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Closing Your Pool For The Winter
http://www.poolwarehouseuk.com/
When the time has come to close down your pool, follow this guide to minimize weather damage to your pool and equipment, and to make re-opening the pool easier.
Winterization Procedure
1. Remove your solar cover to protect from frost and ice. Wash off thoroughly, fold or roll, and store in a clean, dry place. Solar covers are vulnerable to attack from chlorine so a cover should be washed off before storing for the winter. Any reels should be moved indoors if possible, if not, fitting a Reel Storage Cover will offer some protection.
2.Use a pool brush to clean all surfaces of the pool and then remove any dirt and debris, such as leaves, by skimming with a net, and then finally vacuum the pool. Any contaminant left could cause an unsightly case of algae. Best to remove it now.
3. Adjust the pH to between 7.2 and 7.6 and dose using Chlorine Shock Granules. The effectiveness of chlorine can be vastly reduced if the pH is out of range. A good dose of chlorine at the end of the summer will help to prevent algae growth during the close dwn period.
4.Add specialist Wintering chemicals in the form of algicide, to maintain the water through the close down period. Typically Winter Algaecide is available in two forms. A long life algaecide, with which you dose the pool only once, or a regular algaecide which is usually added every fortnight or so. The long life tends to be more expensive but is less onerous. Do not use a Summer Algaecide. The Winter formulation is different, and usually contains a flocculant in addition to the algaecide.
5. At this point the filter should be backwashed until it runs clear.
6. Drop the water level to just below the level of the skimmer and drain all the pipework lines as much as possible.Drain down the equipment, and if possible, store the pump in a dry environment, or coat with a moisture repellent spray.
7. Float some buoyant material (i.e. some part filled plastic bottles) in the water to allow expansion of ice therefore preventing damage. Plastic bottles will be crushed as the ice expands, lessening any pressure on the structure.
8. Next, any equipment that can be removed, for example ladders, skimmer baskets etc, should be stored inside away from the elements.
9. Lastly, you should fit your winter cover, which will prevent any debris getting into the pool whilst it is closed. Make sure it fits the pool correctly otherwise all the work that has been done so far could be in vain.
Whilst the pool is closed it is worth checking now and again. At the first sign of any algae, add more chemicals, and remove any excess rainwater.
Francis Lowe is a leading expert in swimming pool maintenance with a huge wealth of experience developed from 40 years in the industry.
To see a full range of pool equipment, including swimming pool covers and solar covers please see the website of specialist supplier poolwarehouseuk.com
Article submitted Wednesday, November 16, 2011 & read 71 times.
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