Even though temperatures are still quite high for the season, in some regions, summer is coming to an end. It is time to prepare for autumn, and then gradually give way to winter. After a few months of enjoying the sun and swimming, it is time to look into maintaining your pool to get through the winter with peace of mind. Indeed, the time has come to take the necessary steps in anticipation of the approach of the cold season.
After a good summer season, the pool needs a rest. It is obvious that you should not abandon it or empty it (especially not!). On the contrary, in order to best prepare it for the months of non-use to come, you will need to prepare it for wintering . To do this, you will need to equip yourself with the appropriate equipment.
How to prepare your pool for wintering? What equipment should you use? To find out more, follow the guide.
Preparing the pool for wintering
Winterizing is a crucial step in pool maintenance . It is a process that will allow you to ensure its proper functioning for the next swimming season.
When to switch to winter storage?
Winterizing is usually done during the month of October. However, the main indicator to know that it is the right time is always the water temperature. If you do it too early or too late, it can cause considerable or even irreversible damage. The threshold temperature to respect to proceed with winterizing the pool is below 12°C. Indeed, it is from this stage that bacteria, algae and other micro-organisms stop developing, thus preserving the quality of the water.
Wintering has 3 simple objectives:
- protect the watertightness of the pool;
- preserve the pool coating during the winter season;
- maintain water quality for the next swimming season.
If you neglect this winter preparation, you expose your pool to real risks. In addition, with the drop in the thermometer, the water will tend to freeze. If this happens, this can cause cracks in the filtration system or the pipes.
You have the choice between active (partial) wintering and passive (total) wintering. The first technique is more suitable for regions with rather mild winters, without too much risk of frost. As for the second method, it is recommended for areas with harsh winters.
Active wintering: how to do it?
Active wintering involves keeping the pool filtration system running at a reduced rate. It takes place in 3 stages.
- Cleaning the pool: First, you need to do a thorough cleaning of your pool. Use a pool vacuum for the waterline, corners, stairs, walls and bottom of the pool.
- Programming the filtration: Secondly, set the filtration system to operate for 2 to 3 hours per day. To avoid any risk of freezing, install a frost protection box which will automatically activate the filtration in the event of temperatures that are too low.
- Regular maintenance: Since the pool is not completely shut down, continue to maintain it regularly during the winter. Check the pH of the water, disinfect, clean and circulate the water to avoid stagnation. Water treatment is not necessary, but maintain a regular maintenance schedule until the next summer season.
Passive wintering: how to do it?
Passive wintering is a 7-step process. This method, also called total wintering, involves completely shutting down the filtration system. Here's how to do it step by step.
- Cleaning the pool: just like for active wintering, you must start by removing all impurities from your pool, including the steps, the waterline, the bottom and the walls using a suitable pool vacuum cleaner .
- Shock treatment: To keep your water clean, treat it with chlorine, bromine or active oxygen products. Adjust the pH to between 7 and 7.4 before letting the filtration system run for 24 to 48 hours to prevent the proliferation of unwanted microorganisms.
- Water level adjustment: Lower the water level to 10 cm below the discharge nozzles to protect the structure against freezing.
- Stopping filtration: Completely close the pool filtration system by putting the multi-way valve in the wintering position, then drain it to clean the entire circuit.
- Winterizing products: To stabilize the pool water during the winter, add winterizing products to different areas of the pool to prevent freezing and algae formation.
- Installing wintering equipment: Equip yourself with the necessary accessories for wintering, including gizmos for skimmers, plugs for nozzles, wintering balloons and floats to preserve the structure.
- Winter Cover: Once the pool is cleaned and the filtration system is turned off, install a winter cover to protect your pool from snow, rain and debris that may accumulate over the coming months.
Pool maintenance , including wintering, is essential for the longevity of your installation. To do this, you must equip yourself with the most efficient equipment.
Why choose a Watertech pool vacuum?
Whether you are a pool owner or a pool maintenance professional, it is important to have quality and efficient equipment. Watertech brand products meet the various challenges of pool cleaning. Indeed, Watertech pool vacuums stand out for their technological innovations and versatility with a diverse range of vacuums for spas and pools. This is the case, for example, of the Pool Blaster Max Li CG which offers professional cleaning quality. You therefore have a wide choice of products according to your needs.
The advantages of Watertech pool vacuums.
- Technological innovation :
Watertech stands out for its continuous commitment to innovation. They have pioneered the rechargeable , cordless and hoseless pool vacuum cleaner , which represents a significant advance over traditional vacuum cleaners (with cables and hoses). The brand is always in constant search of innovative solutions.
- Ease of use :
Watertech products are designed to be lightweight, intuitive and easy to handle. Like the Volt FX-2 model , they are suitable for both pool owners and maintenance professionals.
- Time saving:
By eliminating hoses and cords, Watertech vacuums, like the Volt FX-8Li , save time when cleaning your pool . Additionally, their cordless design reduces cleaning steps, which is a significant benefit for users.
- Autonomy:
Watertech pool vacuums are equipped with rechargeable batteries that provide sufficient autonomy to effectively clean the pool without interruption.
- Cleaning efficiency:
If you have a garden with trees around your pool or in the surrounding area, you will inevitably be faced with dead leaves and other organic debris falling into your pool. These can accumulate if you do not remove them regularly. They can even clog your filtration system. With Watertech pool vacuums , you will be able to effectively capture a wide range of debris and eliminate all types of impurities regardless of their size.
For skimming dead leaves from the surface and bottom of the water, you can use the Pool Blaster Leaf Vac pool vacuum cleaner . This model is particularly effective for vacuuming leaves, even twigs and debris of all kinds. Its wide blades and cordless system make it easy to vacuum dirt from the bottom of the pool into the filter.
Moreover, with its large capacity filter bag, you will save time in maintaining the pool .
Also to ensure safe use of the Pool Blaster Leaf Vac , it features WaterTech's exclusive safety blade system.
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- Ease of maintenance:
Watertech vacuums' reusable, self-contained debris compartments are easy to empty, making regular maintenance of these units simple.
- Respect the environment :
Watertech products are energy efficient, meaning they use less energy while maintaining effective pool cleaning. This helps maintain water balance and pool temperature.
Aside from the practical side of Watertech pool vacuums , the absence of unsightly wires and hoses not only brings an aesthetic touch, but also a safety aspect. The risk of falls due to wires and hoses lying around the garden is non-existent!
Winterizing is a seasonal operation that is an integral part of the pool maintenance process . It is an essential step in preparing your pool to face the rigors of winter.
Finally, be aware that wintering is not mandatory if you have installed a pool shelter or if your pool is equipped with a heat pump to maintain water heating. This is a great opportunity for you to enjoy your pool all year round!
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