As the heat lingers and humidity persists, planning ahead for the colder months is a wise move. Introducing Namco Pools―your go-to destination for winter pool supplies and covers.


Your pool is more than just a feature; it's an investment, one that deserves proper care. Knowing how to close your pool correctly is essential. In a previous post, we detailed the steps to winterize your above-ground pool. Let's look at some common questions that customers often have about effectively closing their above-ground pools for the winter season.

 

Do I need to apply any chemicals before closing my pool?


Yes! Preparing your pool for closure involves some vital steps, including applying the right chemicals. 


Before this, ensure your water chemistry is well-balanced. You can use Water Testers for this task or simply visit your nearby Namco store, where our knowledgeable sales staff offer free water testing services.


Once your water is balanced, proceed to shock your pool. Following this, add Winterizer, a preventative measure against potential algae growth. Taking these precautions ensures your pool is set for a seamless winter rest and makes for an easier opening in spring!


Remember: Pool chemicals have expiration dates, so it’s important to discard and replace any chemicals that have expired.

 

Should I drain my pool?

No. Pools can handle cold temperatures better when partially filled with water. In fact, a drained pool can cause additional damages to your pool.


However, the water should be reduced to just below the return line, where the water shoots back into your pool.

 

Is There Anything Else I Need to Do Before Adding the Winter Cover?

 

After the water has been reduced, disconnect your filter and bring it inside to a controlled environment.


Additionally, you should protect your skimmer and return fitting as well. To protect the skimmer, you can purchase plates that simply pop into the opening of the skimmer on the inside of the pool. These plates will prevent any water from getting into the skimmer body and causing damage over the winter.


You should also consider protecting the return fitting by removing the eyeball inside. The eyeball consists of three components: collar, eyeball, and interior fitting. Upon removing these, you will see a plug, and this goes inside the opening, preventing water from going inside the fitting and causing damage due to freezing conditions over the winter.

 

How Do I Choose the Right Winter Cover?

 

Winter covers are very important to maintaining the longevity of your pool, as well as reducing preparation time in the spring.


The pool cover should be based on the dimensions of your pool. If these are unknown, then simply measure the diameter of a circular pool or the length and width of an oval pool and find a pool cover that meets these dimensions.


Next, consider the winter conditions and the typical weather conditions associated with it in your region during that time of year.


Premium covers are made of higher quality and lightweight material, which makes them easier to handle. Lower-cost covers may be made from thicker material but do not provide the same protection and are more difficult to attach, so you’ll have to do due diligence to carefully weigh up all the factors at play such as price and scale of protection.

 

What if My Winter Cover Has a Seam Separation?

 

The likely cause of a seam separation is faulty seam manufacturing. Replacement costs are determined by warranty and date of purchase. 


This is why it is important to maintain a receipt or proof of purchase. The warranty does not cover labor costs, loss of water or chemicals, misuse of a product, or faulty installation.


If your winter cover is torn but not on the seam, the cover should not be reused. Rips from misuse are not covered under any warranty.


Other problems with winter covers include:

  • Grommets are pulling out of the cover: This can happen when the cover has been subjected to excessive weight (water bottles or other types of weights to hold the cover down) or when the water level of the pool is too low, which creates excess stress on the cover.

  • A brittle and bleached cover: This happens when the Winter Cover has been exposed to excessive chlorine or bromine levels. When shocking the pool, keep the cover off for at least 24 hours so that this kind of damage does not occur.

Do I Really Need to Winterize My Pool Filter?

In order to protect your investment, it is important to winterize the pool filter. Here are some simple tips:

  1. Clean your filter. If you have a Sand or DE filter, backwash for several minutes. If you have a cartridge filter, remove the cartridge and thoroughly spray the debris from the pleats of the cartridge to clean correctly, then use the jet mode on a garden hose attachment. For thorough cleaning, Namco also has Cleaning Wands available.

    For DE and cartridge filters, it is important to soak the fingers/grids or cartridge in a filter-cleaning solution. Firstly, fill a clean trash can with water and pour the correct amount of Bear Strip Filter Cleaner into the water. Then submerge your fingers/grids or cartridge into the Bear Strip. Let the filter soak for at least 24 hours.

     Disassemble your filter, chlorinator, and valves, and lubricate all o-rings using Boss Lube. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants; over time, they will cause the o-ring to deteriorate). O-rings tend to dry out during winter months, which may cause cracking.

    Remove your fingers/grids or cartridge from the cleaning solution and spray off the filter one more time and allow it to dry.

