How to Winterise your pool
Now that autumn has arrived, and winter is fast approaching, your pool usage has probably declined. However, just because your pool has shut up shop for the season doesn’t mean you can forget about it… doing so might leave you with a green pool, costing you much more than preventative maintenance would.
SO, HOW DO YOU GET YOUR POOL READY FOR WINTER?
STEP 1. CLEAN IT
Remove all debris from the water, skimmer, pump basket and filters. If anything is left to sink to the bottom it can stain the surface and be a real pain to clean.
STEP 2. CHECK ALL EQUIPMENT
Ensure the pump is working and there is no calcium build-up on the chlorination cell. Try using BioGuard Salt Cell Cleaner to remove any calcification.
Throughout the cooler months, you’ll still need the pump, filter and chlorinator to run for at least 4 hours a day If needed, we can always service your pool equipment.
STEP 3. BACKWASH YOUR FILTER
To clean contaminants from the filter, you’ll need to backwash the filter. Follow these basic steps to backwash your filter properly:
Turn the pump OFF
Move the Multiport Valve handle to ‘BACKWASH’ & open any valves on your waste line
Turn the pump ON & run for 1-2 minutes or until the sight glass is clear.
Turn the pump OFF
Move the Multiport Valve handle to ‘RINSE’
Turn the pump ON & run for 1-2 minutes or until the sight glass is clear.
Turn the pump OFF
Move the Multiport Valve handle to ‘FILTER’
Turn the pump ON and set the timer to automatic.
STEP 4. BALANCE THE WATER
Everything in your pool becomes more efficient with properly balanced water. You’re primarily defending against algae outbreaks, but the surface and equipment will also last longer.
If you need to shock your pool, try using BioGuard’s Burn Out Extreme. It’s easy to use, is great for shocking or treating pools with chlorine demands and/or algae problems.
STEP 5. ADD A PHOSPHATE REMOVER
Although your pool might not contain algae, the addition of a phosphate remover like Pool Tonic eliminates its food source. No phosphates = no algae.
STEP 6. ADD A LONG TERM ALGAECIDE
A long-lasting algaecide like Bioguard MSA will kill algae & continue to remain active in the water for up to 3 months. This means that you won’t have to worry about any algal blooms while you’re not using the pool which could create a costly clean up when you’re ready to start swimming again.
STEP 7. USE YOUR POOL COVER
If you don’t have one, now is the time to invest. A cover protects your pool from debris, elements and evaporation. Let’s be honest, no one wants to be skimming and vacuuming when it’s freezing outside. Read our article about the benefits of pool covers here
STEP 8. CONTINUE BASIC MAINTENANCE
Continue to check the water chemistry and filter gauge every two weeks, adjusting where necessary.
Every so often, it’s a good idea to bring a water sample to us to give it the full once over.