10 steps to winterize your pool
When the swimming season is over and winter makes its appearance, it's time to seal the pool for the coming cold spell. But how can you properly winterize your pool?
1. Wait for the right moment.
The fundamental variable that determines the overwintering of a pool is the water temperature. When the water temperature is 12°C or less, overwintering can begin. If overwintering occurs too early and the water is too warm, there is a risk that microorganisms will develop and the pool water will be green in the spring....
2. Give the pool a thorough cleaning.
To keep our pool in the best possible condition through the winter, it needs to be clean! So we brush the waterline, clean the pool steps and program our pool robot to clean the pool from bottom to top!
3. Clean the filter system.
Since passive winterization (or full winterization) of a pool results in a complete shutdown of the filtration system, the pool filter must also be cleaned with a specific descaling agent.
4. Perform shock treatment of the water.
Depending on the product used to treat the pool water (chlorine, bromine, active oxygen, etc.), the shock treatment will ensure that the pool water is 100% healthy and clean before it goes dormant all winter! Also, don't forget to adjust the pH level (testing is best done with a digital meter) of the water so that it is always balanced. After this shock treatment, the filtration should continue to work continuously for at least one day.
5. Lower the water level in the pool.
To prevent the water in the pool from freezing and damaging the structure of the pool or pipes (because ice takes up more space than water!), it is essential to lower the water level to about 10 cm below the outlets. Then it's time to clean the skimmers, injectors and so on! Attention: never completely drain your pool in winter: it is thanks to the weight of the water that the structure remains in place....
6. Stop filtration.
After turning the six-way valve of the pool filter to the "closed" position, it is necessary to drain the pump, filter, skimmer circuits, drain circuits, etc. This step is very important. If the water in these circuits freezes, the pipes may explode.
7. Install anti-freeze accessories.
To prevent water from entering the pool's pipes, install winter caps on the injectors, gizmos in the skimmers and winter floats on the diagonal of the pool.
8. Leave only the bare minimum.
To avoid damage to the equipment due to cold and frost, do not hesitate to remove the pump and filter from the pool house, the diving board and ladder may also be removed for covered storage during the winter.
9. Pour a winter promotion product into the pool.
Since filtration is completely stopped, this special overwintering product will help prevent the development of limescale, bacteria, algae and other parasites. To ensure that the product is distributed throughout the pool, it is advisable to pour it out in several places and mix the water with a telescopic pool broom.
10. Install a winter blanket.
A tarpaulin is the last defense against rain, snow, cold and dirt!