    Reassemble your DE or Cartridge filter making sure to plug all open holes in the filter. (This keeps small animals from living in them during the winter.) We suggest using expansion plugs.

    Store your DE or Cartridge filter in a controlled environment, if possible. If you store your filter in a shed or a detached garage, make sure you cover your filter and keep it away from chlorine or any corrosive chemicals that are off-gas.

    Lastly, remove the drain plug on the bottom of the filter, then remove the valve from the filter and store inside. Cover the center tube and secure it in place. Cover the filter and secure the cover over the filter.

What if my Winter Cover is torn, but not on the seam?


This often happens when a cover has been dragged across the ground or sharp edges or been subjected to excessive weight.

If such a rip occurs, the cover should not be reused. Rips from misuse are not covered under any warranty.

What if the grommets are pulling out of the cover?


This can happen when the cover has been subjected to excessive weight (water bottles or other types of weights to hold the cover down) or when the water level of the pool is too low, which creates excess stress on the cover.

My cover looks brittle or bleached.


This happens when the Winter Cover has been exposed to excessive chlorine or bromine levels.

When shocking the pool, keep the cover off for at least 24 hours so that this kind of damage does not occur.

Do I really need to Winterize my pool filter?


Yes. In order to protect your investment, then it is important to winterize the pool filter. Here are some simple tips:

1. Clean your filter. If you have a Sand or D.E. filter backwash for several minutes. If you have a Cartridge filter remove the cartridge and thoroughly spray the debris from the pleats of the cartridge. To clean correctly, then use the jet mode on a garden hose attachment. For a thorough clean, we also have Cleaning Wands available.
2. For D.E. and Cartridge filters it is important to soak the fingers/grids or cartridge in a filter cleaning solution. First, fill a clean trash can with water and pour the correct amount of Bear Strip Filter Cleaner into the water. Then, submerge your fingers/grids or cartridge into the Bear Strip. As it is the end of the season, let the filter soak for at least 24 hours.
3. Disassemble your filter, chlorinator, and valves and lubricate all o-rings using Boss Lube. (Do not use petroleum-based lubricants, over time they will cause the o-ring to deteriorate!) O-rings tend to dry out during winter months, which may cause cracking, by doing this you can save yourself time and money in the spring.
4. Remove your fingers/grids or cartridge from the cleaning solution and spray off the filter one more time and allow it to dry.
5. Reassemble your D.E. or Cartridge filter making sure to plug all open holes in the filter. (This keeps small animals from living in them during the winter.) We suggest using expansion plugs.
6. Store your D.E. or Cartridge filter in a controlled environment, if possible. If you store your filter in a shed or a detached garage make sure you cover your filter and keep it away from chlorine or any corrosive chemicals that are off-gas.
7. and filters, remove the drain plug on the bottom of the filter. Remove the valve from the filter and store inside. Cover the center tube and secure it in place. Cover the filter and secure the cover over the filter.

What could happen if I winterize my pool incorrectly?

 

There are some major risks to winterizing your pool incorrectly, ranging from broken skimmers, return lines, pumps, or filters, among other things.


Depending on the winter weather, improperly affixing the pool cover could lead to the cover caving in. If this does occur, it isn’t the end of the work, but it does make the pool opening process much more difficult as the debris must be removed. Additionally, there would need to be some more extensive use of chemicals and shock to restore the water balance.

 

Should I Remove Any Ice Or Water During the Winter?

 

Yes. The best way to remove ice and water from the swimming pool cover is to use a cover pump. Either before the water freezes or when the ice melts, use the pump to remove the ice/water from the cover. Always avoid removing ice by hand, as this could lead to serious injury.


The best way to prevent large buildups of ice is to keep the water level on top of the pool cover to a minimum. In high wind areas, you’ll want to keep a small amount of water on the cover, which will help to prevent wind whip and damage to your cover. (Never hang anything from your cover, which voids all warranties on your winter cover)

 

Can I Use a Pump to Remove Water From the Cover?

 

Yes. If you have a swimming pool cover pump, you'll want to drain the pool cover with it. However, this becomes complicated if there are leaves and other debris on the cover, which may cause the pump filter and pump to become clogged and unable to draw water. 


To keep the pump pumping without getting clogged, you should take the pump and place it inside a container that has a few holes drilled into it. You will then take this container with the pump in it and place it on the pool cover. This will stop leaves and other debris from clogging your pump.


If you have any questions, it is best to consult a pool professional or your local Namco store.

Remember that a swimming pool is an investment, and as such, it is essential to take the time to care for your pool properly. You’ll thank yourself the next time summer is upon us!

If you have any questions, then please consult a pool professional or your local Namco store.