How To Winterize Your Aqua Genie Pool Skimmer

PoolKits | August 9, 2018

Learning how to winterize your aqua genie pool skimmer is not hard! We recommend using the patented Aqua Genie Winter Cover to winterize your Aqua Genie skimmer.

  • You will need adjustable winterizing slip plugs for most pool jets, such as the pool step and cozy cove jets.
  • You will need threaded winterizing plugs for all pool returns.
  • If you have one or more Aqua Genies in your pool kit, you will need Aqua Genie winterizing covers.
  • If you will be using Gizzmos for your standard pool skimmer or Aqua Genies, make sure to inspect them for cracks.
  • You will need an air compressor or shop vac. This allows you to blow out your pool plumbing, pool pump, and pool filter.
  • You will need pool water test strips, and the necessary pool chemicals to adjust your pool chemistry. Some of the products needed are a non-toxic pool anti-freeze, Di-Chlor shock, granular winterizing (algaecide), and sequestering agent to prevent possible staining.
  • Now that you have all the right equipment you are ready to learn how to close and winterize your inground swimming pool kit

Once you have everything you need, you can begin the process of closing your beautiful new swimming pool kit! First, get your test trips and test your pool water. Some local swimming pool companies will test your water if you bring in a sample of your pool water. Most Local swimming pool companies that provide this service will normally provide instructions to assist you in balancing your pool water chemistry.

Before you begin adjusting your pool chemicals, remove any debris with your pool vacuum and net. Use your pool wall brush to scrub the walls and floor of your pool kit. At this point, if you need to do any adjustments be sure to get the necessary swimming pool chemicals. Follow the instructions on the back of the product. Failure to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions can result in liner fading and possible toxicity. Circulate your swimming pool chemicals through your system for at least 10 to 12 hours before backwashing your filter.

After your chemicals are balanced, remove any existing chlorine tablets from the skimmers, inline feeders or floating chlorinators and begin backwashing your pool filter. View the pool filter sight glass to determine when your filter is clean. Clean the basket in your pool pump of all debris. When you finish backwashing your pool filter and cleaning your pump basket, drain the water below the pool skimmers. (through the backwash cycle)

Use a compressor, or shop vac to blow out any existing water in the pool skimmers filter valve and pump. Any water remaining in your swimming pool plumbing could freeze and crack your pipes, resulting in leaks and costly repairs. When bubbles are visible through the pool main drain and jets, it is safe to add antifreeze and plug your jets with the appropriate winterizing plugs. It is not necessary to dive in your swimming pool to plug the main drain. When you blow out the suction line you will see bubbles coming out of the drain, plug the pipe at the equipment pad or close the gate or ball valve quickly. This will create an air lock in the line and prevent water from entering the pipe. Use duct tape to cover any exposed pipes as well as the pool skimmer deck lid. When complete place all parts eyeballs, plugs from pump and filter cap in the pump strainer to ensure they will not get lost.

How to blow out the return line on an Aqua Genie

  1. Remove the orifice plate and gasket
  2. Remove the plug on the front of the pump
  3. Insert a quick disconnect fitting for an air compressor
  4. Close the valve for the Aqua Genie
  5. Charge system with 20 lbs of air pressure
  6. Open valve
  7. Repeat several times until all water is out
  8. Use a funnel with a short piece of hose pour in about ½ gallon RV antifreeze down the return pipe
  9. Place the orifice plate gasket back in then a piece of vinyl or the (HS110S solid orifice plate) and re-install orifice plate
  10. Carefully insert the screws back in and tighten
  11. Blow out the suction line add ½ gal. antifreeze insert Gizzmo

Installing Winter Cover Gasket

To install gasket

  1. Start at the top center of the gasket channel. (See Sketch#1)
  2. The gasket is installed with narrow side of the gasket installed in the channel. (See Sketch #2)
  3. Work gasket into channel making sure is well seated

How To Winterize Your Aqua Genie Pool Skimmer

Assemble Winter Cover

Place threaded rod through the hole in winter cover, assemble in the correct order. (See Sketch#3)

Note: O Ring goes between Knob and cover.

Aqua Genie Winter Cover

Installing Winter Cover

  1. Remove Aqua Genie Cover to gain access for installation. (See Sketch #5)
  2. Orient brace from top to bottom corner of cover, with supports facing down. (See Sketch #4)
  3. Guide the assembled Winter Cover through Weir opening (you do not have to remove weir assembly) (See Sketch #5).Brace goes
    behind lip in pressure throat
  4. Hold the cover against the faceplate with one hand and rotate the brace until it is horizontal
  5. Turn knob by hand until gaskets seats on the faceplate. Brace will tighten against the lip on pressure throat. (See Sketch#6) (Caution: over tightening will distort the gasket)
  6. Drain water in basket well and follow pump and filter manufacturer’s winterizing recommendations.

Aqua Genie Winter Cover Installation

If you have questions about how to winterize your Aqua Genie pool skimmer feel free to contact us at 800-515-1747.

How To Winterize Your Aqua Genie Pool Skimmer

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