How to Close Your Swimming Pool with the Pool Frog System

Closing a pool with the pool frog system at season’s end should be an easy and worry-free process. Our pool specialists at The Pool Factory™ have put together the following tutorial to ensure you properly close a pool with the pool frog system at season’s end.

The following closing instructions are for the Pool Frog Classic System & Pool Frog Leap System.

Recommended Pool Closing Supplies

Pool Frog Leap Hibernation Kit

Skimmer Winterizing Plate

Threaded Winterizing Plug for Standard Return

Air Pillow
(Ice Compensator)

Winter Cover

Filter System Winter Cover

Cover Pump

Steps to Close a Pool With The Pool Frog Classic System & Pool Frog Leap System

Step 1

Gather Supplies - Before you start, make sure you have all necessary supplies on hand:

• Winter Cover
• Pool Frog Leap Hibernation / Wake Up Kit
• Skimmer Winterizing Plate
• Threaded Winterizing Plug for Return
• Air Pillow

Step 2

Clean the pool:

• Brush and Vacuum: Thoroughly brush the walls and floor of the pool to remove any dirt, algae, or debris. Vacuum the pool to ensure it's clean.
• Remove Debris: Skim the surface to remove leaves, bugs, and other floating debris.

Step 3

Balance the Water Chemistry:

• Test the Water: Use a pool water testing kit to check the chemical levels (pH, alkalinity, and chlorine). Test Kits can be found here → Test Kits
• Adjust pH and Alkalinity: Ensure the pH is between 7.4 and 7.6, and the total alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm. Adjust if necessary. pH and Alkalinity balancers can be found here → Pool Chemicals

Step 4

Add Pool Frog Leap Hibernation Kit and clean your filter system:

• Add Frog Leap Depth Charge, follow directions for use and precautionary statements on label. Turn on pump and allow 1 hour for the product to slowly dispense into the pool.
• Add Frog Leap Reveille, follow directions for use and precautionary statements on label. Turn on pump and allow 1 hour for the product to slowly dispense into the pool.
• Add Frog Leap All Out, follow directions for use and precautionary statements on label. Turn pump on for 90 minutes allowing FROG Leap ALL-OUT to circulate through pool
• Clean the Filter System: Backwash the filter (Sand filter or D.E. filter) or clean the cartridge (Cartridge filter).

Step 5

Close off thru-wall skimmer and return fitting:

• Install Skimmer Winterizing Plate.
• Install Threaded Winterizing Plug for Standard Return.
• Installation Videos can be found below for these winterizing accessories.

Step 6

Clean and Store Equipment:

• Remove any debris from the skimmer and pump baskets.
• Disconnect the filter system and remove all of the drain plugs in the filter tank and pump. This will allow the filter system to completely drain out any water and dry before storing indoors over the winter time. You also have the option to use an Aquapro Filter System Winter Cover to protect the filter system from the fall and winter elements if left outside.
• Take out all pool accessories like ladders, lights, and solar covers. Clean them thoroughly and store them in a dry place.

Step 7

Winterize Your Pool Frog Cycler:

• Turn dial to Setting 0 and remove the cap.
• Unscrew knob from the front of the Frog Pool Tender Cycler. Allow all water to drain.
• If the Pool Frog Leap Torpedo Pac or Bac Pac still contains chlorine, wrap in plastic bag and store in shed or cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from children, pets, cars, motorcycles or anything metal that can rust, pit, etc. If empty, rinse and recycle.
• Remove the Pool Frog Leap Anti-Bac Mineral Pac or Mineral Reservoir and discard in trash. You will hear spent media inside, however, it is no longer effective.
  
• Replace the cap and knob loosely.
• Store Pool Frog Cycler indoors for the winter.

Step 8

Install the Air Pillow:

• Inflate the Air Pillow: Inflate the air pillow to about 60-70% of its capacity. The air pillow helps to absorb ice expansion and protect the pool walls.
• Place the Air Pillow: Place the air pillow in the center of the pool and secure it with ropes or tethers.

Step 9

Cover the Pool:

• Install the Winter Pool Cover: Spread the pool cover over the pool, making sure it covers the entire pool and air pillow. Drape the winter cover over the air pillow so it lays on the surface of the water all around the pillow.
• Secure the Cover: Use the cable and winch to secure the cover tightly around the pool. Ensure there are no gaps or loose areas where debris can enter.
• Add 1-2 inches of water on the cover to prevent wind damage.

Tips for a Successful Pool Closing

• Perform regular checks: Throughout the winter, periodically check the pool cover and remove any debris or water that accumulates on top.
• Avoid heavy weight on the cover: Ensure the cover is not weighed down by heavy snow or ice, as this can damage the cover and pool.
• Winter Cover Pumps are strongly recommended to keep excess water from building up on your cover. Excess water on your cover means excess stress and a torn cover or damaged pool.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your above ground pool remains in good condition throughout the off-season and is ready for use when the warm weather returns.

Related Articles:

Skimmer Winterizing Plate Instructions

The following is step-by-step installation instructions for installing your skimmer winterizing plate on your pool.

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Benefits of Winter Cover Pumps For Pool Closing

Learn the many benefits of a winter cover pump and how it will help protect your above ground pool during the harsh winter season.

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