Back/Winterizing In-Floor Cleaning Systems

Winterizing In-Floor Cleaning Systems

Protect pop-up heads, water distribution valves, and booster pumps from freeze damage with proper blow-out and antifreeze procedures.

When to use: Pool has in-floor cleaning system (A&A, Paramount, Caretaker) and needs winterization for cold climate.
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Winterizing In-Floor Cleaning Systems

Protect pop-up heads, valves, and booster pumps from freeze damage

20

Maximum Air Pressure: 20 PSI

Higher pressure damages pop-up head mechanisms. Use 15-20 PSI maximum when blowing out lines.

2h

Estimated Time: 1.5-3 Hours

Time varies by system complexity. 2-zone systems: ~90 minutes. 4+ zone systems: 2-3 hours. First-time winterization takes longer.

Critical Safety Rules
  • • NEVER exceed 20 PSI air pressure when blowing out lines
  • • ALWAYS turn off booster pump at breaker before opening canister
  • • NEVER use automotive antifreeze - only propylene glycol
  • • NEVER force WDV valve to closed position (damages internal gears)
  • • NEVER force pop-up heads down if they're raised after blow-out
  • • Replace cracked canister O-rings immediately (prevents air leaks)
System-Specific Winterization Notes
A&A Manufacturing:

T3 and Alpha III systems use spring-loaded WDV valves. Leave valve in mid-position (between zones). Don't force to full stop. Precision Nozzles require lower pressure (15 PSI max) due to smaller orifices.

Paramount PV3/PCC2000:

Rotary valve module must be manually rotated to center position. Remove module and lubricate O-rings with silicone-based lubricant. Clean module ports thoroughly. PCC2000 requires antifreeze in each of 10 valve ports.

Caretaker 99 Series:

Older systems with gear-driven WDV. Remove and clean gears annually. Apply white lithium grease to gears before reassembly. Canister drain plug is 1/4" NPT - don't lose it. Heads are notorious for sticking - clean all heads before winter.

Blue Square (Venturi):

Venturi-powered systems have no moving valve. Blow out each zone line directly at manifold. Check Venturi nozzle for debris. No antifreeze needed in valve mechanism (no valve), but add to zone lines.

1

Identify Your In-Floor System Type

Different manufacturers have different winterization requirements.

A&A Manufacturing (Quik Clean, T3, Alpha III, Precision Nozzles)
Paramount PV3 / PCC2000 (in-deck rotating valve systems)
Caretaker (99 Series, 3-9 Series)
Zodiac / Polaris Caretaker Systems
Blue Square (Venturi-powered systems)
Consult manufacturer documentation if unsure
Note: Most systems follow similar principles but valve mechanisms differ
2

Test System Before Winterization

Verify all zones are functioning properly before shutting down.

Run system for full cycle (typically 2-4 hours depending on zones)
Confirm all pop-up heads are rising and retracting correctly
Check for stuck or clogged heads - clean debris from nozzles
Verify water distribution valve (WDV) is rotating through zones
Listen for abnormal sounds from canister or valve mechanism
Inspect canister dome for cracks or damage (replace O-ring if needed)
For Paramount systems: ensure rotary module is cycling smoothly
Document any heads that need replacement in spring
3

Blow Out In-Floor Lines

Remove water from underground plumbing to prevent freeze damage.

Turn OFF booster pump at breaker (critical safety step)
Remove canister lid/dome and set aside with O-ring
Attach compressor or shop vac to canister opening (use rubber adapter)
Set compressor to 15-20 PSI maximum (higher pressure damages heads)
Blow out each zone individually: air should exit from pop-up heads
Continue until only air (no water spray) comes from heads
For Paramount systems: disconnect rotary valve, blow each port separately
Some heads may not seat flush when blown out - this is normal
Total blow-out time: 20-40 minutes for typical residential system
4

Add Antifreeze to In-Floor System

Protect remaining water in lines and valve mechanisms from freezing.

Use ONLY propylene glycol pool antifreeze (RV antifreeze works too)
Pour 1-2 quarts into canister opening after blowing out
For multi-zone systems: add 1 quart per 3 zones
If your system has a debris canister: add 1 additional quart there
For Paramount PCC2000: pour antifreeze into each valve port
Manually rotate WDV valve one full cycle to distribute antifreeze
Pink antifreeze should appear at some (not all) pop-up heads
Don't worry if not all heads show antifreeze - blown-out air protects them
Record amount used for spring reference
5

Protect Water Distribution Valve (WDV)

The heart of the system requires special winterization care.

Locate WDV canister (usually in equipment area or deck)
A&A systems: Leave valve in mid-position, do NOT force to 'off'
Paramount PV3: Manually rotate module to center position
Remove and clean internal gears/shaft if accessible (consult manual)
Apply silicone lubricant to O-rings and shaft (prevents drying/cracking)
If valve has drain plug: remove and store with lid
Cap canister with lid but don't over-tighten (thermal expansion)
For above-deck canisters: consider insulated cover if temps drop below 10°F
Document final valve position for spring startup reference
6

Winterize Dedicated Booster Pump

Most in-floor systems use a dedicated 3/4-1 HP booster pump.

