- 1). Prepare your pool for winter before using an ice equalizer pillow. Vacuum the pool, adjust its pH range to about 7.2 to 7.6 and add soluble winterizing tablets. Backwash the filter, lower the water level and remove filter hoses and pool accessories before breaking out the ice equalizer.
- 2). Select an appropriately sized ice equalizer for your pool. Use a 4-foot by 4-foot equalizer for pools with diameters between 12 and 21 feet or a 4-foot by 8-foot equalizer for pools between 24 and 33 feet. Use a 4-foot by 15-foot equalizer for larger pools.
- 3). Inflate the ice equalizer pillow. Attach a shop vacuum set to blow or use a hand pump depending on the brand of ice equalizer. Fill the pillow to 2/3 capacity; do not fill it all the way.
- 4). Tape over the equalizer's valve plug with duct tape, creating an "X" shape over the valve with two pieces of tape.
- 5). Place the ice equalizer directly in the center of the pool with the valve plug facing up.
- 6). Tie the bands attached to the ice equalizer to the side of the pool, leaving a bit of slack to allow for slight bobbing movement.
- 7). Secure the pool cover in place over the ice equalizer according to the instructions included with the cover.
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