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Keeping the water clear and healthy year in and year out and protection of pumps, filters and the pool basin; such are the aims of preparing your swimming pool for the winter.
The first step consists in ensuring the basin and surrounds are clean. The water line must be free of lime scale build up and any dirty stains. Manual or automatic brushing of pool walls and floor will ensure the basin is free of dirt. Skimmer and pump pre-filter will also need cleaning.
The second stage involves the use of chemicals. When pump and filter devices are stopped, algae tends to proliferate quickly. Hence a check and adjustment of pH to an optimal level (between 7 and 7.4) and an appropriate disinfecting of the water is required. This is done by adding the product normally used to the water in the maximum dosage recommended. Note that the concentration of chlorine in the water must remain the lowest possible to avoid irreversible damage to the liner or PVC. Afterwards, the addition of a special winter product which gives anti-algae, anti-lime scale and anti-bacterial protection, will keep the water clear till the next spring. Numerous products exist on the market, including all inclusive kits with non-abrasive brushes.
To ensure the product disperses throughout the pool it is recommended pouring it in front of the jets, with the pump in action. When the winter is relatively warm, adding another dose in January / February is a good idea to prolong the effect till spring. Filters also require a thorough clean. Numerous products exist depending on the type of filters used (sand or other). Seek special guidance where necessary.
Avoiding ice build up
Protection against freezing involves a purge of the filter and all exterior piping. These are vulnerable to ice build up and hence cracking. Insulation of the piping to and from the pool, in particular in each skimmer and screwing rubber stops on outlet jets is a recommendation. In addition, floats are required to prevent ice pushing against the walls of the pool. In particularly cold regions, these need to be placed in both directions across the pool, whereas in the south they can be positioned along a diagonal only. These need to be partially weighed down to prevent them riding up onto the ice.
Covering the pool
The last preparatory step consists in covering the pool, basin and border to prevent foreign objects falling in and the sunlight aiding the creation of algae. Among non-rigid covers, two main types exist, both filter light but some let rainwater flow through. When this is the case, care should be taken to avoid overflow by lowering the level of the water. When a waterproof cover is used, the water level in the pool should be high in order to prevent vast puddles forming on the surface and putting it under strain. Hard enclosures combine a solid walk on surface for additional safety, pleasant aesthetics, but must be stored away during the summer.
Partial or total winter mode
In a partial winter mode, rather than applying the full winter kit and covering the pool, the water is filtered intermittently and the pump is switched on one to two hours per day. Moving water prevents ice forming in normal conditions hence a device that triggers the pump at certain temperatures may be installed to automate the process. Prolonged sub-zero temperatures will require a more intensive use of the pump. In addition, pH should be checked at least once per month. In weighing up which of the two modes is most applicable for you, you may consider the additional electricity costs of intermittent operation of the pump will be fairly negligible but a more significant saving will be the cost of a cover. However this mode requires a continuous presence for surveillance and is therefore more applicable for first homes.
Note that it is not recommended to empty the pool in winter. Proximity to underground water reserves in certain types of ground can mean that an empty basin can ride upward and result in possible fracture and re-installation costs.
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