Try using the back wash cycle to drain the pool it's faster we have 50ft hose so the water will go down the driveway instead of flooding the yard. Just an idea. Hope it helps someone.
I have a 12x24 used the same kit .Great kit. I tie off the floating chlorine dispenser so it stays in the middle of the pool or it ends up along the side of the pool . Drain like you said. I usually double tarp it ,tie the frist one down with cord . Then we pull our second tarp,from the roller, over the pool and tie that down with velcro staps around the pool legs. Tried the pillows one year, was a waste of money . Had them tied off so they would stay in place , didnt work the all ended up on the east end of the pool and where deflated allot, more work then they where worth. Pump, heater and hoses flushed drained dried and put in heated garge. Been doin it this way for a couple of yrs , works great.. And then cry when ever we look out at the back yard.
If you are in the midwest I would add a pool pillow. Your pool looks large. Ours is 18x33 oval and we use a 4.5x15ft pillow. You may have been lucky thus far but 'they' say it can save the cover from ripping and more importantly, keep the pools structure in tact. Pillows are actually 'ice compressors'. My .02 :)
I live in the northeast and have a round ultra pool. I have tried the pillows and find them to be more annoying than useful. I don’t use a solid cover but a permeable one like yours which allows the ice to melt into the pool so I don’t need to use a pump to remove the water buildup from the ice. My pool is 13 years old and winters here a nightmare with blizzards, freezing rain, and high winds. I replaced the cover only once but I like the idea of zip ties and bungee cords instead of the standard tightened wire. Thanks for that tip. Otherwise my closing is just exactly the same as yours!
We just got ours, it’s a 24x12’, we are in Ohio - I’ve read conflicting things about leaving it up. Good to know you haven’t had any issues. I don’t want to take ours down.
I’m in Ohio too, we are about to put up the pool and I’m dreading taking it down-definitely don’t want to do that…but don’t want it to rust either. I saw some people had rust issues after 2 years so here I am researching. Good luck to you.
I live in New York and have a 16x32. Have mine up for 4 winters. Only issue is a little rust on a couple of corner elbows. I'm going to take my chances. No way am I ever taking down that pool and putting it back up again. Squeezing all those tubes through the liner? Not happening! I'd rather buy a new pool and have to set it up every 5 years. I can't imagine people doing this every year. You're nuts!!!Definitely got my moneys worth. These pools are amazing! And look great!
Do you have a link for the cover you use? Ohio here and this is our first year. Also, do you get a winter cover for the drain valve? I’ll lower before the intake but should that be covered?
I usually get a new winter cover every couple of years. Like this one: amzn.to/48dOCYC I buy it bigger so it covers the intake holes when I zip tie it to the bars. Hope that helps.
I've had mine 4 yrs and have had to drain every fall! I can't seem to keep the pool clean and clear all summer been struggling every year since the 1st year wen the husband didn't take the pump I side like i asked!! and we lost our sand filter that came with out index my pools exactly like urs.
I wish I had seen this before I completely drained our pool for the 2nd winter storage in the basement in Connecticut. I have the smaller 9x18 and it’s not horrible to set up and take down but I’d much rather leave it up. How is the water that’s been left inside come spring? Mucky? We actually use a salt water kit. I assume I could use the winterized chlorine kit then somehow convert back (?)
I have the same pool and trying to figure out which cover to get. The link you have is for an oval shape the pool is more rectangle . Will the oval have enough hang over or should I just get a tarp? We have the size pool of 32' x 16' x 52" and I was looking at the 21 ft x 41 ft cover or tarp, would this be the correct one? Thanks for the helpful video
@@sandracasey1323 In my area I drain it to just below the intake. I am not sure if it would be better to completely drain. I would prefer not to do that so I don’t damage my pool moving it around, but maybe that is not as important as I think.
I live in Southern Minnesota, and we get quite a bit of snow in the winter. I am worried about getting snow and rain on the cover with the lowered water level after winterizing. Do you find that snow melt and/or rain sits on top of the cover and pools there? Is there any way to avoid this? Thanks in advance for your response!
