Closing guide for in-ground pool

We've all had that moment: you're lounging in your in-ground pool, enjoying the last days of summer, when suddenly the temperatures start to drop and the first signs of fall appear. Before you know it, back-to-school emails are flooding your inbox. It is clear that the summer season is coming to an end and the time has come to think about closing your swimming pool.

In general, it is recommended to wait until the water temperature in your in-ground pool drops to around 12°C (55°F) before closing it. Make sure the temperature is below this threshold before beginning the pool closing process.

For what ?

Algae thrives in warm waters, and colder temperatures help prevent their development. While waiting for the mercury to drop, you also have the opportunity to clean, test and balance your pool effectively before closing it for the winter. Closing your pool at the right time ensures better water conservation and makes it easier to reopen in the spring.

Each pool is unique, with specifics that vary depending on the manufacturer. This detailed guide will explain the swimming pool closing procedure for Hippocampe models.

Be sure to read the entire document carefully before you begin closing your pool. Following these instructions will ensure you are properly prepared for winter and have a trouble-free reopening in the spring.

To check if there is a leak in your pool liner before closing for the winter, do the following on a sunny day: draw a line at the water level on the liner. This will allow you to observe if the water level drops over the next 4 days. An undetected or overlooked leak can cause significant damage to your pool during freezing and thawing periods. Be sure to repair any leaks before winterizing to avoid future problems.

1. Initial Cleaning :

• Remove Leaves and Debris: Use a deep bag sink to remove leaves and heavy debris. If you prefer to vacuum up leaves with your pool vacuum, be careful not to block the suction duct. For large accumulations at the bottom of the pool, a BLUE DEVIL is recommended. Don't forget to brush the pool walls thoroughly.

2. Preparation of Water for Winter :

• pH Testing and Adjustment: Bring a water sample for testing. Click here to learn how to properly take a water sample . Water becomes more corrosive as it cools. Compensate for this by adjusting the pH to 7.6 – 7.8 just before closing the pool.

• Cleaning Filter Media: Use Dazzle™ Action Filter Cleanse to clean your filter media according to label instructions. Debris left in the filter over the winter can solidify and impair filtration in the spring.

• Water Treatment: After cleaning the filter, treat your water thoroughly with a Jack's Magic Super Pac . Add the product to the skimmer; one packet treats up to 80,000 litres. This treatment helps digest organic waste and reduce phosphate levels, making your water cleaner and less susceptible to algae growth during the winter. This way, you'll prepare your pool for an easy spring opening.

1. Prepare Your Tools :

• Check the Equipment: Make sure you have all the tools needed to close your pool. This includes the proper caps, foam guards, and necessary chemicals like biodegradable antifreeze.

2. Book a Blower:

• Plan the Rental: Reserve your block of time in advance for blower rental. Piscine Hippocampe provides you with an extremely powerful blower, designed to facilitate the pool closing process.

3. Prepare the Solar Canvas:

• Clean and Store: If using a solar shade, rinse it with fresh water and brush lightly to remove debris. Make sure to store it in a dry place to avoid damage.

4. Remove the Accessories :

• Remove Accessory Items: Remove all pool accessories, such as corner steps, ladders, diving boards, and safety cables. Be careful that the ladder's rubber bumpers stay in place to avoid damaging your pool liner.

By following these steps, you will be well prepared for an efficient and hassle-free pool closing.

1. Pump Stop:

• Turn off the pump motor to begin the pool draining process.

2. Regulation of the Skimmer :

• Close the skimmer using the 3-way valve, so that suction comes only from the bottom drain.

3. Filter Preparation:

• Sand filter: Place the lever in the WASTE position. Important: Do not drain your pool in the BACKWASH position.
• Cartridge Filter: With the 3-way valve between the filter and pump, close access to the cartridge to allow water to drain properly. Important: If you do not have underground drain plumbing, run the drain pipe to the street.

4. Draining the Water:

• Start the engine and lower the water level to 30 cm (12 inches) below the water returns, or 5 cm (2 inches) if using a tarpaulin. opaque winter.

5. Turn off the Equipment :

• When the water level is reached, close all circuit breakers in the pool (motor, light, water heater, etc.).

