Winter is approaching, and it is time to close your Coleman above ground pool for the season. But don’t worry! We are here to make it easy for you. Follow these 5 simple steps to winterize your pool and keep it protected throughout the colder months.
The first step is to prepare your pool for winter, which includes removing all the pool accessories, testing the water, and adding winterizing chemicals. Next, you will need to lower the water level to prevent damage caused by freezing. Then, it is time to clean your pool, which includes scrubbing the walls, vacuuming the bottom, and cleaning the skimmer and pump basket.
After cleaning, the next step is to drain your pump and filter. This step is essential as it will help prevent any damage caused by freezing. Lastly, it’s time to cover your pool. A good pool cover will keep debris out of your pool while also protecting it from the elements.
By following these five simple steps, you will ensure that your Coleman above ground pool remains protected throughout the winter season. Keep reading to learn more about each step and ensure that your pool is ready to use again when summer comes back around!
Table of Contents
Preparing Your Pool
Before winter hits, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your Coleman above ground pool from damage caused by freezing temperatures. The first step in winterizing your pool is to make sure it is clean and free of debris. Use a skimmer net to remove leaves, insects, and other foreign objects from the water. Clean the sides and bottom of the pool with a pool brush and pool cleaner.
Next, it’s time to balance the chemicals in your pool. The ideal pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.A pool test kit can help you determine if the chemical balance is correct. Add any necessary chemicals to bring the levels into the correct range. This step is crucial to preventing algae and bacteria growth during the winter months.
The final step in preparing your pool for winter is to lower the water level. Drain the pool water until it is about 4-6 inches below the skimmer. This will prevent the water from freezing and expanding, which can cause damage to the pool walls and equipment. Once the water level is lowered, you can move on to the next step in winterizing your Coleman above ground pool.
Preparing Your Pool
Remove pool accessories and attachments
Skim the pool – Start by removing any leaves or debris from the surface of the water using a pool skimmer. This will make it easier to remove the pool accessories and attachments.
Remove pool accessories and attachments – This includes ladders, slides, pool toys, and any other removable pool equipment. Rinse them off with a hose and store them in a dry place for the winter.
Drain pool equipment – You’ll also need to drain any pool equipment that holds water, like the pump, filter, and heater. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each piece of equipment to ensure you don’t damage it.
Inspect and repair – Take a look at your pool accessories and attachments before storing them away. If any of them are damaged, repair or replace them now so they’re ready for next season.
By removing your pool accessories and attachments before winter, you’ll protect them from the harsh weather conditions and prevent them from getting damaged or deteriorating over time. Now that your pool is free of accessories, it’s time to lower the water level.
Brush and vacuum the pool
Before you start brushing and vacuuming, remove any large debris from the pool with a skimmer. Then, use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor of the pool. This helps to remove any dirt and algae that may have accumulated over the summer. Be sure to brush all areas of the pool, including behind ladders and around corners.
Next, it’s time to vacuum the pool. If you have a manual vacuum, attach it to your pool’s filtration system and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Move the vacuum in slow, overlapping patterns to ensure you don’t miss any spots. For a more efficient clean, consider using an automatic pool cleaner.
After vacuuming, clean out your skimmer and pump baskets to remove any remaining debris. This helps your filtration system run smoothly and efficiently.
Balance the pool’s pH levels
Before closing your above ground pool for winter, it is essential to ensure that its pH levels are balanced. Use a pool water testing kit to determine the pH level of the water. The ideal pH range is between 7.2 and 7.
If the pH level is too high, add a pH decreaser to the water. If the pH is too low, add a pH increaser. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid adding too much of the product at once.
After adding the pH increaser or decreaser, wait for a few hours and then retest the pH level. Once the pH level is balanced, you can move on to the next step of winterizing your pool.
Lowering the Water Level
Step 1: Turn off the pool pump – Before lowering the water level, it’s important to turn off the pool pump to avoid any damage.
Step 2: Drain excess water – Use a submersible pump or siphon to drain excess water from the pool until the water level is at the recommended level.
Step 3: Disconnect hoses and equipment – Disconnect any hoses and equipment attached to the pool, including the filter and skimmer baskets.
