Klargøring af poolen til vinteren – Checklist
Are you planning to close your pool for the winter? Then you need a thorough plan to protect it during the winter. By going through a detailed checklist, you ensure that your pool survives the cold months without damage and is ready for a hassle-free opening in the spring. From cleaning and water balancing to draining the pipes and putting on the winter cover. Each step plays an important role in avoiding problems such as frost cracks, algae growth, and unnecessary repairs. Follow our checklist for an easy, effective, and safe winter closure of your pool!
Checklist:
1. Cleaning the pool
A clean pool prevents the risk of algae growth and reduces the risk of damage to surfaces and filters when you open it again.
- Collect leaves, branches, and other debris from the pool.
- Brush walls and floor to remove algae and deposits.
- Vacuum the bottom to get a completely clean pool for the winter.
2. Balance the water chemistry
Good water chemistry protects pool surfaces from corrosion and lime deposits that can occur if pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness are unbalanced. This extends the lifespan of both pool surfaces and technical equipment.
- Check and adjust the pH level to between 7.2 and 7.6.
- Adjust alkalinity to between 80-120 ppm.
- Check calcium hardness and adjust it to 200-400 ppm.
- Add necessary chemicals to achieve the right balance and protect pool surfaces.
3. Shock treatment and algaecide
- Add chlorine or another shock treatment to kill bacteria.
- Let the pump run for a few hours to circulate the chemicals.
- Add algaecide to prevent algae formation during the winter.
4. Lower the water level
By lowering the water level below the skimmer, the risk of water freezing and expanding in the pipes is reduced, which can lead to costly cracks and damage to the pool structure.
- Lower the water level to 10-15 cm below the skimmer or water outlet you have.
- Check that the water level is not so low that it affects the pool's structure.
5. Drain pipes and equipment
- Turn off and completely drain filters, pumps, and heaters.
- Use a compressor or air blower to blow water out of pipes and hoses.
- Leave valves open to prevent water from collecting and freezing.
6. Protect fragile components
- Cover the pump, filter, and any heaters with protective covers if they are not moved indoors.
- Remove and store loose components, such as filter cartridges, in a dry and frost-free place.
7. Install winter plugs
- Insert winter plugs in skimmers, return pipes, and other openings where water is drawn in. You do this to prevent water from entering and freezing.
8. Protect the pool with a pool cover
- Place a pool cover over the pool, and make sure it is tight and securely fastened.
- Use a cover with safety features if possible.
- Make sure the cover is free of dirt that can damage or weigh it down. The cover will make cleaning your pool easier when spring opens.
9. Prepare the pool area
- Put away pool furniture and equipment around the pool to protect it from winter weather.
- Remove ladders and any loose items along the pool edge.
10. Winter maintenance of the pool
- Check the pool cover regularly, especially after heavy snowfall or storms.
- Remove snow and dirt from the cover to prevent it from weighing it down.
- Inspect the cover's straps and attachment points to ensure they are secured.
Different pool types require different preparations
The material
- and construction of your pool affect how you should prepare it for winter: Above-ground concrete pools
- : These are often more robust and durable, but they require the correct water level, and any cracks must be repaired before winter.Fiberglass pools
- : These pools are sensitive to changes in soil moisture and freezing point, so it is important to keep the water level at the correct height to avoid damage to the structure. Above-ground pools
