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Sorting Your Gear For Winter
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| TANKS | ||
| Drain your tanks to 50-100 PSI and store them in a cool dry area in an upright position. Get them out of the way ot tie them back so they can't be knocked over. Check the "Last Hydrostatic Test" date stamped into the tank. Tanks must be Hydrostatic Tested (this site explains the test) every five years. Why not get it done over the winter? Your tank(s) will also need an annual visual inspection. Get it done over the winter. Don't wait until the spring rush! | ||
| REGULATOR | ||
| Rinse it out really well, after all, it hasn't been in distilled water all summer! This is especially true if you are going to dive down south this fall or winter Even minor traces of salt water left in a reg can cause serious damage. Store your reg in a cloth bag (or your reg bag); don't stress the hoses by coiling them too tightly or by hanging the regulator. And keep your reg off the floor. Check the mouthpiece for cracks or tears. This is a common area for problems. | ||
| BC | ||
| Shampoo the interior of the BC with a shampoo specifically for that purpose, such as BC-LIFE. Shampooing will kill any bacteria that may have been harboured over the summer months. Pay special attention to the inflator and deflator valves. Like your reg, these need to be rinsed thoroughly, especially if they have been exposed to salt water To store it properly, put a little air in the bladder so that the walls aren't sticking together, but not so much that it is over-expanded. | ||
| FINS | ||
| Insert your fin keepers and check the straps for any signs of deterioration. | ||
| WET SUIT | ||
| Wash it with a light detergent, anit-bacterial dish soap or wetsuit shampoo. Make sure it is rinsed thouroughly. Hang on either a plastic or wood hanger (never metal) and try to find as wide a hanger as possible. | ||
| DIVE LIGHTS | ||
| Remove the batteries!!! Clean the O-Rings & apply new silicone grease. If the light threads onto the body, clean the threads to remove any dirt/grit. Tip: If you're batteries leak and cause damage to your light, contact the battery's customer service. I have had lights replaced from leaked batteries (Duracell). | ||
| OTHER STUFF.. | ||
| This is a good time to examine all your equipment for signs of general wear and tear (zippers, velcro fasteners, neck seals, etc.) Don't wait until spring when you're ready to get back into the water and your gear isn't! |
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