TIP: When the water level drops below the skimmer inlet, use a garden hose in the skimmer to maintain a water level. This will prevent air from being sucked in, which could cause your pump to lose prime.

1. Preparation :

• Gather your tools and equipment: Remove the skimmer basket and door as well as the water returns (and the sweeper adapter, if present). Tip: Place these items in the skimmer basket to avoid losing them.
• Prepare the caps: You will need a cap for each water return and a cap for the skimmer suction. Tip: Apply Teflon to the plugs and keep them close to their installation location.

2. Installation of the Blower :

• Place the blower in the skimmer hole: Note that there are two holes in the skimmer, one of which is blocked. The thread can be 1 ½'' or 2''. Mention the size when you pick up the blower.
• Position the 3-way valve to the OPEN position: This allows water and air to flow freely. Then set the filter to CLOSE.
• Activate the blower: Important: Do not turn off the blower for the following steps. Observe significant swirling in the pool caused by air coming out of the bottom drain. Wait about 30 seconds.

3. Closure of the Piping :

• Close the bottom drain with the 3-way valve: Important: Do not close the blower to avoid creating an air lock. Do not touch this valve again while closing.
• Change the position of the filter from CLOSE to BACKWASH: This step is crucial if the filtration system is in a shed, because it allows emptying the water tank outside. Wait 5 to 10 minutes.
• Switch from BACKWASH to WASTE: Do this for 10 to 15 seconds.
• Set the filter from WASTE to RECIRCULATION: Check the priority order of the water returns, numbering them from 1 to 4, 1 being the closest to the filtration system and 4 the furthest away.

4. Installation of the Caps:

• Install the caps: Start with water return number 1. Wait a few seconds before installing water return cap number 2, then number 3. You can stop the blower to screw in correctly the return cap number 3.
• Add antifreeze: Stop the blower, unscrew the ring and pour ½ gallon of antifreeze per water return (for example, 2 gallons for 4 water returns). Screw in the blower ring and restart it. When antifreeze begins to come out of return number 4, remove plug number 3 and block number 4. Continue this process until the last water return, doing the following: open 2 and block 3, open 1 and block 2.
• Finalize the Closure: Close the blower. Apply a generous amount of Teflon to the caps and tighten them using pliers.

1. Withdrawal of the Blower :

• Remove the blower from the skimmer once draining is complete.

2. Application of the Antifreeze :

• Pour ½ gallon of antifreeze into the bottom of the skimmer to protect the pipes from freezing.

• Screw the cap into the skimmer, then add another ½ gallon of antifreeze over the cap for added protection.

3. Installation of the Protection :

• Install the skimmer foam to insulate and protect the interior.
• Cover everything with a waterproof bag to ensure optimal protection against the winter elements.

1. Pump Preparation:

• Remove the plugs from the pump (motor) to allow complete drainage.

2. Filter Maintenance:

• Remove the filter cap, as well as the pressure gauge and the glass bubble.
• Set the filter to the WINTERIZE position to prepare it for winter.

3. Attention to the Booster Pump:

• Remove the drain plug if you have a booster pump to avoid damage caused by freezing.

4. Turn off the Equipment :

• Turn off the pump's circuit breaker to ensure that it will not be accidentally turned on during the winter.

1. Disconnection and Cleaning :

• Unplug the salt cell from the control panel and connections.
• Clean the cell with Pristiva Salt Cell Cleaner, carefully following the label instructions.
• Store the cell with your other parts in an indoor location if possible, to avoid winter damage.

2. Securing the System:

• Turn off the salt system circuit breaker to prevent unwanted operation during the winter.

3. Storage :

• Store the cell in a warm place, if possible, to protect the equipment against freezing and ensure optimal longevity.

TIP: Protect Your Salt Cell While the Pool is Closed

To optimize protection of your IntelliChlor or iChlor salt cell during winter or startup, use a cell dummy. Replace the salt cell with this piece of plumbing during periods when the cell is not in use.

Benefits :

• Protection against cold: Prevent the salt cell from suffering damage caused by low temperatures.
• Preservation of chemicals: Protect the cell from starting chemicals that can damage it.
• Life Extension: Replacing the cell with a dummy cell helps extend the life of your equipment.

