CLOSING A SALT POOL
The only difference is the closing kit and the salt cell which must be removed and cleaned with a cell cleaner.
The rest is like a chlorine pool and as follows:
HOW TO CLOSE AN INGROUND POOL?
In order to open the pool in the spring with less hassle, it is preferable to close the pool as late as possible in the fall (water temperature at 50°F or less), keeping the water clean, clear and balanced, of course. The vinyl liner will be exposed to the sun for a shorter period, thus less subject to drying and fading.
Have a complete water analysis done a few days before you plan to close the pool in order to have time as the total alkalinity should be at 150 ppm and the pH between 7.6 and 7.8
As for the filtration system and all connections, if you take the time to label them, make a drawing or take a picture of the installation, you will avoid a headache next spring.
Repairs, if needed, should be done before you close the pool.
If there are still leaves, REMOVE THEM!!
Lower the water level about 2 – 4 inches below the returns, with the filter at "DRAIN" or "WASTE".
While the water is coming down, you can remove the ladder, handrails (if they are still there). Disconnect any and all timers!!!
Winterize the heater if you have one.
Turn off the electricity. If gas, turn off the pilot and the gas intake. Disconnect the hoses and make sure there is no water left inside, using a vacuum.
If you have a Lumi-O light, unplug it.
If you have an Aqua-Lamp light: Turn the light about 1 inch to the left and pull. Do not remove the screws holding in place the gasket and liner. By removing the light bulb from its niche, you have about 3 feet of electric wire to set it on the sidewalk and tie it. (If the wire is too short, let it hang in the water). Insert the light foam inside the niche.
If you have an American Products, Jacuzzi or Swimquip light: Remove the screw at the top of the light. By removing the light bulb from its niche, you have about 3 feet of electric wire to set it on the sidewalk and tie it. (If the wire is too short, let it hang in the water). Insert the light foam inside the niche.
Once the water level is below the returns, remove the lock rings (Jacuzzi) and eyeballs.
Remove accessories from: skimmer: basket, vacuum plate, door.
Draining the pipes using a blower:
Disconnect from the filter, the line coming from the returns. Insert the blower hose and start it up. Once there is no more water coming out from the return closest to the filter, plug it. Repeat for each return. Then, the line from the pump to the skimmer.
Add anti-freeze to the main drain line since it's the only one where there will always be water (and any other line if you are not sure it's empty). Insert a plug, then the skimmer foam kit.
Set the filter to "WINTERIZE" or "CLOSE". Remove the pressure gauge, bottle (if there is one) and drain plug from the filter.
If you bring the pump inside, disconnect hoses from it and apply some lubricating silicone to the cover o'ring and remove the drain plug.
Remove chemicals from the chlorinator / brominator and remove drain plugs.
If you have a cartridge filter, remove the cartridge, clean it and let dry.
Before you install a net or winter cover, put in the closing kit.
If you install a net or winter cover, install inflated air pillows 4' x 5' beforehand to help keep the net or cover above the water.
HOW TO CLOSE AN ABOVE GROUND POOL?
In order to open the pool in the spring with less hassle, it is preferable to close the pool as late as possible in the fall, keeping the water clean, clear and balanced, of course. The vinyl liner will be exposed to the sun for a shorter period, thus less subject to drying and fading.
Have a complete water analysis done a few days before you plan to close the pool in order to have time as the total alkalinity should be at 150 ppm and the pH between 7.6 and 7.8
As for the filtration system and all connections, if you take the time to label them, make a drawing or take a picture of the installation, you will avoid a headache next spring.
Repairs, if needed, should be done before you close the pool.
Bring the water level about 12 to 18 inches below the skimmer by using "DRAIN" or "WASTE" on the filter.
While the water is coming down, you can remove the ladder / steps (if they are still there). Disconnect any and all timers!!!
Winterize the heater you have one.
Turn off the electricity. If gas, turn off the pilot and the gas intake. Disconnect the hoses and make sure there is no water left inside, using a vacuum.
If you have lights: Turn off the electricity or unplug.
If it's an Aqua-Luminator, once the water level is below it, remove the bulb.
Remove chemicals from the chlorinator / brominator and remove drain plugs.
Once the water is low enough, turn off the pump, set the filter to "WINTERIZE" or "CLOSE". Remove the pressure gauge, bottle (if there is one) and drain plug from the filter.
If you bring the pump inside, disconnect hoses from it and apply some lubricating silicone to the cover o'ring and remove the drain plug.
If you have a bottom drain, you can leave it connected to the 3-way valve under the skimmer, or disconnect it and connect a hose or some pvc to have the top above the pool (the water level will rise with the rain and snow). Either way, remove the door and basket from the skimmer. Put some anti-freeze in that hose, along with a 4' section of grey foam. If still connected to the 3 way valve, place the handle to close off that connection. Insert the skimmer foam kit.
If you have a cartridge filter, remove the cartridge, clean it and let dry.
Before you install a net or winter cover, put in the closing kit.
If you install a net or winter cover, install an inflated air pillow 4' x 5' beforehand to help keep the net or cover above the water.