Step 4: Clean the pool – Use a pool brush or net to remove any debris from the pool floor and walls. This will make it easier to clean the pool thoroughly later.
Step 5: Store accessories safely – Store pool accessories like ladders and diving boards safely in a dry place, away from the pool.
Drain the pool to the appropriate level
Step 1: The first step in lowering the water level of your Coleman above ground pool is to ensure that the pool’s filter is turned off. This will prevent any damage to the pump or filter during the process.
Step 2: Use a submersible pump or a siphon to drain the water down to the appropriate level. Be sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended water level.
Step 3: If you are using a submersible pump, be sure to attach a garden hose to the pump and run it to an appropriate drainage area.
Step 4: Once you have drained the water to the appropriate level, turn off the submersible pump or remove the siphon.
Step 5: Remember to keep an eye on the weather forecast and make sure that the remaining water level is below the recommended level to prevent any damage from freezing during winter.
Cleaning Your Pool
Skim and scrub the pool’s surface: Remove any debris from the water using a pool skimmer. Scrub the sides and bottom of the pool to remove any algae or dirt buildup.
Clean the pool filter: Remove and clean the pool filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A clean filter helps keep the water clear and prevents debris from building up.
Shock the pool: Add a shock treatment to the pool water to kill any bacteria or algae. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to use gloves and eye protection when handling pool chemicals.
Check and clean the pool pump: Inspect the pool pump for any debris or buildup and clean as needed. A clean pump ensures that water is circulating properly and helps prevent future problems.
Balance the pool’s chemicals: Test and balance the pool’s pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels using a testing kit. Keeping these levels in balance helps keep the water clear and prevents damage to the pool’s surfaces and equipment.
Scrub the pool walls and floor
Use a pool brush: Use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor of the pool. Make sure to get all the way to the waterline to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated.
Clean the skimmer and pump basket: Clean out the skimmer and pump basket to remove any debris that may be clogging them up. This will help ensure proper water flow and filtration.
Check the filter: Check the filter and backwash or clean it if necessary. A dirty filter can lead to cloudy water and reduced filtration.
Shock the pool: Shock the pool with a high dose of chlorine to kill any remaining bacteria or algae. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and application.
Use a pool vacuum: Use a pool vacuum to remove any debris or dirt from the bottom of the pool. This will help keep the water clear and free of debris.
Draining Your Pump and Filter
Turn off the power to your pump and filter – Before draining the pump and filter, ensure that you turn off the power to avoid any accidents.
Remove the drain plugs and let the water drain out – Remove the drain plugs from the pump and filter and allow all the water to drain out. This will prevent any remaining water from freezing during the winter months.
Remove any excess water from the pump and filter – Use a wet/dry vacuum or towels to remove any remaining water from the pump and filter.
Clean the pump and filter – Once the pump and filter are drained and excess water is removed, clean them thoroughly to remove any debris or buildup that could cause problems later on.
Properly draining your pump and filter is an essential step in winterizing your above ground pool. Neglecting this step can cause damage to your equipment and lead to costly repairs when you reopen your pool in the spring.
Turn off the pump and filter
When it’s time to drain your pool, you need to first turn off the pump and filter. This is important to prevent any potential damage to the equipment while it’s not in use.
Begin by turning off the power supply to your pool’s pump and filter. You can do this by turning off the circuit breaker that powers your pool equipment.
Next, turn the pool’s multiport valve to the closed position. This valve controls the water flow in and out of the filter, and you want to make sure it’s closed to prevent any water from entering the filter during the draining process.
Remove and drain the pump and filter
Step 1: Turn off the power supply to the pool pump and filter. This will prevent any potential electrical accidents during the removal process.
Step 2: Locate the pool pump and filter. They are usually located near each other, and you can identify them by their large size.
Step 3: Disconnect the hoses and pipes from the pool pump and filter. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the nuts and bolts that secure the hoses and pipes in place.
Step 4: Remove the pump and filter from their mounts. Once you have removed the hoses and pipes, you can easily remove the pump and filter by lifting them off their mounts.
After you have removed the pump and filter, it’s important to drain any excess water from them to prevent damage and prolong their lifespan.
