Getting your pool ready for winter is really much the same as every other season. In our temperate climate there is no need to “winterise” your pool.
It’s important to follow a regular maintenance program all year round. You will need to complete regular weekly testing of chlorine & pH at home using your pool test kit and then every month take a water sample to your local pool shop or arrange for a pool service company to complete the full water test onsite this will ensure you take care of your pool, a very special asset!
During winter, as you check your levels each week, you will most likely notice that you will need to dial the chlorinator output down, as evaporation and chemical loss will be much less during this time, your chlorinator won’t need to produce at a high level like in summer. If you keep an eye on your chemicals, you will stop any over chlorination of the water, which can damage your equipment, shell surface and void warranties.
Pool Heating – If you are constantly heating your pool right through winter you may not need to reduce your chlorine levels, use your test kit to determine and regulate each week.Pool Covers – If you plan to cover your pool with a solar cover over the winter period, this will almost stop evaporation and you will most likely need a minimum chlorine output, remember you will still need to check under the cover occasionally to clean and brush your pool surface.
Winter Pool Maintenance Summary;
- Check your pool chlorine and pH every week with a pool test kit
- Have your water tested by a pool professional every month
- Reduce your pool filtration by 1-2 hours from your ideal summer schedule (unless you are heating your pool)
- Empty the skimmer basket when full
- Occasionally check the water level is half way up the skimmer box opening
- Continue to check and clean your filter every month (backwash/clean)
- Turn the pool lights on for at least 30 minutes a week to prevent build-up of moisture within the light and wiring
- Vacuum the pool floor and brush your walls periodically to reduce staining and algae build up
- Don’t let debris stay on the floor of your pool, even leaves can cause staining on your pool surface if left for too long!
Robotic Pool Cleaners;
Dolphin Robotic pool cleaners are a wonderful accessory for every pool and will assist with your pool maintenance year round. Make sure that you maintain your cleaner and it will be your pool’s best friend! – Clean the robot’s filter cartridge after each cleaning cycle, keep the power supply in the shade and away from water/puddles/rain and don’t leave the robot in the pool when not in use.
Keeping yup your pool maintaince is essential for your pools health and will save your time and money in the long run! – Enjoy the winter time, it’s only short here in the Northern Rivers of NSW!