Summer is over and while you have had loads of fun

Steps to winterize in-ground swimming pools You need the following for winterizing your pool - the cover, the water tubes, the plugs for the skimmer, return jets and chemicals, an air compressor or a powerful vacuum. Clean the filter, drain the filter tanks and leave backwash valve open. Disconnect the pump and filter. Drain out all water from the pump, turn it upside down and store it away. If you have a heater, make sure there is no water in it. Remove all jet fittings and skimmer baskets. Blow out the return jet pipes until you see air bubbles from the return jets in the pool. Put a plug tightly in the fitting under the water. Blow out the skimmer pipes and screw in a plug in the skimmer. Seal all exposed pipes with duct tape. Remove ropes, floats, dive boards and ladders from the pool. Dump a mixture of dissolved winterizing chemical in the pool and test the pH value. It should be between 7.2 and 7.6. The chlorine level should be a little high for winter. You can leave the water in the pool at the normal level and place the cover on the pool. Steps to winterize above-ground swimming pools Have the following winterizing supplies - the cover, the air pillow, the plugs for the skimmers and winterizing chemicals. Make sure that the backwash valve is open and the filter tanks are drained out. Plug return pipes and skimmer and disconnect your pump and filter. Make sure that there is no water left in the pump. If the pump has drain plugs, remove them. The pool cover should be bigger than the pool size at least one or two times to cover the pool adequately. Blow up and install your air pillow. Remove all deck equipment from the pool. Dissolve granular winterizing chemicals in a bucket and add it to the pool. Test the pool for pH value. Place cover on pool and secure. Other important winter tips for swimming pools in Chesapeake Inspect your pool and surrounding area and remove any accumulated snow, ice or water from the top of the pool and from the skimmer. If the cable attachment of the cover feels too tight release the cable. If the cable feels too loose, tighten it or the cover will slip into the pool. Check the air pillow to make sure that there is air in it. Keep all the pool parts in a secure place to be re-used for the next season of enjoyment in your swimming pools in Chesapeake.