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Author: Andrew Astonville
With winter at our doorstep, thoughts turn from outdoor fun to getting cosy indoors. Don't forget though that your swimming pool also needs some care to see it through the cold months here in Britain.
Swimming pool experts such as 1st Direct strongly urge the importance of ‘closing' your pool for winter to prevent its components from freezing. This includes the pool structure, plumbing and related equipment.
The following guide will give explain how to winterise your swimming pool so that it's in good condition for summer use.
Step 1 - Component Repairs
A typical pool has several crucial components that are needed for it to function, such as a motorised pump to circulate and clean the water, drains, a water filter and a chemical feeder. Firstly, check that these components are in good working order – if they're not, it's advisable to get them fixed before you winterise.
Step 2 – Balancing pH
Next, use your test kit to check the water pH levels i.e. the right balance between alkaline and acidic, which should always measure between 7.4 - 7.6. Calcium hardness also needs to be at the right levels and you take care to apply the recommended doses of sanitizer, stabiliser and algaecide chemicals.
These winterising chemicals should ideally be done one week before you close the pool to give them a full amount of time to circulate. Water treatment ensures that no structural damage or excessive bacteria growth occurs during the months your pool won't be in use. If this is not done, you also run the risk of the pool water becoming corrosive and thus damaging to its components if the temperature drops to freezing point or below.
Step 3 – Cleaning
Give your pool and backwash filter a thorough clean in preparation for protecting it with your swimming pool cover.
Step 3 – Reduce Water level
Unlike hot tubs which are best drained for the winter months, pools are not to be emptied. Nevertheless, do reduce the water level to just below the skimmer weir. The only exception to this rule of thumb would be pools that have been installed in high water table areas, as lowering the water level in this circumstance could cause problems. In this case, ask for advice from the supplier who built your swimming pool.
Step 4 – Draining Piping & Valves
It's important to drain the pool's piping, valves, filter, pump and heater (if you have one) during winter so that they don't get damaged by frozen water. If the filter is positioned below water level, your pool supplier can give you specific advice to tackle the situation.
Step 4 – Apply Anti-Freeze
Specialised nontoxic antifreeze should ideally be applied to the piping – this can be bought at most pool supply stores and will keep any remaining water in the pipes from freezing to the level of -12° C.
It's also crucial to prevent ice damaging your pool's skimmer barrel. To do this, simply half-fill a plastic bottle with antifreeze mixture or even small stones and place inside the skimmer. Antifreeze should also be applied to the pump – one half to 1 cup should do the trick – although it's preferable to remove it altogether and store it in a warm, dry place.
If we're hit by an extremely harsh winter, a good tip, especially for concrete pools, is to tie a row of plastic containers half-filled with antifreeze or sand along the middle of the pool. This effectively forms a frost break to relieve the pressure of ice building on the sides. It's not a good idea to manually break the ice up, since sharp edges could damage the pool lining.
Step 5 – Cover
It's crucial to have a robust swimming pool cover to prevent debris from collecting in the water. If you have small children or pets, it's advisable to have a cover that is strong enough to withstand their weight in order to safeguard against them accidentally falling in.
Step 6 – Maintaining the Electric Motor
You'll need to remove the electric motor from the pump housing and store it in a warm, dry place. It's also a good idea to spray the electric motor and any other electrical equipment with a moisture repellent spray to prevent corrosion.
Step 7 – Accessories & Other Equipment
Remove and wipe clean all sundries like handrails, stainless steel steps, rollers etc. so they can be stored in a dry place.
Conclusion
By following the steps above, your swimming pool will be safely winterised so that it remains in good condition for when summer rolls around again. If you're in any doubt as to what chemicals and doses to apply or have any further questions, simply contact your pool supplier or a reputable specialist such as 1st Direct.
With winter at our doorstep, thoughts turn from outdoor fun to getting cosy indoors. Don't forget though that your swimming pool also needs some care to see it through the cold months here in Britain.
Swimming pool experts such as 1st Direct strongly urge the importance of ‘closing' your pool for winter to prevent its components from freezing. This includes the pool structure, plumbing and related equipment.
The following guide will give explain how to winterise your swimming pool so that it's in good condition for summer use.
Step 1 - Component Repairs
A typical pool has several crucial components that are needed for it to function, such as a motorised pump to circulate and clean the water, drains, a water filter and a chemical feeder. Firstly, check that these components are in good working order – if they're not, it's advisable to get them fixed before you winterise.
Step 2 – Balancing pH
Next, use your test kit to check the water pH levels i.e. the right balance between alkaline and acidic, which should always measure between 7.4 - 7.6. Calcium hardness also needs to be at the right levels and you take care to apply the recommended doses of sanitizer, stabiliser and algaecide chemicals.
These winterising chemicals should ideally be done one week before you close the pool to give them a full amount of time to circulate. Water treatment ensures that no structural damage or excessive bacteria growth occurs during the months your pool won't be in use. If this is not done, you also run the risk of the pool water becoming corrosive and thus damaging to its components if the temperature drops to freezing point or below.
Step 3 – Cleaning
Give your pool and backwash filter a thorough clean in preparation for protecting it with your swimming pool cover.
Step 3 – Reduce Water level
Unlike hot tubs which are best drained for the winter months, pools are not to be emptied. Nevertheless, do reduce the water level to just below the skimmer weir. The only exception to this rule of thumb would be pools that have been installed in high water table areas, as lowering the water level in this circumstance could cause problems. In this case, ask for advice from the supplier who built your swimming pool.
Step 4 – Draining Piping & Valves
It's important to drain the pool's piping, valves, filter, pump and heater (if you have one) during winter so that they don't get damaged by frozen water. If the filter is positioned below water level, your pool supplier can give you specific advice to tackle the situation.
Step 4 – Apply Anti-Freeze
Specialised nontoxic antifreeze should ideally be applied to the piping – this can be bought at most pool supply stores and will keep any remaining water in the pipes from freezing to the level of -12° C.
It's also crucial to prevent ice damaging your pool's skimmer barrel. To do this, simply half-fill a plastic bottle with antifreeze mixture or even small stones and place inside the skimmer. Antifreeze should also be applied to the pump – one half to 1 cup should do the trick – although it's preferable to remove it altogether and store it in a warm, dry place.
If we're hit by an extremely harsh winter, a good tip, especially for concrete pools, is to tie a row of plastic containers half-filled with antifreeze or sand along the middle of the pool. This effectively forms a frost break to relieve the pressure of ice building on the sides. It's not a good idea to manually break the ice up, since sharp edges could damage the pool lining.
Step 5 – Cover
It's crucial to have a robust swimming pool cover to prevent debris from collecting in the water. If you have small children or pets, it's advisable to have a cover that is strong enough to withstand their weight in order to safeguard against them accidentally falling in.
Step 6 – Maintaining the Electric Motor
You'll need to remove the electric motor from the pump housing and store it in a warm, dry place. It's also a good idea to spray the electric motor and any other electrical equipment with a moisture repellent spray to prevent corrosion.
Step 7 – Accessories & Other Equipment
Remove and wipe clean all sundries like handrails, stainless steel steps, rollers etc. so they can be stored in a dry place.
Conclusion
By following the steps above, your swimming pool will be safely winterised so that it remains in good condition for when summer rolls around again. If you're in any doubt as to what chemicals and doses to apply or have any further questions, simply contact your pool supplier or a reputable specialist such as 1st Direct.
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