the bottom of the manifold. If needed, use a shop vac to vacuum out the water.

  • Leave unions loose at the filter.

Winterizing An AquaCal Heat Pump

Critical Information to the Survival of Your Heater

  • Winterizing is a process where a heat pump is prepared for freezing conditions. Damage from a failure to winterize properly is NOT covered under the heat pump product warranty.

  • Water expands when it freezes. Permitting water to freeze within a heat pump will severely damage the heat pump condenser and associated water circuit. Freeze damage is NOT covered under the product warranty.

  • Depending on your freezing conditions and your heat pump model (manufactured date), there are different methods for winterizing.

Areas Where freezing conditions are rare and brief

The water filtration system must be permitted to run continuously throughout the freeze period. Typically, during light freeze conditions (when outside temperatures remain at or just below 32°F for four (4) hours or less), circulating (moving) water will not solidify.

In areas where freezing conditions are prevalent and sustained

All water MUST be removed from the entire heat pump water circuit, in advance of any freeze event.

Titanium Exchanger (with no Drain)

  1. Disconnect power; turn “OFF” the circulation pump.

  2. Remove the front access panel. Confirm heat exchanger inside the heat pump matches the illustration.

  3. Disconnect plumbing unions. This model is self-draining when unions are disconnected.

  4. Allow water to drain out over a long period until the heat pump is fully drained.

  5. Loosely connect plumbing connection unions.

External Drain Plug

  1. Disconnect power; turn “OFF” the circulation pump.

  2. Disconnect plumbing unions.

  3. Remove the drain plug.

  4. Allow water to drain out over a long period until the heat pump is fully drained.

  5. Re-connect the external drain plug.

  6. Loosely connect plumbing connection unions.

Titanium Exchanger (with internal drain)

  1. Disconnect power; turn “OFF” the circulation pump.

  2. Remove the front access panel. Confirm heat exchanger inside the heat pump matches the illustration.

  3. Disconnect plumbing unions.

  4. Remove the drain plug.

  5. Allow water to drain out over a long period until the heat pump is fully drained.

  6. Re-connect the external drain plug.

  7. Loosely connect plumbing connection unions.

Titanium Tube-in-Tube Exchanger/ Cupronickel Tube-in-Tube Exchanger

  1. These heat exchangers are the most challenging to winterize properly.

  2. Disconnect power; turn “OFF” the circulation pump.

  3. Remove the front access panel. Confirm heat exchanger inside the heat pump matches the illustration.

  4. Disconnect plumbing unions.

  5. Place a garden hose into the inlet side of the heat pump; wrap a clean rag around the hose to form a temporary seal.

  6. Allow water to run through the heat exchanger for 2-3 minutes; fresh water should be seen exiting the heater out-port.

  7. Repeat the process on the outlet side.

  8. Place an air hose into the pool inlet of the heat pump; wrap a clean rag around the hose to form a temporary seal.

  9. Push all water from the water circuit using compressed air at approximately 50 PSIG. The residual water should be forced out of the pool out connection.

  10. Allow compressed air to blow into the heat pump inlet for at least 15-20 seconds after the water stops coming out of the pool outlet.

  11. Repeat the process on the outlet side.

  12. Loosely connect plumbing connection unions.

Winterizing A Swimout

  1. Plug all four swim-out return lines tightly.

  2. Unscrew air controls

  3. Find the dedicated swim-out return line at the filter and undo the union to blow air into the line using a shop vac or air compressor.

  4. Wait until the air controls are no longer passing water through them and only air is exiting the control.

  5. Tighten air controls.

  6. Leave the unions loose at the filter.

Winterizing A Nordic Hot Tub

While we feel that some of the best times to use your spa can be during the colder months, we understand that there can be a need for some owners to close their tubs during the winter months. We recommend that winterization be left to the professionals. However, if done carefully using the following instructions, the risk of damage from freezing can be minimized.

Please note winter damage is not covered under any warranty. We do not warrant against freezing damage in a tub that has been winterized, either by the owner or by any professional service center.

THINGS THAT WILL BE NEEDED

  • Small Sump Pump

  • 2 gallons of NON-TOXIC (RV type) antifreeze

  • wet/dry vacuum with blower feature (shop vac)

  • TIME approx. 1 hour

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Drain the water in the tub with a small sump pump.

  2. With the wet vac, vacuum out any remaining in the footwell. Then with each jet in the open position, vacuum each jet nozzle until no more water comes out. DO NOT FORGET the small ozone jet in the footwell.

  3. Disconnect the unions on Pump I and Pump II or the heater (if applicable) and blow the remaining water back into your tub.

  4. Reconnect the unions and vacuum out all the remaining water.

  5. Remove cartridges, clean them, and place them in storage until you restart your tub. Pour NON-TOXIC antifreeze into the filter canister until it runs out into the footwell of your tub through the suction covers.

  6. Install the cover on the tub, and place a tarp over the tub and cover. Making sure to tie down the tarp securely. The tarp will help keep any water from getting into the hot tub and also reduce the amount of weather your tub is exposed to.