If you’re lucky enough to own a pool then you certainly don’t want to allow it to become unusable over the winter months while it’s enjoying an annual hibernation. If your pool is left untended you’re opening yourself up to a litany of potential problems that you’ll have to tackle come spring time. In this blog, you will know that Top tips for protecting your pool this winter.
To ensure your pool can be opened up again with minimal effort (and no serious faults) next year when winter fades and spring starts in earnest, here are the steps you should be taking as a bare minimum when it comes time to winterising your pool.
Keep it clean – First, ensure your pool is clear of dirt, leaves and other assorted bits of debris by using a simple pool net. You should also rinse out your filters and clean the pump basket, as they can get clogged if ignored. This will help reduce the levels of bacteria in your pool along with preventing harmful mold growing as things deteriorate over the winter months.
Adjust the chemicals – Ensuring your water has the correct chemical levels will prevent harmful bacteria from growing in it during the colder months. The ideal water balance between alkalinity and hardness should fall somewhere between 7.4 pH and 7.6 pH. It might sound incredibly specific, but by using the right balance of chemicals and pool chlorine tablets you should be able to find that sweet spot and ensure there’s no staining. Also, remember to shock the pool one last time before “putting it away” for the season.
Reduce your water levels – Remove around 4-6 inches of water from your pool to allow for rainfall over the winter. This prevents your pool from overflowing. Even if you have a secure cover on the pool there is always going to be at least a small amount of rainwater to contend with. Particularly if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain over the winter.
Use a cover – Placing a winter pool cover over your pool will help reduce the amount of debris that can enter your pool, reducing the time you need to clean it in the spring. A summer cover will only get you so far as it won’t have been designed to keep out leaves and other autumnal and winter-based debris.
Remove equipment – Turn off and remove the pool heater and drain plug. All water inside these pieces of equipment must be drained or blown out and everything must be cleaned. Remove any accessories and store them in a cool, dry place away from any possible pests. Also, ensure that the area around the pool is clear of any hazards that could cause problems. That means all ladders, diving boards, handrails and skimmers should be cleaned and stored away until you’re ready for them again next year.
Ensuring you store your equipment, be it inflatable toys or hand rails, is kept in a safe place over the winter months will ensure that it’s in top condition come spring time and the risk of accidents caused by damage or erosion will be minimized.
If all of this sounds like a lot of work, or you’re just worried about getting the specifics correct, then there are dozens of specialist pool companies around the UK that will be able to winterise your pool professionally.