Yes it does accumulate on the top. If you look at my video about opening the pool you can see how we deal with it in the Spring. You could always add some air pillows to reduce the area, but I have not tried that yet. Video below: ruclips.net/video/PF3BFCG9kGk/видео.html
Hey! We have the same pool and Your video has been extremely helpful. However, doesn’t your pool bow in when you take the water out? We are currently emptying it and it’s bowing inward. Is that still ok for the legs?
Not sure. This is the way I have been doing it for a few years. I drain to where it will not leak out the intake side. This I where my skimmer attaches.
Usually have them at Amazon or ebay. I think I put some links in the description of a cover video I made. If you check my pool playlist it should be there.
Have the same pool. Live in south suburbs of chicago.Chicago.. first year winterizing. I keep being told the tarp shouldn't touch the water.. I see your does.. have you ever had issues with snow acculmation and ice??
No, I have not had issues yet. The last few years I put this tarp on first then added a cheap winter cover. That winter cover broke last year, so I need to order a new one. I am in Central Indiana so your winter is more snow filled than mine.
I have the same pool as you. Did you remove the hoses from the pool outlets or leave them with the flow off (locked)? Also, did your pool bow inward when you drained it down to the outlet ports? It's my first year with this pool and I want to make sure I'm closing it well enough.
Yes. I remove the hoses and store them in my garage over the winter with my pump and filter. My pool does bow inward when drained for winterizing. When I refill in the Spring the walls return back to normal .
@@RickBolt Hello! If you remove all of the hoses from your pool, how do you prevent the water from leaking out of the openings once you remove the hoses? Thanks!
Hello. Do you have any videos that show how to disconnect the sand filter (and other filter) from the pool? I'm worried about doing this incorrectly and losing too much water from the pool or breaking one of the filters. Thank you!
We have 16x32 intex and built a deck around two sides, so the other sides are exposed. Any advice on getting the cover on to stay, especially where the deck is. The space is going to be almost impossible to get the cover underneath. Thanks
Hi Rick. When you are zip tying the tarp down, how do you tighten it without pulling the tarp off of the water surface? I would assume that as you pull the edges tighter the tarp will come off the water surface
I just use the cheap ones I get from Harbor Freight or Walmart. I will check them throughout the winter to make sure they are still holding. Thanks for watching!
Hi Rick! Central Minnesota here! We get REALLY cold, like well below zero, can we still leave the pool up with following these instructions? Im unsure where you are or how cold you get. This is our first summer with our pool (intex 24'x12'x52") and we are setting it up next weekend...wish us luck 😀 any advice would be helpful
Hi! I am in Central Indiana so it does get cold here in Jan/Feb but not quite as cold as it gets up there. It does get below zero here for short times over the winter. Not sure what others do with their pools near you. Hope you enjoy the pool and best of luck with it. Thanks for watching and I have a ton of other Intex pool videos on here of some other things I have tried if you are interested.
What state are you in? I'm setting up my new 12'x24" Intex this year, but I'm located in NY, and winters get cold (0-20 degrees) and a lot of snow. I'm worried that it might get ruined in the winter if I leave it up, and a big PITA if I have to dismantle at the end of each season.
Hi, I just bought this exact pool and I was wondering what size of cover did you buy? I noticed it's bigger than the pool and I would like to buy the same or similar cover. Thanks
I have a video that show the cover I have. I think it is solid, water will stay on top of it and not pass down into the pool. I am not familiar with other covers, maybe someone else will weigh in...
I have the 12'x24' pool. What size tarp did you use? Also, Is this something I have to purchase from Intex or can I use any one from the hardware store that has grommets?
Thank you. I believe I purchased that on eBay. Similar to this one: www.ebay.com/itm/POLARSHIELD-Deluxe-Winter-Pool-Cover-10-Year-Warranty-/203625542575?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
Try using the back wash cycle to drain the pool it's faster we have 50ft hose so the water will go down the driveway instead of flooding the yard. Just an idea. Hope it helps someone.
I have a 12x24 used the same kit .Great kit. I tie off the floating chlorine dispenser so it stays in the middle of the pool or it ends up along the side of the pool . Drain like you said. I usually double tarp it ,tie the frist one down with cord . Then we pull our second tarp,from the roller, over the pool and tie that down with velcro staps around the pool legs. Tried the pillows one year, was a waste of money . Had them tied off so they would stay in place , didnt work the all ended up on the east end of the pool and where deflated allot, more work then they where worth. Pump, heater and hoses flushed drained dried and put in heated garge. Been doin it this way for a couple of yrs , works great.. And then cry when ever we look out at the back yard.
