How to close your swimming pool for the winter: A step-by-step guide
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it's time to start thinking about closing your swimming pool for the winter. Shutting down your pool isn’t just a matter of covering it up – proper winterisation ensures that your pool stays in top condition and avoids costly damage from freezing weather.
At Penguin Leisure, we understand that a little preparation now can save you a lot of hassle (and expense) in the spring. Here’s your complete guide to winterising your pool the right way.
Why should you close your pool for winter?
There are several reasons to shut your pool down for the colder months:
- Too cold to swim: As temperatures dip, swimming becomes less appealing, and keeping the pool open no longer makes sense.
- Darker days: Prime swimming times, such as the evening, are now much darker, which reduces pool use and raises safety concerns.
- Lack of usage: With fewer swims, it’s not economical to maintain your pool at optimal levels throughout the winter.
- Protecting the pool: Closing your pool helps to prevent damage caused by freezing water, debris build-up, and chemical imbalances.
Step-by-step guide to closing your pool
1. Thoroughly clean the pool
Start by cleaning your pool to prevent dirt and debris from settling over winter. Skim off leaves, insects, and other debris, brush the pool walls, and vacuum the floor. A clean pool at shutdown means less work when reopening in the spring.
2. Balance the water chemistry
Before closing the pool, it's crucial to balance the water chemistry. Proper chemical levels help protect the pool's surfaces and equipment over winter. Aim for the following chemical balance:
- pH: 7.2 - 7.6
- Alkalinity: 100 - 150 ppm
- Calcium hardness: 175 - 250 ppm
You’ll also want to increase the chlorine or shock the pool to a higher dosage. This will help prevent algae and bacteria growth during the off-season, keeping the water from turning green.
3. Lower the water level
Drain the water to just below the skimmer and return jets to protect them from freezing. Don’t completely drain the pool, as leaving some water in prevents the surface from cracking under pressure from the ground or winter snow.
4. Adjust your filtration cycle
During the winter shutdown, you can adjust your pool's motor to run for only a portion of the day. A recommended cycle is 4-8 hours per day. This keeps the water circulating, preventing algae build-up and ensuring the water stays fresh. It also helps prevent the pipeline from freezing, which could cause cracks and expensive repairs.
5. Use a winter pool cover
Installing a durable winter cover is essential to protect your pool from the elements. It keeps out debris such as leaves, dirt, and snow, which can damage the pool lining and clog the filtration system. A good cover also helps prevent water evaporation and stops the pool from becoming a breeding ground for algae.
6. Add winterising chemicals
To safeguard your pool during the colder months, use chemicals designed to prevent freezing. These chemicals protect not only the water but also the pool’s structure, ensuring the surrounding surfaces aren’t damaged by expanding ice. Some pool owners also add antifreeze to plumbing lines as an extra precaution.
7. Inspect pool lights and safety features
As the days grow shorter, it’s crucial to check that your pool lights are in working order. Functional pool lighting ensures safety for any late-season use and makes maintenance easier when the area gets dark earlier in the day.
8. Drain and store pool equipment
Remove and store all removable equipment, such as pumps, filters, and heaters, to prevent freezing and cracking. For any permanent equipment, make sure to drain them of water. For added protection, you may also want to cover the equipment with a weatherproof tarp or use a specialised equipment cover.
9. Indoor pools: don’t forget the heating
If you have an indoor pool, be sure to check that your heating system and air handling units (AHU) are functioning efficiently. Servicing these systems before winter ensures that you can continue to use your pool comfortably throughout the colder months.
10. Regular winter checks
Even when your pool is closed, it’s a good idea to check on it periodically. Ensure the cover remains tight and free from debris, and inspect for any signs of damage. Keep the filtration system running according to the 4-8 hour cycle to prevent water stagnation and pipeline freezing.
Shutting down your pool properly for winter can help prevent costly repairs and make reopening a breeze next spring. By following these steps, you’ll protect your pool from the harsh winter weather and ensure it stays in top shape.
At Penguin Leisure, we offer professional pool winterisation services to make the process easier for you. From chemical balancing to equipment inspection and cover installation, we’ve got everything you need to ensure your pool is winter-ready.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your pool shutdown, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you protect your pool all year round!