Customer Responsibilities Prior to our Technician’s Arrival

• Clean the pool and pool area to ensure proper winterization

• • Remove debris from pool and pool area.
  • Pool water should be clear, or minimally cloudy.
  • We recommend testing and balancing you pool water 7-10 days prior to your closing to help maintain proper water chemistry while the pool is closed.
  • Our technicians do not clean the pool at the closing.

• Lower the pool water level

• • If the water is above the heights stated in our water level guidelines, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
    • When time permits, technicians may need to lower the water. When the water is lowered by our technician an additional pump charge fee will be applied.
  • Water Level Guidelines:
    • Vinyl Liner Pools: Water should be lowered 2” below the skimmer faceplate.
      • Pools with a high water table should be left no higher than the middle of the skimmer faceplate.
      • Vinyl liner pools with sidewall suctions must be lowered 12” below the skimmer faceplate.
    • Fiberglass Pools: Water should be lowered no higher than the middle of the skimmer faceplate.
  • Skimmer Faceplate Cover Removal
    • For any fiberglass, and some vinyl pools, our technician must remove the skimmer faceplate cover and apply a plate to prevent water from entering the skimmer during the winterization process. These covers can be difficult to remove or become brittle over time.  Our technician will do their best to not damage the faceplate cover, but damage can occur during removal.  When the faceplate cover requires removal, the technician will note on the closing form set to the customer whether a new faceplate cover will be needed when the pool is opened in the spring.  The faceplate covers are a cosmetic item, and the customer is responsible for purchasing a replacement.  These faceplate covers can be purchased at both our Latham and Saratoga locations.

• Place all necessary equipment poolside on the pool deck

• • Leave your winter covers, plugs and any other items needed poolside and visible on the pool deck.
  • Our technicians cannot enter homes, garages, sheds, or other storage areas to retrieve these items, so please be sure that they are out prior to the morning of your scheduled appointment.

• Provide power for the technician

• • A power outlet must be available for the blower used to winterize the pool lines.
  • After the technician has completed the closing, turn off all pool-related circuit breakers. Technicians do not remove timer pins and may not know the location of circuit breakers.

• Clear access to pool area and around pool

• • Keep gates unlocked and pets inside prior to, and during the appointment.
  • Ensure 3 feet of clear space around the pool.
  • Remove all toys, furniture, planters, cleaners, and other obstacles from the pool and pool area.
    • This includes mesh child safety fences. These fences are often installed after the winter safety cover installation and will typically interfere with the installation of the safety cover.  The fence can be reinstalled after the winter safety cover has been installed.
  • Lack of access and/or obstacles left in place around the pool and pool area will require rescheduling.

At your Full Pool Closing, our technicians will:

• Removal of return fittings and rail goods (ladders, grab rails).
  • Technicians cannot remove diving boards due to insurance restrictions.
• Winterization of all lines using a high-volume blower, and installation of winter plugs.
• Addition of OxySplash (non-chlorine shock) and algaecide.
• Addition of antifreeze to the skimmer line and other necessary areas.
• Draining and winterizing all equipment at the filter area.
• Placement and securing of the winter pool cover.
  • Due to insurance liability, technicians will only use water tubes or aqua blocks to secure tarp winter covers.

At your Partial Pool Closing, our technicians will:

• Perform all services listed under Full Pool Closing, except placing and securing the winter cover.
• The pool must remain uncovered until the technician completes the closing.
• If the cover is placed early, the appointment may require rescheduling or incur additional labor charges to remove and re-secure the cover.

Winter Pool Care Tips:

• Periodically remove debris and snow from the pool cover.
• Maintain the correct water level when possible.
• Monitor water tubes for leaks. They commonly need refilling and/or replacing
• For safety cover users, add winter chemicals in late fall and early spring.  Ask about our Winter Chemical Addition Service or speak with an associate in our Latham or Saratoga stores.