How Do I Winterize My Sand Filter?

[bsbrega]

This is my first winter with my Hayward Sand filter with 150 lbs of sand. And I live in a harsh winter climate where snows can accumulate to over 5 feet. I do not intend to empty it of the sand, but how should I best winterize it. (Not the pool, but the filter.) Should I take the head off and cover it with a tarp, and bring the motor indoors? What do you do with yours, if you have one?

[nicole12]

I live in MA. In the past I've taken the whole filter into the garage. In doing so I cracked a lateral because of the sand shifting. This year I'm going to bring in the pump and take top off the filter bring that in also and then cover the rest of the filter with a heavy duty trash bag.

[Poconos]

I moved this thread to the Fall Prep forum.
On the sand filter you just need to drain it. There should be a drain plug/cap, so just open it and leave the cap off until Spring. By the 'head' I assume you mean the valve assembly. Not necessary to remove it but be sure to take the pressure gauge inside. Freezing destroys them.
Al

[GHM]

It is aslo recomended to put the valve leaver between settings to relieve the presssure on the gasket.

[bsbrega]

Are you in favor of removing the valve assembly (What I referred to as the 'head'? If so, what's the best way to cover the gaping hole? lol

[GHM]

Depends... If your comfortable that all the water is properly blown out or not. Also depends if your pipes can be easily disconnected without damage. I take mine off and cover the hole with a sheet of plastic. I hold the plastic in place using the ring clamp for the valve head.

George