How to winterize your pool filter system

Preparing the above ground swimming pool for winter (view Family Leisure Winter Pool Supplies here) involves many steps and procedures, such as preparing the pool water (which we have discussed before; read Preparing Your Pool Water for Winter here). The most obvious problem the winter presents for a swimming pool filter system is the below freezing temperatures and the expansion of water turning into ice. This process will destroy any above ground swimming pool filter system, regardless if you own an elemental filter or a sand filter.

How to winterize your pool filter system:

1. Remove the hoses from your swimming pool's wall.

For Sand Filters (such as the 26" Pool Sand Filter by Waterway; view the 26" Pool Sand Filter here):

1. Remove the valve head from the tank.
2. Drain the filter tank by removing the drain cap.
3. Empty the sand out of the filter; use a tarp or the ground.
4. Clean out the strainer basket on the system's pump.
5. Take the pump and filter inside to avoid freezing.

For Elemental Filters (such as Aqua Smarte Mineral System; view the Aqua Smarte Mineral Activator here):

1. Drain the filter tank by removing the drain cap.
2. Remove the top portion of the system.
3. Remove and spray down the elemental filter.
4. Clean out the strainer basket on the pump.
5. Take the pump and filter inside to avoid freezing.

Obviously the most important step for both the elemental filters and the sand filters is taking the pump inside for storage in an area where freezing temperatures are not a problem (step #5 for both). You can do all of the work of winterizing your pool, from adding Pool Shock (view Pool Shock here) to adding the Winter Pill (view the Winter Pill here) only to destroy your pool filter by leaving it out in the cold.

Family Leisure offers winter pool supplies for sale to help you prepare for the changing season; view all Family Leisure Winter Pool Supplies here. When it comes to winter chemicals many pool owners decide to purchase everything in one package, such as the Winter Pool Combo Kit 30,000 Gallon from Swim Clear; view the Winter Pool Combo Kit 30,000 Gallon here.

There are other things to consider when closing a swimming pool for winter such as the winter cover (view all Family Leisure winter pool covers here), a winter pillow (view a Winter Pillow here) and much more. Our support videos can help you through the process of closing your pool for the winter; view the Family Leisure Pool School Video: Winterizing Your Swimming Pool here.