How to Winterize your Splashpool
When should you winterize a Splash pool?
Winterize before standing water can freeze in fittings, hoses, the pump, or the filter. It’s easiest to do this after your last swim before the water gets cold.
Consult your local pool store for what winterizing chemicals you will need before you start.
What you need:
- Winterizing chemicals
- Splash Winterizing Tool Kit (tool, two winterizing plugs, #8 x 1-1/4" stainless screw)
- 1/2-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe, about 4–5 feet (you supply this)
- Winterizing plugs for the skimmer wall fitting and return wall fitting
- Splash winter cover
- Air pillows or Pool Cover Pump
Step-by-step: How to winterize a Splash SuperPool
1. Add winterizing chemicals
first Have a local water professional test and treat the water. Balanced water plus winterizing chemicals makes spring opening easier. Do this before you shut the system down.
2. Turn off the pump and filter
Shut the pump and filter off before you disconnect anything.
3. Remove the ladder
Remove the nuts on the J-hooks of the birth pipe, then lift the ladder out and store it.
4. Remove the skimmer and plug the wall fitting from inside the pool(without Winterizing tool):
Disconnect the skimmer and remove it and all interior hoses. Plug the skimmer wall fitting from inside the pool. Open the slice/ball valve so it can drain.
Cold-water method using Splash Winterizing Tool: Assemble the tool on a 4–5 ft piece of 1/2-inch Schedule 40 PVC. Drill with a 1/8-inch bit, fasten the supplied screw flush, and seat a winterizing plug in the tool. Work from outside the pool so you only get wet to the elbows.
Pro tips from Splash: When you originally install the skimmer, do not thread it all the way down. That makes winter removal easier. Step on the outside of the ball valve so the threads point upward before you line up the plug.
*One option that makes this step much easier is purchasing the Splash Quick Disconnect, it attaches to your skimmer at the wall fitting and allows you to disconnect and reconnect it with a simple half turn. This is available on the website and can be added at anytime.
5. Plug the return fitting
Remove the eyeball diverter or fountain from the return. Install a winterizing plug. Use the same tool if the water is already cold.
6. Disconnect hoses and store the pump and filter
Remove every hose between the pool and the pump/filter. Drain the pump and filter completely. Store the pump, filter, skimmer basket, and hoses indoors. Any accessory that can be damaged by weather should come off the pool.
7. Lower the water to the return
Splash recommends draining to the return fitting level. Remove the directional fitting. The lower level leaves room if rain or meltwater collects over winter. Failure to lower the water can cause ice damage.
8. Add pillows and the winter cover
Place pillows in the pool and secure them to the sides. Put on a Splash winter cover (sold as an accessory) and fasten it with the included bungee cords. Splash covers are made for these pools. A cover pump keeps standing water from sitting on the cover.
Why the Splash Winterizing Tool matters
The kit is one tool, two plugs, and one stainless screw. You add the PVC handle. It lets you install plugs in the skimmer suction wall fitting and the return wall fitting from outside the pool so you can pull the filtration system for storage without getting into cold water.
Watch the official walkthroughs:
FAQ
Do I have to drain a Splash pool completely for winter?
No. Splash instructs you to lower water to the return fitting, not empty the pool. Completely emptying and leaving the structure up is a warranty risk.
Should I plug both wall fittings?
Plug the skimmer wall fitting from inside the pool. Plug the return only as shown in the video when you remove the eyeball/fountain and disconnect equipment.
Can I winterize after the water is already cold?
Yes. That is what the Splash Winterizing Tool is for. Use it from outside the pool.
What if I live where it does not freeze?
Skip the drain, plug, equipment-storage, and cover steps in the manual (items 2–6). Still keep chemistry in range.
What should I do first in spring?
Reverse the process: remove the cover, raise the water, reinstall fittings, skimmer, hoses, pump, and filter, then have the water tested before swimming.
What are the Smart Clips for?
The Splash smart clips can be snapped on to your winter cover at any point to attach bungee cords and give additional security, this is a great option for pools that may be in high wind areas.
Can my Splashpool handle harsh winters?
Yes, Splashpools hold up through some of the coldest areas of the country and still open up great every spring. We do recommend following the winterizing procedure to make sure and keep your pool in the best shape through cold weather.
For any other questions, feel free to email us at info@splashpools.com