Confirm power is OFF at breaker (verify with multimeter if unsure)
Remove pump drain plugs (usually 1-2 plugs on pump housing)
Tilt or rotate pump to drain all water from housing
Remove pump lid and basket - clean thoroughly, store indoors
Check shaft seal for leaks (replace in spring if dripping occurred)
Pour 1 cup antifreeze into pump housing (protects seal and impeller)
Loosely replace lid (don't seal - allows air circulation)
Store drain plugs in pump basket for easy spring retrieval
For variable-speed pumps: disconnect power cord to prevent voltage damage
Wrap pump with tarp or cover if stored outdoors (prevents debris entry)
7

Address Pop-Up Head Concerns

Prevent head damage and make spring startup easier.

Heads blown with air may sit slightly raised - this is NORMAL
Do NOT force heads down (damages spring mechanism inside)
Do NOT remove heads for winter unless manufacturer specifically requires it
If head is stuck fully raised: gently twist while pulling to release debris
Clogged heads: remove, soak in CLR or vinegar overnight, rinse thoroughly
Cracked or broken heads: mark location with dive stick for spring replacement
For pools with mesh covers: heads may collect leaves - expect this
Spring startup will flush remaining debris when system resumes
Order replacement parts now (2-3 month lead time for some brands)
8

Final Inspection and Documentation

Complete winterization with proper storage and record-keeping.

Store canister lid, O-ring, and drain plugs in labeled container indoors
Take photo of WDV valve position and canister setup for spring reference
Label booster pump breaker 'Off for Winter - In-Floor System'
Document which heads need replacement or repair in spring
Record antifreeze amounts used (helps calculate spring needs)
Note any unusual sounds or behaviors observed during shutdown
Create spring startup checklist now (easier than remembering months later)
File manufacturer manual with winterization notes for easy access
Set calendar reminder for spring to order parts 4-6 weeks before opening

Common Questions

Why are some pop-up heads stuck raised after blowing out?

This is completely normal. Air pressure lifts the heads, and without water flow, they may not fully retract. Do NOT force them down - the internal spring mechanism will reset when you refill and restart the system in spring. Forcing can damage the spring or seal.

Do I need to remove all pop-up heads for winter?

No. Most manufacturers recommend leaving heads installed. Removing heads risks losing springs, damaging seals, or debris entering head ports. Only remove heads if they're damaged and need replacement, or if manufacturer specifically requires it (rare).

How much antifreeze do I really need?

1-3 quarts for most systems. After blowing out, minimal water remains in lines. Antifreeze protects WDV valve mechanism and any trapped water near heads. Formula: 1 quart per 3 zones, plus 1 quart for canister/valve. If unsure, err on the side of more - excess won't hurt.

Can I use the main circulation pump instead of booster pump?

No. In-floor systems require dedicated booster pump for proper pressure and flow. Main pump pressure is too low to operate pop-up heads effectively. If your booster pump is broken, winterize the in-floor system as non-functional and use alternative cleaning method in spring until repaired.

What if I can't find my WDV canister?

Check equipment pad, under deck near booster pump, or in pool house. Some systems have in-deck canisters with flush-mount lids (look for 10-12 inch circular covers). Consult original pool builder plans or contact manufacturer with pool address for installation records. WDV must be winterized - don't skip this step.

Should I run the system before spring opening?

Yes, but only after fully refilling pool and priming booster pump. Run for 1-2 cycles to purge antifreeze and verify all heads are functioning. Expect pink water from antifreeze for first 30-60 minutes. Check for leaks at WDV canister and pump connections. Clean any heads that remain stuck.

Tools & Materials Required

Equipment:

  • • Air compressor (15-20 PSI regulated) OR
  • • Shop vac with blow function (6+ gallon capacity)
  • • Rubber adapter/reducer for canister opening
  • • Screwdriver (for canister lid and pump plugs)
  • • Adjustable wrench or pliers
  • • Bucket (for draining water from components)
  • • Headlamp or flashlight (for inspections)

Materials:

  • • 1-3 quarts propylene glycol pool antifreeze
  • • Silicone-based lubricant for O-rings
  • • Replacement O-ring for canister (if worn)
  • • CLR or vinegar (for cleaning clogged heads)
  • • Waterproof labels (for breaker panel)
  • • Ziplock bags (for storing drain plugs)
  • • Teflon tape (if removing threaded components)

Checklist

  1. 1Identify system type (A&A, Paramount PV3, Caretaker, Blue Square) and consult manual.
  2. 2Test system operation - verify all zones cycle and heads pop up correctly.
  3. 3Blow out in-floor lines with 15-20 PSI air pressure maximum (higher damages heads).
  4. 4Add 1-2 quarts antifreeze to canister and distribution valve.
  5. 5Protect water distribution valve - leave in mid-position, lubricate O-rings.
  6. 6Winterize dedicated booster pump - drain completely, add antifreeze to seal.
  7. 7Address pop-up heads - do NOT force down if raised after blow-out (damages springs).
  8. 8Document setup and store parts indoors - create spring startup checklist.

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