The swimming pool is a place of relaxation and pleasure, where you can cool off and enjoy yourself during the summer months. But when winter arrives, the pool must be protected from cold, frost and bad weather, which can damage the pool, the equipment and the water quality. How do you protect your pool in winter? What steps need to be taken to protect your pool? What accessories are essential for winterizing your pool? This article explains how to protect your pool in winter.
Steps to take to protect your pool in winter
To protect your pool in winter, you need to follow certain steps, which vary according to the type of winterization you choose: passive or active. Here are the steps to follow for each type of winterization:
Passive winterizing: putting the pool to sleep
Passive winterizing consists of turning off the pool’s filtration and putting it to sleep for the entire winter period. This method is suitable for regions with very low temperatures and frequent frost. The following operations are required:
- Vacuum and brush the walls and bottom of the pool
- Add a winterizing product to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.
- Install winterization floats to absorb frost-induced water movements and prevent damage to your pool.
- Lower the water level below the discharge nozzles and drain the filtration system to prevent water from freezing in the pipes.
- Cover the pool with a winter cover to protect it from dirt and debris.
Don’t forget to buy quality pool filtration equipment to ensure your pool is maintained even in winter!
Active winterization: reduced pool operation
Active winterization means keeping your pool’s filtration at a low level, and regularly monitoring the water’s condition. This method is suited to regions where temperatures are mild and frost is rare. In this case, proceed as follows:
- Clean the water surface with a landing net.
- Program the filtration system to run for 2 to 3 hours a day, preferably during the coldest hours.
- Install a frost protection unit that automatically switches on filtration if the outside temperature falls below a set threshold.
- Regularly check pH, disinfectant levels and water balance, and make any necessary adjustments.
- Cover the pool with a bubble cover or roller shutter to limit heat loss and water evaporation.
Essential accessories to protect your pool in winter
Protecting your pool in winter also means using the right accessories to enhance the protection of your pool, equipment and water. Here are the main accessories you need to protect your pool in winter:
Winter cover
The winter cover is an essential element for protecting your pool in winter. It allows you to :
- Protect your pool from impurities such as leaves, insects and animal droppings, which can impair water quality and encourage the growth of algae and bacteria.
- Protect your pool from frost, by creating an insulating barrier between the air and the water, limiting temperature variations and preventing the formation of ice on the pool surface.
- Protect your pool from UV rays, preventing chlorine degradation and liner discoloration.
There are various types of winter cover, differing in material, shape, fastening system and price. You can choose between an opaque tarpaulin, which completely blocks light and prevents photosynthesis, or a filtering tarpaulin, which lets rainwater through and prevents water from stagnating on the tarpaulin. You can also opt for a pool-shaped cover, which follows the contours of the pool perfectly, or for a standard cover, which covers the coping to a large extent. Finally, you can choose between a tarpaulin to be attached with bungee cords, hooks or turnbuckles, or a tarpaulin to be installed with weights.
Winter floats
Wintering floats are accessories that can be placed on the surface of the water to protect your pool from freezing. Their function is to :
- Absorb variations in water volume caused by freezing and thawing, which can lead to cracks or deformations in the pool.
- Create a gap between the water and the winter cover, facilitating the flow of rainwater and preventing the formation of water pockets on the cover.
- Break up the layer of ice that may form on the surface of the water, by creating water movements and preventing the ice from spreading.
There are different types of winterizing floats, distinguished by shape, size, color and price. You can choose between cylindrical floats, which attach to each other with hooks or clips, or gutter-shaped floats, which simply sit on the water. You can also opt for transparent floats, which blend in with the decor, or colored floats, which add a touch of originality.
The winter gizmo
The winterizing gizmo is an accessory that fits into the skimmer to protect your pool from freezing. Its function is to :
- Protect the skimmer from freezing, preventing water from stagnating in the basket and freezing inside.
- Protect the filtration circuit from freezing, by preventing water from rising in the pipes and freezing in the ducts.
- Protect pond water levels from freezing, to prevent water from evaporating too quickly and falling below the required level.
There are different types of winterizing gizmos, differing in material, shape and price. You can choose between a rigid gizmo, which is stronger but less flexible, or a soft gizmo, which is more adaptable but less resistant. You can also opt for a single gizmo, which screws into the skimmer, or a double gizmo, which connects to the discharge nozzles.
Protecting your pool in winter: Here’s how it works
Protecting your pool in winter is essential to preserve your pool, equipment and water quality until the warm weather returns. To protect your pool in winter, you need to choose the type of winterizing system best suited to your region and use: passive or active. You should also use the appropriate accessories to reinforce your pool’s protection: winterizing tarpaulin, winterizing floats, winterizing gizmo. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool to the full as soon as temperatures rise again!
