With the pool season days away from closing, it is time to talk about how swimming pools can be prepared for winter. In addition to pool maintenance in winter, you can read the rest of our article to find out what you can do to turn your pool from active to inactive.
Is it Necessary to Shock the Pool Before Closing?
Shocking the pool while preparing the pool for winter is a good start and helps to destroy bacteria and pollution sources in the pool water that may have a polluting effect on your pool during the winter. If you are shocking using chlorine, it will be enough to shock 5-7 days before closing your pool.
Should I Use a Special Stain Remover for Winter?
Stain removers act as complexing agents between surfaces and water. They usually use these properties on metals such as copper and iron, which cause oxidation and pollution on pool surfaces.
However, the combination of salt and calcium minerals with pollutants can also be prevented. It is especially recommended for use in pool waters with high calcium hardness levels and salt-based pools.
Should the Chemical Level of the Pool be Measured in Winter?
For the most part, this is not necessary if your pool is covered. However, if the pool is covered after newly completed plaster and plastering works, the pH level of the pool water may increase during the first year.
In such cases, the pool cover should be removed and pH and alkalinity tests should be performed regularly every month. After adjustments are made according to the test results, the pool cover should be closed again.
If your pond cover is such that rain and snow water can melt through, the pH level can be measured once or twice more in winter.
Is It Necessary to Add Extra Chemicals to the Pool in Winter?
If the right amount of chemicals are used in proportion to the size of the pool, your chemicals will easily suffice during the 6-8 month closed period in winter. If your pool is closed when there is algae in it, if the pool cover is left open or if it is in a structure that facilitates the passage of pollutants such as sun and dust, such factors may require algaecide or chlorine shocking. The recommended time for this is the period when the water starts to warm up in the spring months. You can eliminate the need for extra chemicals by opening half of the pool cover 2-4 weeks before the pool opening.
Is It Necessary to Lower the Pool Water Level in Winter?
In most scenarios, the answer to this question is yes, and usually a certain amount is deducted.