Add antifreeze to the pump and filter
As winter approaches, it’s important to properly winterize your pool equipment to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. One step in this process is adding antifreeze to your pool’s pump and filter. Antifreeze helps to protect the equipment from freezing and cracking during the winter months.
The first step in adding antifreeze is to turn off the pool pump and filter. Next, you’ll need to locate the pump drain plug and remove it. This will allow any remaining water in the pump to drain out.
Once the pump is drained, you can add the antifreeze. You’ll need to pour the antifreeze into the pump basket until it is full. Then, you’ll need to replace the pump drain plug.
Next, you’ll need to add antifreeze to the filter. This can be done by pouring the antifreeze into the skimmer. As the antifreeze enters the skimmer, it will flow through the plumbing and into the filter. You’ll need to add enough antifreeze to fill the plumbing and filter.
Finally, once you’ve added the antifreeze, you can turn the pump and filter back on for a few seconds. This will help to circulate the antifreeze throughout the equipment.
Covering Your Pool
As the colder months approach, it’s important to cover your pool to protect it from the elements. This will prevent debris from entering the water and keep it clean for when you’re ready to use it again. Here are some tips on how to properly cover your pool:
Clean the pool – Before covering the pool, make sure to clean it thoroughly. This includes scrubbing the walls and floor, skimming the surface, and vacuuming any remaining debris.
Lower the water level – Lower the water level to about 6 inches below the tile line. This will prevent the cover from sagging and ensure that any rain or snow will not cause the water to overflow.
Choose the right cover – There are different types of pool covers available, such as mesh or solid covers. Make sure to choose the right one for your pool and climate. A solid cover is better for colder climates as it will keep out sunlight and prevent algae growth.
Secure the cover – The cover should be secured tightly to prevent it from being blown away by strong winds. Some covers come with anchors or clips, while others require water bags or weights to hold them down.
Check the cover regularly – Check the cover regularly to ensure that it is still secure and in good condition. Remove any debris that may have accumulated on top of the cover, and make any necessary repairs to prevent water from seeping through.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your pool is properly covered and protected during the colder months, and will be ready for use when the weather warms up again.Place the winter cover on the pool
Before placing the cover on the pool, make sure it is clean and dry. Any debris or water on the pool cover can cause damage or mold growth.
Secure the cover tightly to prevent wind from getting underneath and causing damage. Use water bags, cover clips or a cable and winch system to secure the cover in place.
If you have a mesh cover, make sure it is tight and secure to prevent debris from getting in. A solid cover should be free of any tears or holes to prevent water from getting in and causing damage.
Regularly remove snow and debris from the top of the cover to prevent it from weighing it down and causing damage. Use a pool cover pump to remove any excess water that accumulates on top of the cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to winterize a Coleman above ground pool?
Winterizing a Coleman above ground pool involves several steps to protect the pool and its components from damage during the colder months. These steps include draining the pool, cleaning the pool walls and floor, removing and draining the pump and filter, adding antifreeze, and covering the pool.
Why is it important to winterize a Coleman above ground pool?
Winterizing a Coleman above ground pool is important to prevent damage to the pool and its components during the colder months. If water is left in the pool and its components, freezing temperatures can cause the water to expand and crack the pool walls, pump, and filter. Winterizing the pool helps to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
When should I start winterizing my Coleman above ground pool?
The timing for winterizing a Coleman above ground pool can depend on your location and climate. Generally, it’s recommended to start the process when the temperatures start to consistently drop below 50°F. This ensures that you have enough time to complete all the necessary steps before the temperatures drop below freezing.
What tools or supplies do I need to winterize my Coleman above ground pool?
To winterize a Coleman above ground pool, you will need a pool cover, pool antifreeze, a pool winterizing kit, a pool pump, a pool filter, a pool brush, and a pool vacuum. You may also need a hose and a pool water testing kit to ensure the pool water is balanced before winterizing.
Can I winterize my Coleman above ground pool myself or should I hire a professional?
You can winterize your Coleman above ground pool yourself if you have the necessary tools and experience. However, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure that the pool is properly winterized and protected from damage. A professional can also help you with any repairs or replacements that may be needed.