Ask the Bear » Caring for Your Teddy Bear Pool or Spa
Winterizing Do's and Don'ts
WINTERIZING GUIDELINES
Top Ten Do’s:
1. Use the cable and ratchet on an aboveground to secure the cover to the pool. Water jugs and tying the cover down will VOID all warranties.
2. Use a cover pump to take water off the cover during the winter. This will prevent the cover from stretching and tearing. Use a Frisbee or plate under the cover pump. This will prevent water coming through the cover when using the pump.
3. Inflate the air pillow ONLY 3/4 full. This will help it stay inflated over the winter. Fill air pillows 24 hours before closing to ensure it stays inflated.
4. Use quick clips on the aboveground winter cover in high wind areas to keep it secure.
5. Fill water bags only 2/3 of the way so there is room for ice expansion.
6. Fill aquablocks only to the line inside the block.
7. Allow only 3-4 inches of ice, snow or water on the cover to prevent the wind from damaging it.
8. Bring a water sample (one QT.) in before closing your pool. The water should be balanced before closing to prevent staining and to ensure chemicals work properly over the winter months. Sample bottles are available in the store at no charge.
9. Store the pump and filter inside your cellar over the winter. This will prolong the filter life and prevent it from cracking.
10. Clean the solar blanket with cover cleaner before storing it away for the winter. (I.E.: in a plastic bin with a lid)Top Ten Don'ts:
1. Use water jugs, bricks, wood or tie down a winter cover. This will VOID the warranty.
2. Inflate air pillows completely. This will cause it to deflate over the winter. DON’T be concerned if your air pillow deflates over the winter. This will cause no damage to the pool. The pillow is designed to channel the water to the sides of the pool for easy removal and to prevent ice expansion from damaging the pool walls.
3. Fill water bags completely full.
4. Store filter systems with pool chemicals. This will cause oxidation to equipment.
5. Use chlorine floaters over winter. This can bleach out liners during the winter.
6. Leave filter systems outside over the winter. Filters will crack and equipment life will decrease dramatically.
7. Allow over six inches of water, ice or snow on the pool cover over the winter. This will stretch and damage pool covers.
8. Close pools before water is properly balanced.
9. Drain water from pools. This is not needed if the pool is closed correctly.
10. Wrap the winter cover over the skimmer on aboveground pools. This can cause damage to the structure of the pool.
WINTER COVER WARRANTIES MILLENIUM:
- 15 year warranty - 4 years full on seams
- 11 years prorated on list price ELITE
- 10 year warranty - 3 years on seams
- 7 years prorated on list price SUPERIOR
- 15 year warranty - 2 years full on seams
- 13 years prorated on list price
