How to Winterize the Pump and Filter on a Swimming Pool

Winterizing the Filter

• 1

  Lower the water in your pool by setting the filter on the "drain" setting. Drain the water until it rests just above skimmer level. Then, with a submersible pump, lower the water below the skimmer and all return lines. On most pools this will be about 18 inches.

• 2

  Turn off the breaker to the pool pump, and unhook the pump from the filter. You should be able to turn all connections by hand.

• 3

  Unhook the filter from the water lines, and open the drain at the bottom of the filter, allowing all water to drain from the tub.

• 4

  Remove all other plumbing from the filter. Dry off any filter gaskets or O-rings, and smear O-ring/gasket lubricant onto the gaskets. Place the gaskets/O-rings in a plastic zip-lock bag, and store them indoors with the plumbing.

• 5

  Place a plastic bag over each plumbing opening on the filter and secure it with twine or heavy-duty rubber bands.

Winterizing the Pump

• 6

  Verify that the breaker for the pump is turned off. Unplug the pump and unhook it from the filter.

• 7

  Open the plug on the pump beneath the area where the strainer basket is located and open the pump lid to allow the pump to completely drain.

• 8

  Dry any pump gaskets or O-rings and smear O-ring/gasket lubricant onto them. Place the gaskets/O-rings in a plastic zip-lock bag. Place the bag inside the pump, gently replace the pump lid and close the drain.

• 9

  Move the pump indoors for winter storage.