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How to close your above ground pool

To close your pool you will need the following:

1. Shock
2. Winterizing Chemical Kit
3. Skimmer Closure Plate
4. Plug for Return Fitting or Light
5. Ice Compensator (Air Pillow)
6. Winter Cover

** Cover Pumps are strongly recommended to keep excess water from building up on your cover. Excess water on your cover means excess stress and a torn cover or damaged pool.

Step 1: Clean and vacuum pool.
Step 2: Check and adjust PH and Alkalinity.
Step 3: Add shock at a rate of 1 gallon per 5,000 gallons of water.
Step 4: Add any liquid components of winterizing kit.
Step 5: Run filter for at least 1 hour.
Step 6: Attach a skimmer plate. Remove ONLY the 6 screws corresponding to the 6 holes in the plate. 10 screws for wide mouth skimmers. Do not remove skimmer face plate.
Step 7: Plug return fitting (or light) in the inside (water side) of pool. If plugging a light, make sure that the plug is pushed in all the way. The plug must be flush in the light housing. Dip plug into pool water to lubricate if necessary.
Step 8: Raise water level 3-4 inches from top rails.
Step 9: Inflate air pillow (leaving soft) and fasten, allowing it to float in the center of the pool.
Step 10: Add winterizing chemical kit.
Step 11: Place cover over pool draping over the air pillow so it lays on the surface of the water all around the pillow.
Step 12: Add 1-2 inches of water on the cover to prevent wind damage.
Step 13: Empty and clean filter, allowing it to dry before storing.
Step 14: Store all filters in warm dry places to prevent cracking. Drain excess water off cover during winter months to prevent damage to your pool.
Step 15: (If needed) Blow out excess water in the pool heater using an air compressor or shop vac and plug inlet and outlet lines of heater.

Winter Maintenance Tips

As water, ice and snow build up on your pool cover during the winter, always drain the cover when possible using a pump cover.

Too much water on the cover can destroy your pool if not drained off. The weight of the water pulls the cover into the pool. The cable, which holds the cover in place, will then pull the top ledges, the skimmer and the return up. This will damage the pool beyond repair. Your warranty does not cover winter damage.

Excess water on the cover can also tear your liner. The weight of the water will cause more movement in the ice below, which can rip your liner. Never attempt to break ice on your cover or in your pool. This will tear your liner. Wait for the ice on your cover to melt and then pump it off. Ice below the cover should be left alone. Let it melt on its own. Never let anyone step on the ice, cover or on the pool. This will damage your pool

Please note: Pool calculations below have been rounded off to be used as a quick guide for easy pool maintenance. For exact calculations please use the pool volume calculator.

Pool Capacity Cheatsheet

Poolsize Round	Capacity (Gallons)	Poolsize Oval	Capacity (Gallons)
10 Round	2,000	8x12,8x14	3,000
12 Round	3,000	8x19	3,500
15 Round	5,000	10x15, 10x16	3,500
18 Round	7,500	10x21, 12x18	5,000
21 Round	10,000	12x24, 14x20	7,500
24 Round	14,000	14x25, 15x24	10,000
27 Round	18,000	15x30, 16x26	12,000
30 Round	21,000	16x32	15,000
		18x33	19,000

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