Preparing your pool for winter

During the winter months there are certain things to consider when you own an outdoor swimming pool. You need to make sure it’s protected from anything that could pollute the water or start an infection, as well as take steps to reduce the amount of work you need to do when the warmer weather returns and the pool is uncovered.

If your pool is not properly prepared, you could end up with problems such as an algae infestation or an overflow of water from heavy rainfall. These issues can be time-consuming and costly to fix, so taking precautions now could save a lot of time and money a few months down the line.

Here are the main things you should do to keep your pool clean and safe during winter.

Clean the pool

The first step to cleaning your pool requires a bit of elbow grease. Start by scrubbing the walls, the floor and all the nooks and crannies. Use a pool brush and telescoping pole to make it as easy as possible. As you clean you may notice debris and algae spores which had settled in the water. Use an algae brush to remove it before it spreads further through the pool. Once the pool is clean, ensure the filter is drained and remove the pump and heater if possible.

Shock the pool

It’s essential to keep the circulation system of your pool active throughout the colder season. To do this, you will need to raise the chlorine levels of the pool to “shock” the system. Chlorine levels can be raised by using pool chlorine granules. Shocking your pool will also assist in disinfecting the water so you can ensure your pool is as hygienic as possible before you put it away for the winter. Before beginning the shocking process, remember to vacuum it to remove as much dirt and debris from the bottom of the pool as possible. Skim the surface of the water too, as often dirt, leaves and bugs can build up there.

Keep it covered

Keeping your pool covered over winter will ensure leaves and debris don’t make their way in. There are two different types of pool cover, safety covers and winter covers. It’s important to choose the one which best fits your needs.

A safety cover offers protection from unwanted products that could end up in your pool, as well as providing a barrier to prevent a pet or child from falling in. A winter cover will still protect against debris, while also reducing the risk of rainwater or melting snow from entering the pool. Whichever cover you decide on, it should fit correctly, and the tension must be kept tight, with no gaps around the sides.