Thanks for the tips. I was thinking about trying the air pillows but may skip it based on your experience.
What size tarp did you use?
26x 15 therabouts
I use gallon jugs and zip ties and two floating pillows in my index pool for the winter
Thanks for the info! Just FYI, I started using filter balls in my 32 ft intex pool filter and they are AMAZING!!
Thanks, not sure what those are,. I will check them out.
If you are in the midwest I would add a pool pillow. Your pool looks large. Ours is 18x33 oval and we use a 4.5x15ft pillow. You may have been lucky thus far but 'they' say it can save the cover from ripping and more importantly, keep the pools structure in tact. Pillows are actually 'ice compressors'. My .02 :)
Thanks, will check them out..
I live in the northeast and have a round ultra pool. I have tried the pillows and find them to be more annoying than useful. I don’t use a solid cover but a permeable one like yours which allows the ice to melt into the pool so I don’t need to use a pump to remove the water buildup from the ice. My pool is 13 years old and winters here a nightmare with blizzards, freezing rain, and high winds. I replaced the cover only once but I like the idea of zip ties and bungee cords instead of the standard tightened wire. Thanks for that tip. Otherwise my closing is just exactly the same as yours!
We just got ours, it’s a 24x12’, we are in Ohio - I’ve read conflicting things about leaving it up. Good to know you haven’t had any issues. I don’t want to take ours down.
I’m in Ohio too, we are about to put up the pool and I’m dreading taking it down-definitely don’t want to do that…but don’t want it to rust either. I saw some people had rust issues after 2 years so here I am researching. Good luck to you.
I live in New York and have a 16x32. Have mine up for 4 winters. Only issue is a little rust on a couple of corner elbows. I'm going to take my chances. No way am I ever taking down that pool and putting it back up again. Squeezing all those tubes through the liner? Not happening! I'd rather buy a new pool and have to set it up every 5 years. I can't imagine people doing this every year. You're nuts!!!Definitely got my moneys worth. These pools are amazing! And look great!
And honestly I think there is a better chance of ripping the liner taking it down and storing it then the chances you take with winter.. IMO
@@MrIrae213 hi! Could you share a link for the cover you use? We purchased a cover advertised for a 16x32 and it was too small.
Can you leave the sand filter out and just put the chlorinator and electrical inside? That sand filter is heavy!
This is what I use as well. Excellent product.
I happen to live in LA where winter gets to the high 50’s. We’re spoil here in weather wise.
Yeah lucky you! We can get down into the negatives in February
Do you have a link for the cover you use? Ohio here and this is our first year. Also, do you get a winter cover for the drain valve? I’ll lower before the intake but should that be covered?
I usually get a new winter cover every couple of years. Like this one: amzn.to/48dOCYC
I buy it bigger so it covers the intake holes when I zip tie it to the bars. Hope that helps.
I've had mine 4 yrs and have had to drain every fall! I can't seem to keep the pool clean and clear all summer been struggling every year since the 1st year wen the husband didn't take the pump I side like i asked!! and we lost our sand filter that came with out index my pools exactly like urs.
Where did you get your tarp?
I wish I had seen this before I completely drained our pool for the 2nd winter storage in the basement in Connecticut. I have the smaller 9x18 and it’s not horrible to set up and take down but I’d much rather leave it up. How is the water that’s been left inside come spring? Mucky? We actually use a salt water kit. I assume I could use the winterized chlorine kit then somehow convert back (?)
I have the same pool and trying to figure out which cover to get. The link you have is for an oval shape the pool is more rectangle . Will the oval have enough hang over or should I just get a tarp? We have the size pool of 32' x 16' x 52" and I was looking at the 21 ft x 41 ft cover or tarp, would this be the correct one? Thanks for the helpful video
Hey Rick question here, I understand the process but why disconnect your pump. What is the difference if you leave it connected.
I live where the winter gets below freezing. I like to bring it in incase there is any small amount of water in it so it does not freeze and break.