1. Turn off the Electricity :

• Close the circuit breaker of the lights to avoid any electrical hazard during the procedure.

2. Withdrawal of the Enlightenment:

• Unscrew the top screw of the light carefully so as not to lose it.
• Remove the light from the niche and carefully place it on the pool deck.

3. Protection of Light :

• Place a plastic bag over the light to protect it from the elements during the winter.

1. Turn off the Power Supply:

• Be sure to turn off the GFCI circuit breaker on the water heater to ensure optimal safety during the procedure.

2. Plumbing Preparation:

• Unscrew the Inlet and Outlet connections after blowing out the plumbing. There should be little or no water draining. If you notice an abnormal amount of water, contact one of our technicians for next steps.
• Keep the rubber seals for watertight connections. Important: Screw connections (1 to 2 threads) to prevent rodents and water from entering the plumbing.

3. Winter Protection :

• Install a protective cover on the heat pump if the model allows it. Important: Check the manufacturer's recommendations, as some brands should not be covered.

When to Apply Products: The following steps can be carried out after lowering the water level for the winter, or before. It is preferable to apply these products after lowering the water level to minimize their environmental impact and maximize their effectiveness.

Application of Products:

1. Precise Application:
   • Apply the products slowly and sparingly to the edges of the deep end of the pool.
   • Brush the pool to ensure good mixing after each application.

For Saltwater Pools:

1. Prevention of Stains and Algae:

   • Use Pristiva Primer to prevent stains, scale formation, cloudy water, and algae.
   • If the water is already low, mix about 250 grams in a bucket of pool water and slowly pour around the edges. A 950g bottle treats up to 80,000 liters.
   • If the pump and filter are running, pour slowly into the skimmer and maintain filtration for at least one hour after application.

2. Organic Waste Disposal:

   • Use Pristiva Premium Shock to remove organic waste and maintain chlorine levels. Apply slowly and sparingly to the edges, immediately after Pristiva Primer. Brush the pool immediately after application.
   • Dilute Premium Shock in a bucket of water if the water is very cold or if the deep part is inaccessible. If the pump and filter are working, add the Premium Shock to the skimmer. Maintain filtration for at least an hour.

For Swimming Pools with Chlorine or Mineraluxe System:

1. Organic Waste Disposal:

   • Use Dazzle Ultra Shock to destroy organic waste. Apply slowly and sparingly directly to the pool, brushing immediately after application.

2. Algae Prevention:

   • Use Dazzle Algae Clear 60 , a highly concentrated, non-foaming algae killer. Apply directly to water to eliminate all common types of algae.

1. Preparation of the Canvas :

• Take the winter canvas out of the storage bin and spread it out in the sun for a few minutes to make it easier to install.

2. Preparation and Positioning :

• Determine the direction of the canvas before sliding it into the water.
• Fold the edges so that the canvas can float on the surface of the water, like a boat.

3. Installation :

• Slide the cover into the pool carefully.
• Attach the canvas every 4 to 5 feet to maintain its initial positioning.
• Check its correct positioning to ensure that it covers the pool well.

4. Final Fixation :

• Securely attach the canvas using the appropriate locks to ensure secure coverage during the winter.

• Winterization Kit :

  • Pristiva Winterization Kit or Premium Dazzle Winterization Kit

• Chemical Products :

  • Jack’s Magic Super Pacs
  • Dazzle Rapid Action Filter Cleanse
  • Clean and Perfect ou Jack’s Magic Tile Cleaner
  • Antigel Premium pour piscine

• Saltwater Pool Accessories:

  • Pristiva Salt Cell Cleaner (for salt pools)
  • Dummy cell for salt system

• Equipment and Tools :

  • Skimmer foam
  • Teflon Tape
  • Rubber Plugs
  • Lubricant for O-ring
  • Puise profond ou Blue Devil
  • Wall brush for pool
  • Replacement parts (cracked basket, etc.)

• Plugs and Fasteners :

  • Screw caps 1 1/2" & 2"
  • Multi-purpose plastic picket
  • Double water bag
  • Filet mesh