40-45 WINTER:SPN Master pages 14/09/2009 17:49 Page 2
spnfeature
Winter
shutdown
– still a
blind spot
Too many owners still think that closing a pool for winter is just about
switching off the filter pump for three or four months and waiting for
spring. Every year it’s clear the message isn’t getting through as record
call outs in April and May show there’s too many basic errors being
made in the winter shutdown process. Pool companies seem to be
making an extra effort for pool owners to get it right this year
ust as sure as the leaves fall from the children. For people who wish to find a products. The former generally have wider
J
trees and the light nights disappear more permanent solution, the installation compatibility and can be blended with
so it is that swimming pools need to of a pool enclosure also improves safety useful sequesterants. Copper is usually a
be closed for the winter. and security and of course can extend the standalone product. It is more pH sensitive
They need the treatment – a clear, swimming season. and cannot be used with biguanide and
concise easy-to-follow plan which ensures Although the process is relatively some other systems.”
that costs are kept down to a minimum straightforward, many pool owners need Chemicals are still the most obvious way
when spring comes round. help, so it is useful to be on hand to advise to winterise a swimming pool, giving
And if pool builders and suppliers are to on which type of treatment to use. “It is so specialist pool retailers an opportunity to
be believed they had a record number of important to take action in autumn for two boost sales at what can be a slow time of
call outs in April this year as they put right reasons,” explains Mark Ramsden of year. “It is necessary to correct the balance
basic errors pool owners continue to make Complete Pool Controls. of the pool water and add a good quality
in closing their pools for the winter. “Firstly, algae and stain prevention is long-life winter algaecide,” explains
Failure to buy and check a proper pool more cost effective than a spring cure, and Dominic Adams, of swimming pool
cover, leaving debris in the pool and failing will also mean it will be quicker to get the specialists, Golden Coast. “If a frost stat is
to shock dose their pools and apply the pool ready next year. Secondly, as the not fitted, a full drain down of the filtration
right sort of chemicals to the water ended temperature falls, the pH will become system is required. Winter debris
up with massive bills. lower, so it is prudent to raise the level.” equipment must also be fitted, and if
There are a wide variety of options open Complete Pool Controls recommends two particularly cold weather is expected, ice
to pool owners, including the use of different treatments to its customers. “It is protectors should be floated in the pool.”
chemicals to prepare the water for the quite simple – all that is needed is a Golden Coast has prepared its own
winter period of inactivity. sequesterant to help resist leaf/metal ‘Check List’ for private and commercial
An effective and secure pool cover must staining during winter,” continues Ramsden. owners to ensure the pool and supporting
be added to prevent a build-up of dirt and “Winterisers generally fall into two systems are prepared for shut-down.
debris, as well as making the area safer for categories – polyquats and copper Empty the skimmer and pump baskets
40 Swimming Pool News October 09 Digital edition available at www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92