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
Steps to Close a Pool With The Pool Frog System
Clean and vacuum pool.
Check and adjust PH and Alkalinity.
Test with greater accuracy for your Frog® chemicals. These test strips quickly and easily test for your Total Chlorine/Bromine, Free Chlorine, PH and Total Alkalinity.
Add Pool Frog Leap Hibernation kit and follow instructions on box.
Easy 3-step winterizing program puts the pool to sleep for the off season. Treats up to 15,000 gallons. Uniquely dispenses through the Pool Frog Leap System. Worry Free way to winterize pools.
Run filter for at least 1 hour.
- If you have a standard size thru-wall skimmer, attach a standard skimmer winterizing plate by removing ONLY the 6 screws corresponding to the 6 holes in the plate.
- If you have a widemouth thru-wall skimmer, attach a widemouth skimmer winterizing plate by removing ONLY the 10 screws corresponding to the 10 holes in the plate.
- It is not required to lower the water level below the skimmer opening when you are installing the skimmer winterizing plate. In areas with harsh winters a water level at or slightly below the skimmer level would be sufficient.
Prevents ice damage to your thru-wall skimmer and pool wall. Plate comes complete with screws and gasket, and installs over the existing skimmer face plate. Available for standard or widemouth thru-wall skimmers.
Plug your return fitting in the inside (water side) of pool with a threaded winterizing plug. If you have an Aqualuminator light, it should also be plugged in the inside (water side) of pool, using a winterizing plug for the Aqualuminator light. Make sure that the plug is pushed in all the way. The plug must be flush in the light housing. Dip plug into pool water to lubricate if necessary.
Inflate air pillow (leaving soft) and fasten, allowing it to float in the center of the pool.
Drape the winter cover over the air pillow so it lays on the surface of the water all around the pillow.
Add 1-2 inches of water on the cover to prevent wind damage.
Empty and clean your filter and Pool Frog 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 in a warm dry area. 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.
Store all filters and equipment in warm dry places to prevent cracking. Drain excess water off cover during winter months to prevent damage to your pool.
Additional Tips
The AquaPro Cover Pump is the finest pool cover pump ever designed. Features a powerful 110 volt 3,000 GPH automatic submersible pump with a specifically designed strainer base.
do you lower the water below the skimmer line?
Hi Brad,
You can winterize an above ground pool with the water level at the normal operating level or below the skimmer. Avoid a high water level because ice expansion can then damage your pools’ top ledges. Make sure to plate off the skimmer opening and plug the return fitting from the water side of the pool. Do not use a “gizmo” type skimmer plugs especially in colder areas, they are not effective at protecting the pool against ice damage.