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Getting your pool ready for winter is key to keeping it in prime condition, efficient, and set to dive into when the sun comes back. Our guide is here to take you by the hand, step-by-step, making it a breeze for pool owners at any skill level.
From getting the water chemistry just right to securing your pool under a cover, we’ve packed each section with detailed steps and handy tips to shield your pool from the chilly weather’s unfriendly hugs. Whether you’re dipping your toes into pool ownership for the first time or you’re a seasoned swimmer brushing up on the basics, this guide has everything you need to winterise your pool like a pro.
Why Winterise Your Pool?
Winterising your pool helps protect it against damage from freezing temperatures and keeps it as clean as possible for the next season. Additionally, it prevents algae growth and other bacterial developments that can occur in stagnant water over winter. In essence, taking the time to properly winterise your pool can significantly lessen the burden of pool reopening when warmer weather returns. And if you haven’t yet gotten yourself a perth lap pool installation, you should consider it – you may not need to winterise it if you plan to stay fit through the cooler months.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterising Your Pool
Cleaning and Balancing the Water
Before you think about covering your pool, it’s crucial to ensure the water is clean and chemically balanced. Here’s how:
Remove Debris: Use a net to scoop out leaves and other debris. Follow up with a pool vacuum for any remaining dirt.
Balance Water Chemistry: Test your water and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Ideally, your pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6, alkalinity between 100-150 ppm, and calcium hardness around 200-400 ppm.
Shock the Pool: Apply a high dose of chlorine to the water to kill lingering bacteria and algae. After shocking, allow the chlorine level to return to normal before adding winter chemicals.
Protecting Pool Equipment
After addressing the water situation, it’s crucial to turn your attention to the equipment of your pool:
Lower Water Level: It’s important to drain your pool to a level below the skimmer line, or about 18 inches from the top. This specific level depends on the type of cover you use and the recommendations provided by the manufacturer. Lowering the water helps prevent overflow or damage from freezing as the temperature drops.
Drain Equipment: To avoid any potential freeze damage during the cold months, make sure all water is completely removed from the pool’s pump, heater, filters, and piping system. Any water left inside these components can freeze, expand, and potentially cause significant damage that could be costly to repair.
Lubricate O-rings: The O-rings in your filtration system are essential for maintaining a tight seal and preventing leaks. During the winter, these can dry out and crack if not properly maintained. Applying a suitable lubricant will keep them flexible and prevent drying, extending the life of these components through the cold season.
Adding Winter Chemicals
Before the onset of winter, ensuring your pool and equipment are ready is crucial. Once everything is set, the next step is to introduce winter chemicals into the pool. These chemicals are uniquely designed to remain active and effective throughout the winter months, playing a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness of the water. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Winter Algaecide: The primary function of winter algaecide is to prevent the growth and spread of algae during the colder months when pools are not in regular use. Its formula is specifically created to withstand lower temperatures and provide long-lasting protection against algae.
Floatation Devices: These devices are not just ordinary pool accessories. When strategically placed in the pool, they serve to absorb the pressure resulting from the expansion of ice. This is particularly important as it helps protect the pool walls and liner from potential damage due to freezing water.
Covering the Pool
The final, crucial step in preparing your pool for the winter is adequately covering it. It’s highly recommended to invest in a quality winter cover or safety cover. These covers serve not just to keep out leaves, twigs, and other debris, but they also significantly reduce the risk of accidents, making them an essential safety feature for any pool owner.
Secure the Cover: The importance of ensuring that your pool cover is tightly secured cannot be overstated. A well-secured cover will be able to withstand high winds and the weight of accumulating snow or rainwater, which is especially important in preventing the cover from sagging or tearing. To further protect your pool, consider using pool pillows or ice compensators beneath the cover. These accessories help to alleviate the pressure created by ice formation on the surface, distributing the weight more evenly and reducing the strain on your pool cover and its supports.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls when winterising your pool:
- Not properly balancing water chemistry, which can lead to scale formation and corrosion.
- Forgetting to lower the water level, risking damage to the pool structure.
- Neglecting to securely fasten the pool cover, allowing debris to enter and contaminate the pool.
Cost and Time Considerations
Pool winterisation can vary in cost from $90 to $540 AUD, largely depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. The process typically takes a weekend to complete, allowing ample time for cleaning, chemical treatment, and equipment maintenance.
The Importance of Professional Help
While DIY pool winterisation is possible, there’s no substitute for professional expertise. A professional can ensure that all steps are thoroughly and correctly completed, potentially saving you from costly repairs down the line. Professionals also offer valuable insights and can address any issues specific to your pool’s design and location.
Conclusion
Properly winterising your pool extends its lifespan, maintains water quality, and ensures it’s ready to go when summer rolls around again. By following this guide, you’re well on your way to protecting your investment and enjoying a hassle-free pool reopening come spring. Remember, preparation now means relaxation later – so roll up those sleeves and get your pool winter-ready!
