Winterising your pool
There are two schools of thought on winterising outdoor pools in the UK. We have outlined below both methods the first few steps are the same for which ever method you may wish to choose.
The Solar Cover
Remove your cover wash and clean down allow to dry then roll up onto the roller cover and store for the winter
The Water
Ensure the PH value is between 7.2 & 7.6 adjust using dry acid or soda ash as required. Shock dose your water with chlorine to give a level of 6 – 10 ppm & add a winterising fluid or long life algicide run the pump for 6-8 hours to ensure the chlorine is well mixed . If using chlorine granules ensure none are left settled on the bottom as they can bleach a pool liner over the winter. To protect the structure from the effects of ice half fill some empty chlorine containers and float them on the pool water so they are half submersed.
The Equipment
There are two options here either
Drain the pool water level to about 6 inchs below the level of the skimmers this is to allow for rain water over the winter months then disconnect your pump from the electrical supply,remove the drain plugs from the pump and the filter units release the unions on the multiport valve and ensure all items are drained,take care to drain heaters,solar panels and heatpumps. With gas boilers ensure the pilot is extingushed and the gas turned off. With heatpumps if they have a fan on the top it’s a good idea to cover them to stop debris entering them over the winter.
Or
Have your system fitted with a frost Stat so that if the temperature drops below freezing your pump will switch on automaticaly. Reset your pump time clock to bring your pump on for 1-2 hours each day. Open bypass valves on heatpumps and solar systems and drain down these items as above.
Competition heatpump covers
Fit your winter debris cover on to your pool to keep out leaves etc. Always tension the cover keeping it out of the water if possible.
