Preparing your pool for winter

Even though you do not use your pool as often during the winter it is still very important to look after it to enable the following summer to be a trouble free one. By preparing your pool in the correct way for the winter you can significantly reduce the chances of algae occurring and increase the chances of your pool remaining clean for the following summer season. To achieve this follow these simple guidelines.

1. Backwash the filter and clean the strainer.
2. Check the pH is between 7.2 and 7.6 and use sodium bisulphate (to lower pH) and sodium carbonate (to increase the pH) to adjust if necessary.
3. Using Calcium Hypochlorite, boost the chlorine level to remove any algae that maybe present in the pool.
4. To prevent algae from growing add winterising algaecide.
5. Turn on the circulation to disperse the solution through the water for a period of 24 hours.
6. Reduce the water level to just below the skimmers. This is to allow for any extra water that enters the pool, ie rainfall, therefore preventing it from overflowing.
   WARNING: Do not lower the level too much especially if the water table is high as this could cause structural damage to the pool shell.
7. To protect any exposed metal surfaces, drain the water from the pump(s), filter(s), heater and pipework.
8. Leave any valves above the water level open. Any below should be closed to protect from frost damage.
9. Switch off the electricity supply to the system.
10. Cover the pool with a heavy-duty winter pool cover.
11. Check the appearance of the water, and the chlorine/pH levels occasionally during the winter.

These instructions are aimed at in-ground pools or for hard sided above ground pools. For above ground intex pools it is often easiest to empty them and pack them away for the winter. When packing it away make sure that it is dry and packed away neatly in a dry place.

All dosing rates can be found on the instructions of each product.