Winterizing your pool

Winterising your pool: active or passive winterising.

When temperatures drop, it is important to prepare your pool for winter. If you don't, you run the risk of frozen pipes, damaged pumps or discoloration of the water and liner. Pool winterization is therefore not an unnecessary luxury, but a necessary step in good pool management.

There are two ways to winterize your pool: active or passive. Both methods are suitable, but the choice depends on the type of pool, its location and your personal preference in terms of maintenance and energy consumption.

What is passive winterizing of a swimming pool?

With passive wintering, the pool is completely shut down for the winter. The filter system is turned off, pipes are blown dry and plugged with winter plugs, and winterizing liquid is added to the water to prevent algae growth and scale formation.

The pool is then covered with a sturdy winter cover, often in combination with winter floats that absorb the pressure of the ice. This method is ideal for regions with harsh winters, as it completely eliminates the risk of the system freezing.

Advantages of passive wintering:

• Minimum energy and water consumption during winter
• Don't worry about the installation
• Suitable for all types of pools

Please note that starting up in the spring requires a little more work, because the installation needs to be reconnected and restarted.

What is active winterizing of a swimming pool?

With active wintering, the pool remains partially operational. The filter pump runs daily for several hours, and if present, the heat pump or frost protection is also activated. This ensures sufficient water circulation to prevent freezing.

Also with this method, you add a special wintering liquid and the pool is often covered, but pipes do not have to be blown dry or sealed. This method is especially suitable in milder climates or with well-insulated pools.

Advantages of active wintering:

• Faster and easier start-up in the spring
• Water stays in better condition
• No pipes to be plugged or blown dry

However, there is a slight energy consumption for the pump, and you need to check the system regularly, especially during longer periods of frost.

What products do you need for good winterization?

Whether you go for active or passive wintering, you'll find everything you need to protect your pool:

• Wintering liquid to prevent algae and calcium deposits
• Winter plugs to seal pipes
• Winter floats to break ice pressure
• Sturdy covers that keep out dirt and sunlight
• Automatic frost protection for active systems

With the right combination of products, you can make sure your pool survives the winter perfectly, so you can quickly enjoy clear and healthy water again in the spring.