What Should I Do With My Pool In Winter?

Those long summer days of pool parties and BBQs are fading and you’re starting to feel the end of Spring chills. So what should you do with your pool?

Option A: Switch it off, let it go green and become an animal sanctuary

Option B: Low maintenance so it's easy to get back up and running

As much as Option A sounds like a fun science experiment, we would highly advise going with Option B!

Pro Tip:

Start prepping your pool for winter in mid-late Autumn or as soon as it's getting too cold to enjoy regularly. 

So you’re probably wondering what does winterising your pool or getting your pool ready for winter mean? Much like storing away your summer clothes, it’s a way of safely preparing your pool whilst it won’t be used as much during the cooler months. Winterisation takes into account your pool and equipment such as the pool surface, water, chemicals and all equipment.

Simply shutting off and not maintaining a pool over winter would be the quicker option but it will be costly when it comes to Spring and your pool is full of algae, plus there could be damage to the shell and equipment.

Depending on where you’re located in Australia, when and how you winterise your pool will vary. Some people have a gas heater and will carry on using their pool throughout the colder months, however many people prefer to put their pool into sleep mode and wait for Spring until they begin to use their pool again.

In this blog post we’ll go through the various steps needed to ensure your pool stays in tip top condition over winter, ready to kick into action for the warmer months of Spring.

1. Clean your pool
   The first step is to give your pool a deep clean. Spending the time to make sure all sticks and debris are cleared from the walls/ floors/ skimmer and pump basket of your pool now will ensure that the surface of your fibreglass (or concrete) pool won’t be stained when you’re ready to use it again. It’s also a good time to scrub and brush all surfaces. 
2. Test your Pool Water
   Finally, make sure your pool is chemically balanced (the pH should be between 7.4 - 7.6). If unsure, you can take a small sample to your pool shop. If needed, a shock cleaner (from your local pool shop) to kill any lingering bacteria and algae can be used but make sure you follow all directions. Depending on the product, this step may need to be done a few days before completing the next steps. Don’t forget to inform your pool shop of the type of pool system you’re using (mineral, magna, salt etc) and to retest your pool water. 
3. Prepare your Equipment
   Take your pool cleaner out of the pool and store in a covered place away from all elements. The next step is to clean or backwash your filter. If you have a cartridge filter, you will also need to degrease it. Swimming Pool Kits Direct offers a fantastic acoustic box that not only significantly reduces the noise from your system but it also effectively keeps your pool equipment protected from the harsh Australian winter (and summer!) weather. 
4. Add Winter-Ready Chemicals
   Using winterising chemicals prevent algae growth when it’s not in use. Phosphate remover eliminates excess phosphates which algae thrives on. Next, you’ll need a pool Algaecide (ensure this is a longer-term and not short-term product). This prevents and treats any algae during the cooler months. Both of these products can be obtained from pool shops. 
5. Reduce Pool Equipment Functioning
   It’s a good idea to run the pool pump for at least 4 hours a day which helps with circulation, filtration and sanitisation.
6. Invest in a Pool Cover 
   Whilst not essential, a pool cover is the most effective way of reducing the maintenance required on a pool. Covering your pool during winter not only prevents debris but it also helps to reduce evaporation (water and chemical). We have a number of easy to install pool covers available. Another option, especially if you have younger children, is a Remco pool cover. These covers provide an additional layer of safety and can hold up to 70kgs when put on properly. Contact us now for a quotation - don’t forget to advise of your pool style and size! 

Once you've completed your pool winterisation, it's imperative that you stick to a basic maintenance schedule. Once every 2 weeks, do a visual inspection and balance your pool water. This will ensure that in a few months time, your pool will be ready for you to peel back the covers and jump on in! 

Conclusion

If you're the owner of an above ground or inground fibreglass swimming pool, winterising your pool will prolong the life of your equipment and ensure your pool is summer ready as soon as you are! 

Watch this space.... how to prepare your pool for summer is coming soon!