@@RickBolt is it better yo leave pool with water in it or should you drain it for winter
@@sandracasey1323 In my area I drain it to just below the intake. I am not sure if it would be better to completely drain. I would prefer not to do that so I don’t damage my pool moving it around, but maybe that is not as important as I think.
I live in Southern Minnesota, and we get quite a bit of snow in the winter. I am worried about getting snow and rain on the cover with the lowered water level after winterizing. Do you find that snow melt and/or rain sits on top of the cover and pools there? Is there any way to avoid this? Thanks in advance for your response!
Yes it does accumulate on the top. If you look at my video about opening the pool you can see how we deal with it in the Spring. You could always add some air pillows to reduce the area, but I have not tried that yet.
Video below:
ruclips.net/video/PF3BFCG9kGk/видео.html
Hey! We have the same pool and Your video has been extremely helpful. However, doesn’t your pool bow in when you take the water out? We are currently emptying it and it’s bowing inward. Is that still ok for the legs?
Mine bows inward too. Been ok so far for me.
It says to drain below the skimmer before putting the white bobber thing in... does it matter, or does it work better the way you did it?
Not sure. This is the way I have been doing it for a few years. I drain to where it will not leak out the intake side. This I where my skimmer attaches.
Where can i get that cover from????? Really need to move it! 12x24 same intex pool you have i think!
Usually have them at Amazon or ebay. I think I put some links in the description of a cover video I made. If you check my pool playlist it should be there.
What size is you cover
Thank you!
Have the same pool. Live in south suburbs of chicago.Chicago.. first year winterizing. I keep being told the tarp shouldn't touch the water.. I see your does.. have you ever had issues with snow acculmation and ice??
No, I have not had issues yet. The last few years I put this tarp on first then added a cheap winter cover. That winter cover broke last year, so I need to order a new one. I am in Central Indiana so your winter is more snow filled than mine.
I have the same pool as you. Did you remove the hoses from the pool outlets or leave them with the flow off (locked)? Also, did your pool bow inward when you drained it down to the outlet ports? It's my first year with this pool and I want to make sure I'm closing it well enough.
Yes. I remove the hoses and store them in my garage over the winter with my pump and filter. My pool does bow inward when drained for winterizing. When I refill in the Spring the walls return back to normal .
Why drain the water if disconnecting those hoses? What purpose does it serve?
@@RickBolt Hello! If you remove all of the hoses from your pool, how do you prevent the water from leaking out of the openings once you remove the hoses? Thanks!
@@Thebigpicture211 Thank you for sharing. I’m a First time pool owner in the Midwest also, but less anxious after seeing this.
Do you stuff anything in the holes for the in and out pump portals after you remove the hoses or just leave them open?
I leave them open and the cover reaches over them
Hi. Mr Bolt. Do you take out your skimmer and chlorine tablet float. Thks
Yes I do!
@@RickBoltthank you 😊
Hello. Do you have any videos that show how to disconnect the sand filter (and other filter) from the pool? I'm worried about doing this incorrectly and losing too much water from the pool or breaking one of the filters. Thank you!
I have a video that explains the connections, but not of me disconnecting them. I will add that to the list for next pool season.
Also, on mine, it stops draining where it gets below the intake. It stays that way all winter for me.
We have 16x32 intex and built a deck around two sides, so the other sides are exposed. Any advice on getting the cover on to stay, especially where the deck is. The space is going to be almost impossible to get the cover underneath. Thanks
Not sure, maybe try to figure out how to attach the one side to the deck?
Is it normal for the sides of your pool like the long sides of the frame to bow in a little drained over winter?
Mine does this, they spring back out when filled full.
where did you get your winter cover?
amazon
Hi Rick. When you are zip tying the tarp down, how do you tighten it without pulling the tarp off of the water surface? I would assume that as you pull the edges tighter the tarp will come off the water surface
It does on the outer sides, usually stays touching the water in the middle. Thanks for watching.
Hi Rick! Thanks for your video! About to close my pool the same way. What type of cable ties do you use? Any certain weight tie?
I just use the cheap ones I get from Harbor Freight or Walmart. I will check them throughout the winter to make sure they are still holding. Thanks for watching!
