When bathing season comes to an end, when autumn begins, it’s time to think about winterizing your pool.
This involves general maintenance, to protect the pool from the vagaries of winter weather, and to preserve water quality so that it can be used again more easily when the sun comes out. We’ll be taking a look at how to prepare your pool for winter.
Passive and active winterization
There are two types of winterization: passive and active. Here’s the difference between the two:
- Passive, or total,winterization involves completely shutting down the pool during the winter. This process is designed for the coldest regions, where winter temperatures drop below freezing. This protects the pool and all its equipment from freezing.
- Active, or partial,winterization means keeping the pool running at reduced capacity throughout the winter. This is ideal for regions with milder winters, as it keeps the water clean and clear, and allows the pool to be put back into operation more quickly when the warmer weather returns.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of winterizing?
Passive winterizing :
- Advantages: optimum protection against frost, energy savings, easy reinstallation
- Disadvantages: greater maintenance required to restart the pool, impossible to enjoy the pool during winter.
Active winterization:
- Advantages: clean, clear water, ability to enjoy the pool during warmer weather, easier maintenance in spring.
- Disadvantages: energy consumption, regular monitoring required, less effective protection against frost.
Cleaning and water treatment before wintering
Once you’ve decided on the type of winterization you’d like to use, the first thing to do is to clean the pool and treat the water. Here’s how to do it:
- Clean the pool: use the net to remove all dirt. Then use the robot to clean the bottom and sides. If you don’t have a pool cleaner, you’ll have to do this manually.
- Analyze and adjust water balance: carry out your pH, alkalinity and hardness analyses as usual. Correct any imbalances.
- Shock treatment: it’s a good idea to carry out a shock treatment to eliminate bacteria, algae and any other micro-organisms present in the water. Shock treatment is performed with chlorine or active oxygen. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended doses. In addition, leave the filtration system running for several hours after this shock treatment.
- Add a winterizing product: to protect the water, you need to use anti-algae products, so use a winterizing product specific to your pool.
Protecting materials and equipment
The aim of protecting pool materials and equipment is to prevent frost damage. Depending on the type of winterization, here’s what you need to do:
In the case of passive winterizing:
- Stop filtration, then switch off the power supply.
- Bleed the pipes, skimmers, discharge nozzles and other elements of the hydraulic circuit to drain the water.
- Then carefully clean and dry the filter, pump and other equipment such as the heater, chlorinator, etc.
- Store equipment in a dry, frost-free place.
- Place winter floats in skimmers to prevent them from cracking in the event of freezing.
- Install winterizing plugs on discharge nozzles and other orifices in the hydraulic circuit.
For active winterization:
- Reduce the operating time of the filtration system. A few hours a day will suffice, preferably during the coldest hours.
- Regularly check that the pump and filtration system are working properly.
- Keep an eye on temperatures. If frost is forecast, increase filtration time and/or add a frost protection device (heater, bubble cover, etc.).
Safety equipment and protection
To protect your pool from winter accidents, bad weather and debris, it’s essential to install appropriate safety and protection equipment.
Here are some options to consider:
- A winter cover: this covers the surface of the pool, limiting the accumulation of debris and leaves in the pool. It also facilitates pool maintenance during winter, while preserving water quality. Choose a cover that meets safety standards.
- Wintering floats: wintering floats prevent ice pressure on the pool walls in the event of freezing, thus preventing pool deformation. They should be placed in staggered rows across the width of the pool, with a space of 1.50 m between them.
- Safety devices: approved safety devices are mandatory for in-ground and semi-in-ground pools (protective barriers, alarms, shelters, safety covers).
- Partial draining: for above-ground pools, partial draining may be necessary to relieve pressure on the walls and prevent the risk of deformation or rupture.
- Other equipment, such as ladders, diving boards and slides, should be stored away over the winter.
Now you’re ready to winterize your pool in an organized way, whatever the type of winterization you prefer.
