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How to Winterise a Pool
Winterising your pool is a crucial task to protect it from damage during the colder months. Taking the time to properly prepare your pool can save you money and effort when the swimming season returns. In this article, we’ll cover the essential steps to winterise your pool, ensuring it stays clean, safe, and ready for summer.
1. Clean Your Pool Thoroughly
Before you start the winterisation process, give your pool a thorough clean. This includes skimming the surface for debris, brushing the walls and floor, and vacuuming the bottom. Ensuring your pool is clean will prevent the build-up of algae and other contaminants over the winter months.
Steps to Clean Your Pool:
- Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris using a skimmer net.
- Brush the walls and floor to remove algae and dirt.
- Vacuum the pool to pick up any remaining debris.
- Clean out the skimmer and pump baskets.
Zodiac MX6 Suction Pool Cleaner
2. Balance the Water Chemistry
Maintaining the correct chemical balance in your pool is vital to prevent corrosion, scaling, and algae growth. Test the water and adjust the levels of pH, alkalinity, and chlorine as needed. Aim for a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, and chlorine levels around 1-3 ppm.
Steps to Balance Water Chemistry:
- Test the water using a pool testing kit.
- Adjust pH levels using pH increaser or decreaser.
- Adjust alkalinity using an alkalinity increaser if necessary.
- Ensure chlorine levels are adequate to prevent algae growth.
3. Shock the Pool
Shocking the pool involves adding a high dose of chlorine to eliminate bacteria, algae, and other contaminants. This step is essential to keep the water clean and clear over winter. Use a quality pool shock product and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage.
Steps to Shock Your Pool:
- Calculate the volume of your pool to determine the correct amount of shock treatment.
- Mix the shock treatment in a bucket of water.
- Pour the mixture evenly around the pool.
- Run the pool pump for several hours to distribute the shock treatment.
Pentair PROii Professional Test Lab
4. Lower the Water Level
In areas where heavy rainfall is common, lowering the water level in your pool can prevent overflow. Reduce the water level to below the skimmer mouth to avoid water entering the skimmer and potentially causing damage.
Steps to Lower Water Level:
- Turn off the pool pump.
- Use a submersible pump or siphon to lower the water level.
- Ensure the water level is at least 10-15 cm below the skimmer mouth.
5. Add a Winter Algaecide
Algaecide helps prevent algae growth during the winter months. Choose a winter algaecide formulated for long-lasting protection and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. This step is crucial to keeping your pool water clear and algae-free.
Steps to Add Algaecide:
- Select a winter algaecide suitable for your pool type.
- Calculate the correct dosage based on your pool’s volume.
- Pour the algaecide around the perimeter of the pool.
- Run the pool pump for a few hours to circulate the algaecide.
6. Cover Your Pool
Covering your pool is one of the most effective ways to protect it during winter. A quality pool cover prevents debris from entering the pool, reduces evaporation, and helps maintain water temperature. Invest in a durable cover that fits your pool correctly.
Steps to Cover Your Pool:
- Choose a cover designed for your pool’s shape and size.
- Clean the cover before installation to remove dirt and debris.
- Secure the cover tightly to prevent it from blowing off during windy conditions.
- Regularly check the cover and remove any accumulated debris.
7. Maintain the Pool Area
While your pool is covered, it’s essential to maintain the surrounding area. Keep the pool deck and nearby landscaping clean and tidy to prevent debris from finding its way into the pool.
Steps to Maintain Pool Area:
- Sweep the pool deck regularly to remove leaves and dirt.
- Trim back any overhanging branches or plants.
- Ensure drainage systems are clear to prevent water pooling around the pool area.
8. Regular Checks and Maintenance
Even during winter, it’s essential to regularly check your pool and perform basic maintenance tasks. This includes inspecting the cover, monitoring water levels, and occasionally running the pool pump to circulate the water.
Steps for Regular Maintenance:
- Inspect the pool cover for any damage or loose areas.
- Check water levels and top up if necessary.
- Run the pool pump for a few hours every few weeks to keep the water circulating.
- Test the water chemistry periodically and adjust if needed.
Winterising your pool is a straightforward process that can save you time and money in the long run. By following these steps, you can ensure your pool remains in excellent condition during the cooler months, ready for a new season of swimming when summer returns.
About Pool Shop
Pool Shop is one of Australia's leading suppliers of pool and spa products, offering a wide range of essentials like cleaners, pumps, lights, chlorinators, filters, chemicals, spare parts, and more. We stock the highest quality products as authorised sellers of leading brands such as Zodiac, Astral Pool, Maytronics, Hayward, Madimack, Polaris, Pentair Onga and more. With a price match guarantee and fast delivery, we ensure a seamless shopping experience.
Visit our shop in Unanderra near Wollongong for personalised service and expert advice or order online.
Contact us on support@poolshop.com.au or call 02 9137 8914.