1. Remove all leaves from the bottom of the pool. If leaves are allowed to lie on the pool floor over the winter, there is danger that these will cause staining.
2. Never empty pools for the winter.
3. Thoroughly backwash filter and lower the water level to below the skimmer weir; the only exception to the rule being pools installed in high water table areas, where lowering the water level could cause problems. In these circumstances consult the original builder of the pool.
4. Store summer covers clean and dry during winter and fit winter cover.
5. Store vacuum equipment and automatic cleaner indoors.
6. Remove skimmer weir and basket and store in filter shed. Half fill plastic bottle with anti freeze mixture or small stones and place in skimmer barrel to prevent damaging the skimmer.
7. Add winterising chemicals and allow to circulate.
8. Make sure the filter, pump and heater are drained down for the winter including all exposed pipework holding water. If the filter is positioned below water level, seek advice form us.
9. Spray the electric motor and any electrical equipment with a moisture repellent spray or preferably remove pump and store in warm dry conditions. Switch off electrical equipment.
10. If heat pump is fitted, flush with clean water.
11. If auto chemical feeder is fitted, remove chemical and flush with clean water and leave drained.
12. Remove all stainless steel steps, rollers, etc. And wipe clean and store in dry conditions.
13. If we experience a hard winter we would suggest the following especially for concrete pools: Tie a row of half filled plastic containers (fill with anti freeze or sand), along the middle of the pool. This is to form a frost break to relieve pressure of ice on the sides. Formed ice should not be broken, as sharp edges may damage the pool lining.

 

Chemical winterising procedure

Chemicals required: Dry Acid / Dry Alkali, Shock Chlorine Granules, Longlife Algaecide, Liquid Chlorine.

 

1. Ensure pool is clean and clear.
2. Bring pH to 7.2 using dry acid or dry alkali as necessary.
3. Super chlorinate the water to 10 ppm using granules or liquid chlorine.
4. Add Ambassador Pools Long Life Algaecide
5. Keep pump running for 8 hours to disperse chemicals thoroughly.
6. Periodically through the winter, check the pool; ensure the pH is between 7.2 and 7.6 and that the chlorine level is above 5 ppm.
7. If chlorine level is low, add liquid chlorine and stir pool to ensure even distribution, as concentrated areas of chlorine can cause bleaching of the liner. The pool must be checked after Christmas and around March as pools can go green when the ambient temperature starts to rise.