Quck answer
Closing an Intex pool for the winter is an important step to protect it from damage and ensure its longevity. Here are the key steps to follow:
1. Clean the pool: Remove debris, leaves, and any other foreign objects from the pool using a net or vacuum.
2. Balance the water: Test the water and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels to the recommended range.
3. Add winter chemicals: Add a winterizing chemical kit to prevent algae growth and protect the pool during the winter months.
4. Lower the water level: Lower the water level below the skimmer line to prevent freezing and damage.
5. Drain and store equipment: Drain the filter, pump, and any other equipment. Clean and store them in a dry place.
6. Cover the pool: Use a pool cover specifically designed for winter use to keep debris out and protect the pool from harsh weather conditions.
By following these steps, you can effectively close your Intex pool for the winter and ensure it’s ready for use when the warmer months return.
The fate of your Intex above-ground pool in winter depends on where you live. If you live in an area with mild winters, you can winterize the pool and cover it for the season. However, if you live in a freezing area, you will need to drain the Intex pool and dismantle it for the winter. Fortunately, these pools are among the easiest above-ground pools to collapse and store.
Complete Disassembly
Step 1
Remove the ladder, pool pump, filter, and all related hoses from the pool. Clean them thoroughly and let them dry completely.
Step 2
Locate the pool’s drain valve. Remove the drain cover and attach a garden hose to the drain. Allow all the water to drain from the pool, ensuring that the hose directs the water to a legal and acceptable location.
Step 3
Clean the pool liner after draining to eliminate any debris or algae clinging to it.
Step 4
Sprinkle cornstarch on the pool liner to absorb any remaining water and prevent the liner from sticking to itself during storage.
Step 5
Once it is completely dry, roll up the pool liner.
Step 6
Carefully disassemble the metal frame of the pool. Store it and all other pool components in an area that maintains a temperature between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winterization
Step 1
Shock the pool about a week before closing it. This process cleans the water and allows the chlorine level to drop to the desired 1 to 3 ppm. If the chlorine level is too high when closing the pool, the algaecide added later will not be effective.
Step 2
Clean the pool thoroughly, removing all debris, dust, and algae. Use a vacuum and net to eliminate all contaminants from the pool.
Step 3
Test the pool water and adjust the water chemistry as necessary to achieve a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8. Adjust the pool’s total alkalinity to a range of 100 to 150 ppm.
Step 4
Add a water clarifier and algaecide to the pool. Run the pool pump for one day to ensure thorough circulation of these added chemicals.
Step 5
Close the pool’s inlet and outlet valves, then remove the pool pump, filter, and accompanying hoses. Clean this equipment and let it dry completely before storing it at room temperature. Do the same for the ladder and pool skimmer.
Step 6
Cover the pool with a lockable pool cover. Remove any standing water from the top of the pool cover as necessary throughout the winter. Leaving water on the cover can cause excess weight and potentially damage the pool cover.