Do you drain the water below the intake thing even if the stoppers are in it? Just worried how much it goes it so it won’t claps in the winter
Had the same question. If you get an answer please share. Thanks :)
Hi Rick! Central Minnesota here! We get REALLY cold, like well below zero, can we still leave the pool up with following these instructions? Im unsure where you are or how cold you get. This is our first summer with our pool (intex 24'x12'x52") and we are setting it up next weekend...wish us luck 😀 any advice would be helpful
Hi! I am in Central Indiana so it does get cold here in Jan/Feb but not quite as cold as it gets up there. It does get below zero here for short times over the winter. Not sure what others do with their pools near you. Hope you enjoy the pool and best of luck with it. Thanks for watching and I have a ton of other Intex pool videos on here of some other things I have tried if you are interested.
What state are you in? I'm setting up my new 12'x24" Intex this year, but I'm located in NY, and winters get cold (0-20 degrees) and a lot of snow. I'm worried that it might get ruined in the winter if I leave it up, and a big PITA if I have to dismantle at the end of each season.
I am in Central Indiana. It does get cold here in Jan and Feb , similar temps some days.
Are you in an area that snows often?
yes
Hi! Do you possibly have a link to your cover? I ordered one advertised for a 16x32 and it didnt fit.
I think it was this one, you can choose different sizes:
amzn.to/3DKnqT5
@@RickBolt thanks so much!
How low your temperature gets in the winter?
Sometimes gets in the negatives F here.
What kind of valve is that on your intake hose
It is a valve to shutoff either side of the intake.
What state are you in? I haven’t heard anyone say how cold it’s gets by them. For example, I’m upstate in the Syracuse area.
Indiana, it does freeze here in the winter.
I live in Albany, NY and it gets pretty cold here. Haven't had any issues other than the tarp falling into my pool, but that was my fault.
When draining does the water level have to be below both intake and outlet? My pools intake is higher up then the outlet
I've asked this question many times and for some reason NO one answers it. Frustrating
We drained below both
Do your sides collapse a little bit when you drain? Mine does. It's my 1st yr with larger pool and worried about the sides.
Yes mine do. So far so good over three years running.
This was helpful
Hi, I just bought this exact pool and I was wondering what size of cover did you buy? I noticed it's bigger than the pool and I would like to buy the same or similar cover. Thanks
I think I purchased an oval cover that was slightly bigger than the pool.
@@RickBolt Thanks
Hey Rick, Do you use solid pool cover or mesh cover? Is there any particular reason to choose one over the other?
I have a video that show the cover I have. I think it is solid, water will stay on top of it and not pass down into the pool. I am not familiar with other covers, maybe someone else will weigh in...
How do you drain it 4 inches below the intake?
I drain mine to just below the intake, if you want to drain more, there is a drain in each of the short ends of the pool towards the bottom.
@@RickBolt thanks yeah I figured it out
I have the 12'x24' pool. What size tarp did you use? Also, Is this something I have to purchase from Intex or can I use any one from the hardware store that has grommets?
I used a tarp I purchased online. It was not from Intex.
What size is your pool, I just bought one and it looks like the same, 24×12×52, and where did you get your winterizer kit
Yes that is my size pool. I purchased the kit off Amazon.
What state are you in? Do you think this pool would hold up in Wisconsin?
I am in Indiana and it has held through three winters so far. Just opened it back up today. More videos to come.
Hello I love your video can you tell me where you got the pool cover? Thanks
Thank you. I believe I purchased that on eBay. Similar to this one: www.ebay.com/itm/POLARSHIELD-Deluxe-Winter-Pool-Cover-10-Year-Warranty-/203625542575?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
Hi I’m new subscriber and I wonder if you can point me to the right direction with how and what is ur set up on you pum thanks …
Thanks for subbing! I have a video in my Intex playlist that shows how I connect my sand filter/pump.
Hi Rick,
I need to vacuum my pool before closing and will need to purchase one. What type of vacuum do you use? Or any advice on a particular one.
I have a playlist for this pool and I show a couple of different vacuums I used. The Intex auto vac is probably the best I have used so far.
Why add the chemicals before draining? Aren’t you just dumping money on the ground?
they have to be circulated for an hour or so, you can't drain before because the pump won't work.
You could drain a few inches off first and stop before it gets to the intakes
Why not drain some first instead of draining all the chemicals you just added.