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SPN OCT 2011 Winterising
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk CHECK LIST FOR OUTDOOR POOL ‘HIBERNATION’
01) First balance the pH of the water. Poorly balanced pool water can harm the pool even when the circulation is turned off so prior to shutting down ensure the pH is between 7.2 – 7.6.
02) Shock the pool to kill organisms and algae. It is necessary to super chlorinate the pool to 10ppm with non-stabilised chlorine shock. The water then needs to be allowed to circulate for 3 – 4 hours to ensure the chemicals are evenly distributed. Never leave floating dispensers in the pool or spa as without circulation this can cause heavy concentrations in one area which can cause damage particularly in liner pools.
03) Prevent algae growth by adding and circulating a long term algaecide which will combine with the shock treatment to prevent algae growth.
04) Clean the inner pool area thoroughly. Dirt and debris allowed to remain in the pool water for long periods are likely to cause stains. If debris is not removed the stains will be much harder to remove on reopening. Netting and vacuuming to waste is the most efficient way to get rid of dirt and debris.
05) Turn off all circulation equipment at mains power once you are happy that the chemicals have been effectively circulated.
06) Lower the water level to six inches below the skimmer to protect the skimmer and pipe work from damage should the temperature drop to below freezing. The water level should not be allowed to rise and if necessary a submersible pump can be used to keep the water line at a safe level. It is not advisable to empty the pool totally of water as this could cause serious cracks in the surround. If a liner pool is drained then the liner moves away from the walls causing wrinkles which remain once the pool is refilled.
07) Completely drain down all lines and circulation equipment. To ensure the plumbing and equipment are protected from freeze damage it is necessary to drain the water from the pump, filter, heater and all exposed pipe work.
08) Remove ladders, diving boards, auto pool cleaners and bubble covers. These should be safely stored away in a dry area.
09) As an extra precaution several weighted plastic containers can be connected using strong cord and spaced evenly along the length of the pool to absorb any expansion of ice. A similar container may also be placed in the skimmer mouth.
10) Finally the pool should be covered with a winter debris cover that is firmly secured.
The pool should be checked periodically throughout the winter months particularly if the weather is particularly cold or there is heavy rainfall. If the temperature remains moderate you may need to add more chemicals during January/February.
WINTER ACTION MORE COST EFFECTIVE A number of companies have their own check lists for preparation for winter. Complete Pool Controls add that there are simple procedures that will ensure pool equipment protection and maximise water conditions for spring commissioning. They include lowering the water level in the pool so it is approximately 150mm– 200mm below the skimmer mouth opening in the pool. CPC suggests adding a 10mg/l (ppm) chlorine shock dose to the pool using their Horizons Granular Shock, Rapid Shock or Shock ‘n’ Floc.
“It is so important to take action in autumn for two reasons,” explains Mark Ramsden of Complete Pool Controls.
All Swim’s branded winterisation chemicals supplied and packaged by Complete Pool Controls
“Firstly, algae and stain prevention is more cost effective than a spring cure, and will also mean it will be quicker to get the pool ready next year. Secondly, as the temperature falls, the pH will become lower, so it is prudent to raise the level.” Complete Pool Controls recommends two different treatments to its customers. “It is quite simple – all that is needed is a sequesterant to help resist leaf/metal staining during winter,” continues Ramsden.
“Winterisers generally fall into two categories – polyquats and copper products. The former generally have wider compatibility and can be blended with useful sequesterants. Copper is usually a stand alone product. It is more pH sensitive and cannot be used with biguanide and some other systems.”
PLASTICA’S CLEAN SWEEP
No slouch in the winter shut-down stakes, Plastica offer a range of long stay chemicals that are popular with service engineers for their ease of use and effectiveness.
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