How Do I Winterize My Sand Filter?

[tribe_fan]

What does the "winter" setting on the valve really do - close all inputs/outputs or relieve pressure as GHM stated ?

My pool place recommended using a shop vac to suck out remaining water from the lower drain - ?

Also curious as to the motor - is it better to cover it - or just let it sit ?

[nicole12]

All the recommendations I've seen on this site is to bring the pump indoors.

[tenax]

with all due respect, there is no more need to bring a pump indoors then a filter if the drain plugs have been pulled and everything is bled..that being said, if you have easy disconnects, it never hurts that's for sure..i'm one to talk i guess..i have a pool shed, that's all nice and closed up, but i built a dummy pipe to put in place of my salt water chlorinator flow switch and power cell manifold for the winter..i'll likely just remove the cell and bring in for the winter when it's all said and done

i can't be bothered frankly to pull my pump and bring it inside..i've had the pump for 4 years myself and have never seen any sign of corrosion or had any issues..sure, i'm out of the snow, but it's still in the cold.

the one thing i'd suggest if you do leave outside beyond pulling plugs and blowing air out (which should be done for the whole system anyway) is make sure you don't seal it in something that will create condensation..if it were me,i'd probably use some kind of loose tarp or burlap and securely seal around edges so snow can't get in, but not have it too tight to the pump.

[waste]

Tribe, the 'winter' setting keeps the gasket inside from 'bonding' to the seal plate, therefore preventing tearing of the gasket when the handle is turned next season. It keeps all the ports open so no freeze damage can occur if it freezes

[traceyb]

not to do with winterizing, but is it true that when you move the lever to filter, backwash, rinse etc should you always be rotating it in the same direction.....such as clockwise or counter? I heard you should choose a direction and stick with it????
Sorry to dent the subject, but was reading up on "winterizing" learning as well, and thought of this ?

[waste]

It shouldn't matter which way you turn the handle, however a bunch of 'pool pros' say to do it only one direction.(I was taught this at the same time I was taught to only use 'pool store chems' and that bleach is bad for a pool ) A properly lubed and maintained multiport doesn't need that. I think what they're trying to avoid is the 'spider' or 'wagon wheel' gasket unseating or tearing. I've found this to be a 'non issue' as long as the multiport is properly cared for.