Upper and lower idler pulleys

Hi all, I'm in the process of replacing my water pump and thermostat
during which i spun the upper idler pulley and found it sounds
like a worn out skateboard wheel. I started with my ratchet
in a counter clockwise direction, but it is very tight.
My question, before I use the 'breaker bar of the gods',
is this the correct direction to loosen the bolt- counter clockwise?

Oops! this is on a 1999 Boxster.

The bolt has a limited strength. If you put too much force into it, it will break. Consider other alternatives, such as heating it with a torch or alternating tighten/loosen.

Also, check out this thread which asks and answers the same question

[pedrosboard.com]

Found a different source to clearly answer this question. The
upper and lower idler belt pulleys loosen counterclockwise.
As they say righty tighty lefty loosey.