How to Winterize Your Inground Pool

How to Winterize Your Inground Pool

 1. One week prior to closing your pool, add 14 fluid ounces of Pool Magic + PHOSfree for every 10,000 gallons of water directly into the skimmer.
2. Brush and vacuum the pool thoroughly to remove all dir...t, leaves and debris.
3. To prevent metal stains, add MetalFree and Stain and Scale For every 20,000 gallons, add 1 liter of MetalFree and 1 quart (32 ounces) of Stain and Scale 2 by pouring around the perimeter of the pool.
4. Adjust the pH to the proper level. For all pools, pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6.
5. Adjust the Total Alkalinity to the proper level.
6. To help protect your pool, adjust the Calcium Hardness to 200-400 ppm
7. Add 1 quart (32 ounces) of Algae Control per 25,000 gallons by mixing with water in a large bucket and pouring around the perimeter of the pool. Wait one hour before following next step.
8. Shock the pool at the rate of 2 pounds per 10,000 gallons by broadcasting the product around the perimeter of the pool.
9. Bring the chlorine or sanitizer of choice to an appropriate level.
10. Let the pump run for at least one complete cycle after adding chemicals. Backwash or manually clean the filter.
11. Lower the water level below the skimmer and all return lines (normally about 18 inches below the tile line). Alternatively, you can blow out the lines to remove water from the lines and then use our plugs so you don’t have to drain the water level down.
12. Remove the drain plugs from the pump strainer basket housing, the pump volute, the filter tank, and the heater. Keep the drain plugs handy, they will be used in Step 16.
13. Drain the automatic pool cleaner’s booster pump and the automatic chlorinator, if you use one.
14. Turn off the main power supply and remove the ON and OFF trippers from the time clock.
15. Position the multi-port valve handle between any two settings. This will ensure all ports are partially open to allow for freeze expansion.
16. Place all the drain plugs in the strainer basket of the pump and replace the strainer cover.
17. When the water has completely drained out of the plumbing lines, put Winterizing Plugs into the return line and skimmer lines.
18. Place a Gizzmo into the skimmer to seal the skimmer pipe and absorb any ice pressure.
19. Refill the pool back to between 4-6 inches below the skimmer inlet in vinyl-lined pools or 4-6 inches below the tile line plaster pools.
20. Remove all non-permanent articles such as ladders, hoses, over-the-top skimmers, etc. If you have an automatic pool cleaner, remove it and drain it completely. Lay the hoses out straight in a non-freezing location.
21. Inflate and tie Air Pillows to a stationary object. An average-sized pool, 16’ x 32’, typically requires 4-6 air pillows. If you are using multiple pillows, tie them together using the grommets located on the pillow’s corners.
22. Cover the pool using a Safety Cover or Winter Cover and Leaf Net Cover.
23. If necessary, fill and place Water Bags around the edge of the pool. In normal conditions, these can be placed 18 inches apart, but in windy areas, they should be placed end-to-end.
24. During the winter season, check the chemical balance every two-three weeks, and inspect the pool water by pulling back the cover slightly. If staining or scaling is beginning to develop, bring a sample of your water in to be tested.
If you need any help or would like us to winterize for you. Please call us anytime at 910-429-0086. Visit us at 3011 Town Center Drive, Suite 130 Fayetteville, NC 28306 or

Visit us online at www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com