Preparing your pool for winter is essential to ensuring its longevity and proper functioning. By taking precautions, you can protect your pool from potential damage caused by sub-zero temperatures and harsh weather conditions. What steps should be taken?
1. Set Backwash
The first important step is to drain the pool to the level below the skimmer. It is worth using a filter pump for this. It is suggested to use the BACKWASH function instead of WASTE. This allows you to clean both the filter set and the sand.
2. Skim Impurities
The next step is to remove any debris from the pool, such as litter, twigs, and other debris that may have accumulated over time. Using a leaf skimmer or pool vacuum can be extremely helpful. The skimmer is also cleaned of any debris, making sure there is no residual disinfectant in it.
3. Pour Chemical
The next important step in preparing the pool for winter is to balance the water chemistry, which includes adjusting the pH level, alkalinity, and chlorine content to the recommended values. This will effectively avoid the growth of algae and bacteria during the winter. Winter algae remover – prevents the proliferation of algae and the adherence of mineral deposits to the walls (should be applied just before covering). Generally, the chemicals last for the entire 6–8 month off-season. Nevertheless, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for their use.
4. Unmount Ladders
To prepare the pool for winter, it is necessary to unscrew and remove the inner ladder. The ladder should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a suitable place.
5. Insert Rubber Plug, Remove Plugs, Loosen Pipes
To protect the pool equipment from low temperatures, it is necessary to empty the water from the pump, filter system, and other hydraulic lines of the pool. This prevents potential damage caused by water remaining in the components, which freezes and increases their volume. A skimmer cap should be installed over the skimmer to prevent water from entering. Here, similarly, the culprit is freezing water, which can damage plastic parts of the filtration system.
6. Cover On
Covering the pool with a durable and safe protective cover is the final chapter in preparing the pool for winter. A good-quality winter cover will not only keep debris out but also provide an extra layer of protection from precipitation. With your pool prepared this way, you can relax, yet it’s important to periodically check for:
- Check the cover for tears and damage
- Remove excess water or snow accumulated on the cover
By following these tips, you will increase the lifespan and minimize the risk of damage. Proper maintenance during this period will also make it easier to reopen the pool when warmer weather returns. Good luck!
