This post is about how I handle “Winter Storage for Pool Boy”. During the summer, my pool boy sits below my diving board. When we winterize the pool, it is in the way. This post covers how I move it and store it for the winter.
The Problem
As part of the winterization of the pool, we cover it with a mesh cover. The normal Pool Boy location is in the way. So the problem is how to move the Pool Boy and the solar cover out of the way, without having to disassemble it. This is made harder by the diving board, which sits above the pool boy.
So, I needed a way to lift the Pool Boy, with the rolled up cover, over the diving board and out of the way of the cover.
The Solution
I built two rolling jacks. Each jack has two wheels and bolts to the base of the Pool Boy. The jacks are tall enough so that the Pool Boy with rolled up solar cover can roll with clearance over the diving board.
The Procedure
Step 1: Move Pool Boy – With cover extended, move the Pool Boy base units so that the pole clears the diving board by at least a foot. With the cover extended, the base units are easy to move.
Step 2: Attach the Jacks – Lift a base unit, set in a jack and then using lag bolts, attach the base unit to the jack. Repeat on the other side. Here is the result:
Here is a picture from the back side, showing the diving board.
Step 3: Roll up the Cover – Next, roll up the cover onto the Pool Boy.
Step 4: Roll Pool Boy and Cover – Next, push the Pool Boy and rolled up cover to the side of the pool deck.
Step 5: Protect the Solar Cover and Add Supports – This year my solar cover is worn out, so I will remove it from the Pool Boy. Normally, I would cover it with a tarp. It is also important to support the pole and cover. For me, I use ropes attached to the fence. This keeps the pool from sagging due to the weight of the cover and it keeps the whole unit from moving due to the wind.
Summary
Using some scrap wood and leftover wheels I was able to make some jacks. The jacks allowed me to move the Pool Boy and solar cover out of the way. That is how I solved the problem of Winter Storage for Pool Boy.
