Winterising your pool

It is false economy to turn your pool filter off for several months. It will take more time, effort and expense to get the pool water correctly adjusted for the next pool season than it is to maintain over the winter months.

· It is advisable to thoroughly backwash the filter, clean the skimmer basket and pump basket and remove any debris.

· Mix 500gm of granular chlorine or 750mls of liquid chlorine in a bucket of water and add to pool.

· Mix 750 to 1000ml of long life algaecide that is specifically designed for winter and add it to the pool.

· Adjust the timer to allow the filtration system to operate for 2 to 3 hours per day.

· If the pool is equipped with a salt chlorinator, clean the electrode with a salt cell cleaner. Adjust the control to ½ production setting. Check the chlorine levels in the next 2 weeks to ensure that there is a constant level of 1 to 2 ppm free available chlorine at all times. You may need to adjust the production control to either increase or decrease its output.

· If you have carried out these steps you should only need to check the chlorine level every 2 weeks and empty the skimmer basket if there is a build up of leaves or debris.

· Ensure that the water level is half way up the skimmer box opening and the pressure gauge on the filter is not indicating backwash.

By following these steps throughout the winter months, you will welcome the next summer season with your pool clear and ready to use.