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OFF-SEASON OPERATION
The most important key to maintaining a sparkling pool is regular and consistent maintenance.
The primary difference between seasons is chemical usage and protection from freezing. If
your pool will be running during projected periods of freezing weather it is
IMPORTANT
that
the pump be kept running so that the water will continue to circulate. Running water is less
likely to freeze. If the pool is shut down, the static water could freeze and cause damage to
the plumbing and heater or other equipment that is NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
The following tips will guide you in maintaining your pool during the winter months.
1. During off-season operation ALL valves should be open slightly (main drain, skimmer,
automatic cleaner, returns, etc.)
In the event of freezing weather if a valve is closed and
NOT winterized it can crack and will NOT be covered under warranty for Freeze Damage.
2. Your pump only needs to run 3 -6 hours per day in the winter months-unless freezing
temperatures occur- then it
MUST
run continuously. Set your pool timer to run the
equipment during the coldest hours of the day.
Freeze controllers are available to protect
your equipment. These controllers are activated by air temperature and programmed to
automatically turn on your pump and begin circulation if the air temperature reaches 38º F.
The only time this feature would not work is if the power were off.
3. Continue to remove any fallen leaves or debris from the pool as needed by net or vacuum.
4. Test the water every 3 to 4 weeks and make any necessary adjustments to balance the
water at a pH reading of 7.4 –7.6 and Total Alkalinity of 80-120 ppm.
5. Very little chlorine is required in cold water but you should still maintain a low level of
sanitizer, approximately 0.5 ppm. If you have an automatic chlorinator adjust the dial to the
lowest setting. If you have a Salt Chlorine Generator turn the CHLORINE PRODUCTION
down to 10 - 20%. Otherwise, chlorine production will exceed the recommended level.
At water temperatures below 51 Degrees Fahrenheit chlorine production is not permitted.
Operating your chlorine generator in cold water might allow the pool water to become
over chlorinated. If more chlorine is needed, activating the “Boost” mode will override this
cold water feature allowing chlorine production for 24 hours of operation.
6. The heater may be operated in the wintertime, provided air temperatures remain above
freezing and the water temperature is not permitted to drop below 65°F (18°C). Extended
heater operation with water temperatures below 65°F (10°C) can result in serious damage
to the heater and is not covered by warranty. NOTICE: When starting the heater for the
swimming season with a water temperature below 50°F (10°C), the heater may be used to
heat the water; however, make sure that the heater operates continuously until the water
temperature reaches the heater’s minimum setting of 65°F (18°C). DO NOT operate this
unit outdoors at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). During cold weather, if there is no danger
of freezing, operate the filter pump continuously even if the heater is not operating.
If you will be closing your pool for the winter season, please refer to the directions on the
following pages.