After pool season is before pool season! This means that if you want to use your pool in the coming summer, you have to winterize it in good time.
I don't know about you, but I think the trend of having a pool in your backyard is increasing every year. Especially in rural and arid areas you can see private swimming pools springing up like mushrooms. Admittedly, it's nice when you come home from work in 30 degrees and can refresh yourself in the pool. And for families with children, such a pool is pure paradise anyway.
But you shouldn't forget that a pool also requires work, unless you have decided on an inflatable paddling pool. At the end of the season, the water and air are simply drained, the pool is folded up and it can be stowed away for the winter. With larger and more stable pools it is not that easy, so you should always think carefully in advance which pool variant suits you. In order to avoid bad purchases (I know what I'm talking about!), it is best to use a pool configurator such as that provided by pooltotal.com. It should be neither too big nor too small and above all it should fit into the (garden) image.
One of the best-selling models are steel wall pools. For this reason, I also decided to create a step-by-step guide to winterizing this variant. For pools that are bricked and then lined with foil, the procedure is similar.
Step 1 - basic cleaning
The best chemistry is useless if you do not remove leaves, insects and limescale deposits beforehand. So before you start winterizing your pool, you need to do a thorough cleaning. Net everything that floats on the surface of the water and clean the pool floor and rim, if necessary with a brush.
Step 2 - set pH and chlorine value
In order to protect the pool from corrosion and new limescale deposits in winter, it is extremely important to have the right pH valueinstructions are available at tippscout.de. The value should be around 7.0 to around 7.2. The chlorine value must not exceed 0.8 mg per liter. This procedure, known in professional circles as shock chlorination, is carried out about five days before the pool is to be completely winterized. During the chlorination and for a few hours afterwards, the sand filter system remains in operation.
Step 3 - Lower the water level
First the good news, the pool does not have to be completely emptied during the winter months. The rule of thumb is to drain about a third of the water volume. But make sure that the inlet nozzle is fitted with a winter plug if the water level is not 10 cm below the skimmer after draining.
Step 4 - Fill in the wintering agent
Your pool faces a tough time in winter. A special winter agent (available in pool shops) must be added to the pool water so that it survives this unscathed. It prevents algae growth and limescale build-up while the pool is not in use.
Step 5 - Ice pressure pad (not a must but useful)
To protect the wall of your pool from frost, pool professionals recommend placing so-called ice pressure pads in the water. Depending on the pool size, the cushions are chained together and prevent the ice from pressing against the pool wall.
Step 6 - Pool Cushion
For me, the ultimate discovery that I wouldn't want to be without: a pool cushion! Simply inflate and place on the water surface. Then a tarpaulin over it later (step 8) and you're done!
Step 7 - Clean Up!
The penultimate step is to winterize all loose parts. You need space in the garden tool shed or garage for this. This is also something to think about when purchasing a pool. Be "stored" (if any):
- Entrance Ladder
- Heat Pump
- Sand filter system
- Counter current system
- Pool Heater (if not frost proof)
Step 8 - Cover Pool
So that your pool is immediately ready for use next season, it will be covered with a tear-resistant tarpaulin over the winter months. Make sure that the size of the tarpaulin fits the pool, so buy it about 60 to 80 cm larger than the pool size. Secure the pool cover sufficiently to withstand strong winds and rain. » Pool tarpaulins in all sizes…