How to winterise you swimming pool

Now is the time of year to start thinking about winterising your pool.

All pools differ, so it is advisable to contact your pool installer for their recommendations as to winterisation of pool and equipment. As a general guide:
a) Partially drain the pool, lowering the water level to about 5cm below the skimmer to protect skimmers, pipe fittings, pump and filter from frost.
b) Check the pH and get it as near as possible to 7.4. Superchlorinate, wait 24 hours then add a winterising product, available from your specialist pool dealer, as per the instructions making sure that all the chemicals are well distrubuted. Switch of skimmer and use sump for circulation.
c) Keep the pool water at reduced level since this will assist in preventing external pressure from damaging the pool structure.
d) Thoroughly backwash the filter and clean the pump strainer. Open all ball valves to allow to allow water in the lines to drain out of the pump, filter, heater etc. Drain the water from the filter, pipework, pump and heaters. Cover pump with sacking.
e) Switch off the electricity supply.
f) Drain the automatic chlorinator, if fitted. Remove the chlorine and flush out with weak acidic solution.
g) Remove fittings such as skimmer flaps, skimmer baskets, ladders and diving boards. Half fill a skimmer bottle with anti-freeze or small stones and place in the skimmer to help prevent ice damage.
h) Remove all leaves from the bottom of the pool to avoid risk of staining.
i) To ease the ice pressure, especially in a large pool, place slightly weighted buoyant objects in the pool away from the sides and secure with rope (a row of plastic containers partially filled with sand tied along the middle of the pool is ideal).
j) Fit winter debris cover.
k) Break up ice gently whilst still thin and keep the pool free from leaves, debris and dirt.
l) Check the pH and free chlorine and the appearance of the water occasionally during the winter, especially as spring approaches or if the winter is mild.

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