How To Close Your Pool - Frog Pool Tender
Water Care 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.

Recommended Pool Closing Supplies

Winterizing Chemical 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 Frog Pool Tender System

Step 1

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

• Winter Cover
• Winterizing Chemical 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 Winterizing Chemical Kit and clean your filter system:

• Add Dry Granular Winterizer, follow directions for use and precautionary statements on label.
• Add Sequestering Compound, follow directions for use and precautionary statements on label.
• Add Winter Oxy Plus, follow directions for use and precautionary statements on container.
• You will wait approximately 1 hour between adding each chemical. Once you add the last chemical, you should run your filter system for another 3-4 hours to circulate the treated water before moving on to the next step.
• 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 Frog Pool Tender 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 FROG Pool Tender Chlorine Chamber 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 FROG Pool Tender Mineral Chamber and discard in trash. You will hear spent media inside, however, it is no longer effective.
• Replace the cap and knob loosely.
• Store Frog Pool Tender 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

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Benefits of Winter Cover Pumps For Pool Closing

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