You’re starting to feel the cool breath of winter after a rowdy summer of pool parties. Do you keep your pool parties going throughout the winter, or do you decide to call it a day? It’s time to winterise your pool if you’ve decided to close it down for the winter. Winterising your pool can save you money on pool maintenance during the colder months, allowing you to stay in the comfort of your home rather than freezing in the pool! To avoid costly headaches next spring, you must act before the pool can hibernate. Let’s take a closer look at each of these steps:
1. Clean Your Pool Shocking a pool is a process of adding chlorine or other chemicals to the water to elevate the amount of a substance known as “free chlorine,” which aids in the destruction of algae, bacteria, and chloramines (chlorine byproducts that give some pools an overpowering “chlorine” smell). It would be best if you shocked your pool once a week while it’s in use and once more before winterising it.
2. Shock Your Pool Shocking a pool is a process of adding chlorine or other chemicals to the water to elevate the amount of a substance known as “free chlorine,” which aids in the destruction of algae, bacteria, and chloramines (chlorine byproducts that give some pools an overpowering “chlorine” smell). It would be best if you shocked your pool once a week while it’s in use and once more before winterising it.
3. Adjust the pH level. The pH level of the pool should also be balanced, with the optimal pH level falling between 7.2 and 7.6. Your chlorine won’t perform as well as it should if the pH of your pool shifts too far to one side or the other. Corrosion and scaling can be costly when pH levels are out of range.
4. Add algaecide Regular algaecide treatment is essential for keeping your pool clean while it’s in use, but algaecides are also designed to keep algae blooms at bay for up to 90 days during the winter months. Before closing up business for the winter, you’ll want to use a solution like this to treat your pool. On the last day of the season, toss it in the pool. Before turning off your pool’s circulation system for the winter, make sure to let the pump run for at least 24 hours
5. Control phosphate levels. Phosphate levels can rise when leaves fall into your pool, triggering several issues. Phosphate not only helps algae grow but can also diminish the efficiency of chlorine in destroying germs and algae. It’s a never-ending circle. During winterisation, use a phosphate remover to lower your phosphate levels.
6. Clean your filter and salt cell. During the winter, any grease or oil deposits that have built up in your air filter will solidify. When spring arrives, you’ll fight a solid log of gunk rather than a small amount of sludge. Cleaning your salt cell should be done every 3-4 months. Before closing your pool for the winter, make sure to clear your filter and clean your salt cell.
7. Secure your pool cover. If you don’t cover your pool during the off-season, it might become a food source for algae and other bugs. Keeping leaves, insects, and other organic matter out will be easier if it is covered. You’ll save time and money by cleaning less and using fewer chemicals.
8. Keep a basic maintenance schedule When you finish your winter preparations. Maintaining a basic maintenance program is critical. Follow a weekly maintenance schedule to keep your pool water balanced and your equipment running smoothly. Take a brief visual tour of the pool system each week to ensure everything is in working order.
