www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
Winterising OCT 2011 SPN
43
Outdoor pools need their winter break. In the summer they take a pasting – exposed very often to three seasons in one day! The task is even harder for outdoor commercial pools to keep the pool looking at its tropical best. But when autumn and winter arrive it’s time for the pool to recover. It’s a straightforward task – as long as you know what you are doing
By Karen Witney I
n many of us it often prompts a bit of nostalgia when the season is coming to an end and outdoor pools have to be put to bed for the autumn and winter months. A relatively straightforward task; provided that you know what you are doing, it is vital that the pool is closed down correctly to ensure that it comes to no harm throughout winter and whatever winter’s harshness throws at it and also to safeguard and simplify reopening in the spring. Autumn shutdown is also an extremely opportune time to check that your customer’s plant and auxiliary equipment is in good order and if it is found lacking then you have the closed season to replace/repair or update as necessary. Check the pipe work thoroughly, test the pump and check that the filter media is not clogged and is allowing the pool water to circulate freely;
a full filter clean at startup or close-down is always advisable. Ensure there are no leaks anywhere and make sure copings and surrounds are clean and undamaged. Automatic pool cleaners, nets, brushes etc. should also come in for careful scrutiny.
Water treatment is the key to closing the pool. It is important so that the water doesn't become corrosive when the temperature drops to the freezing point or below. Balance the water's pH, calcium hardness and total alkalinity. Chemically treat the water with a sanitiser, stabiliser and algaecide or treat with the rec-ommended amount of winterising chemicals.
After closing the valve on the skimmer line, you should lower the water level to about 18 inches below the pool's coping. How far you lower the level depends on your type of pool. To be certain,
check the instructions or website of your pool cover manufacturer.
Over wintering pool kits commonly contain chlorine-based chemicals. Chlorine has been a popular chemical for swimming pool maintenance because it is highly effective at killing bacteria and other contaminants. However, more people are turning to alternatives, ones which don't contain chlorine. The main reasons behind these evolving preferences have to do with the fact that chlorine can interfere with the effectiveness of algaecides and also has a tendency to stain, bleach and damage pool liners. On the other hand, there are non-chlorine based pool chemicals which are still effective at keeping swimming pools clean without interfering with algaecides or causing damage to pool walls or liners.
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