Autumn is here again and the more colors the leaves take on, the closer it is to closing your pool. To protect your investment and make your life easier in the spring when you reopen, here are practical tips for properly preparing your pool for winter. Please note, however, that the advice below is general and that certain procedures may vary depending on the type of pool, whether above ground, semi-inground or in-ground.
The good moment
Although you have until early November to complete this task, it is best to wait until the water temperature is below 12°C. At this temperature, algae cannot proliferate. If there is already algae at the time of closing, or if the water is cloudy, you must carry out a water treatment before starting the closing process.
Cleaning
It is important to clean the inside of the pool, the water itself and all accessories. You must therefore vacuum, back-wash, check the pH content and alkalinity, clean the filter, clean the internal fabric and clean the solar fabric before storing it. It is also advisable to lightly superchlorinate the water.
The emptying
First of all, turn off the pump and close the skimmer. Once the drain pipe is on the street, you will need to lower the water level so that it is below the skimmer, using the drainage function of the pump. Then, turn off and disconnect power to the pump if possible. To empty all the pipes, you can use a shop vacuum or leaf blower to inject air and blow out the water.
Frost protection
You can ensure that the pipe connecting the pump to the skimmer and the bottom drains are protected against freezing by pouring antifreeze into it, following the instructions provided by your pool specialist. Additionally, you can purchase polystyrene blocks designed to block the skimmer and prevent water and ice from invading it. Everything that has been unplugged and removed must be stored away from the cold, i.e: salt system, ozone system etc…
Protecting water during winter
You will need to treat the water using a pool closure kit, available from any good pool specialist. These products help keep water clean during the winter. Follow the instructions provided with the kit. You can install a leaf net or winter tarp to keep your water clean during the cold season.
If your pool is closed properly, you will be happy about it come spring when it opens smoothly. Having a cheat sheet or pool closing guide on hand can save you a lot of trouble. In addition, please note that it is possible to call on professionals from Piscine Martin Banville to close your swimming pool, in the event that it is impossible for you to do it yourself.