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How To Winterize An Above Ground Saltwater Pool

How do you close an above ground saltwater pool for winter?

For an above ground pool cover, use an air pillow underneath the cover to break up the ice, and use a cable and winch kit to secure it to the pool. Extras like cover clips or a winter cover seal will prevent wind from getting under and damaging an above ground pool cover.

Do salt water pools freeze in the winter?

Yes, saltwater pools will still freeze if you leave them full during the winter. They don’t have the salt levels of ocean water. The freeze point is slightly lower than a traditional pool, but you will still need to close or winterize your pool. Also, salt cells will not operate at temperatures below 50 degrees.

How do you keep a saltwater pool open in the winter?

Pools with attached spas, or pool/spa combos, often leave the spa drain closed during summer, but during winter it should be cracked open slightly to keep the water moving. Vacuum lines, cleaner lines, waterfall lines, and all skimmers, drains and returns – all valves should be open.

Should I remove salt cell for winter?

While this can be true depending on your location, during the colder months you risk the potential of water damage due to freezing throughout your salt cell and equipment. Manufacturers will most likely advise you to remove, clean, and store the unit indoors to avoid any damage.

Are pool winterizing chemicals necessary?

You do not need a pool winterizing kit. You really only need one chemical (algaecide) to properly winterize a swimming pool. You need some other stuff to protect your pool from harsh winter conditions, but only one chemical to add when closing.

What are the disadvantages of salt water pools?

Cons You will need to store and handle high amounts of salt. Muriatic acid will need to be added to the pool water on a regular basis. The pH levels will need to be continuously monitored. Any issues with the generator or pool system may require help from a professional.

Do salt water pools need to be drained?

Is It Necessary to Drain A Saltwater Pool? Yes, but don’t drain your pool completely. Like traditional pools, you must drain the water from your saltwater pool to below the filter system’s water return outlets in the wall.

Can I leave my above ground pool up all winter?

Pools very rarely need to be drained completely. If you have a vinyl-lined above-ground pool, leaving it full for the winter will protect the vinyl liner from shrinkage and other damage. Since these pools are above ground level, keeping them full ensures that the wind will not damage the walls, liner, or frame.

How low do you drain above-ground pool for winter?

When winterizing your above ground pool, lower the water level around 4″ to 6″ below the skimmer. You can do this with a submersible pump or by siphoning the water out with a short garden hose.

What chemicals do you add to a saltwater pool?

Your pool pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness must be maintained by testing and adjusting the levels as needed, just as with a traditional chlorine pool. You will also still need to use cyanuric acid, or chlorine stabilizer, to control UV chlorine degradation, and prevent overworking your salt cell.

How often should you drain a salt water pool?

When should I drain my pool? Pool industry experts recommend you drain your pool and refill it every five to seven years.

How long should I run my saltwater pool pump in winter?

Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend the pump run 8-10 hours per day during the hottest summer months and at least 6 hours per day during the winter months.

Should I keep my pool pump running in winter?

The point of running your pool pump in the winter is to keep your water moving, which prevents it from freezing should temperatures get too low. So ideally, run your pump (and keep it running) whenever temperatures start getting close to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the freezing point of water.

How cold does it have to be to freeze a saltwater pool?

Do saltwater pools freeze? Yes, although their freezing point is just a bit lower than regular chlorinated water. Salt water pools freeze usually freeze closer to 28 degrees as opposed to 32, but nonetheless, they still freeze. So, treat it just like any other pool.

How long should I run my salt chlorinator in winter?

4-6 hours per day in winter This essentially means the pump is undersized for the pool and can result in other issues such as persistent algae.

How do you keep a saltwater pool from freezing?

How do I prevent my pool from freezing? Keep your pool heated at a constant temperature above the freezing point. Keep the pool covered to lock in heat. Keep the water circulating by running your filter pump 24 hours a day. Angle the jets in your pool upwards to prevent surface freezing.

What chemicals do you need to winterize an above ground pool?

Winterizing chemical kit or pH increaser, Alkalinity increaser, Calcium hardness increaser, Pool shock, and Algaecide. Clarifying enzyme supplement (optional, but recommended) Above ground pool skimmer cover. Expansion plugs.

How do you close a pool for season?

How to Close Your Above Ground Pool in 10 Steps Step 1: Deep Clean. Step 2: Balance your Water. Step 3: Add Winterizing Chemicals. Step 4: Add Pump Protector. Step 5: Protect Your Return and Skimmer. Step 6: Prepare Your Filter for Hibernation. Step 7: Clear the Pool. Step 8: Set Up Ice Equalizer Pillow.

Should I add algaecide when closing pool?

By simply adding algaecide to your water prior to closing, you can prevent algae growth from occurring during the cold, winter months which makes for an easier opening in the spring. You can apply algaecide directly to the pool water and allow the pump to continue to circulate for approximately two to four hours.

How do you maintain an above ground saltwater pool?

To maintain a salt water pool you’ll need to keep your filter, pump, and skimmer clean and in good operating condition. With salt water pools, you must inspect the salt chlorinator cell and replace it when needed. Test regularly for proper water chemistry to maintain clean, clear pool water.

Can salt water pools raise your blood pressure?

Saltwater Pools Come With Health and Environmental Concerns Providers have also linked higher heart mortality risks to sodium absorption through the skin, particularly among people with: High blood pressure.

How long do saltwater pools last?

This is all possible thanks to your pool’s salt chlorine generator cell. With proper care, a cell will last about five years. Eventually, though, it will need to be replaced.

What chemicals are needed to close a saltwater pool?

There are several saltwater pool closing kits on the market and most of them include the same things: an algaecide, stain-fighter or scale inhibitor, and an oxidizer. Use a closing kit to gain the benefits from these three products or purchase them separately–whatever works best for you and your pool.