Proper pool winterization is a prerequisite for the pool to function smoothly during the next swimming season. To keep the pump pumping, the filter filtering, the jets jetting and the counter-current flowing. Only then will the pool provide you with all the benefits you bought it for.
To know if the time is right, there's no need to watch the beautiful lady's lunar calendar and count the days since the last full moon. Just look at the weather forecast for the coming week and if the dewdrops report stable daytime temperatures of 10 - 15 °C and no more night frosts, you can winterize.
Preparing your pool for the season step by step
A swimming pool is a non-living species. This means that it does not tell you how it fared in winter. And whether you've winterised it properly. But take the tarpaulin or cover off and you'll see for yourself. If you've wintered it responsibly, the water will be relatively clean and odourless. However, if it twists your nostrils and the water is murky or green, you've probably neglected something.
Winterizing your pool involves putting the whole system back into operation gradually - from starting the filtration, to setting up the solinator or chemistry dispenser, to the initial water treatment with starter chemistry. It is important to check the quality of the water so that it is safe for swimming and ready for the entire summer season.
Start by removing visible debris. This can be twigs, insects or other buildup. Then visually inspect the pool body, jets, skimmer and other pieces of technology. If all is well, allow the water to reach the optimum level and start filtration.
Before you jump into the pool of the first budgie, check the water quality. The pH level, hardness, chlorine or other disinfectant content. In many cases, a "shock disinfection" is needed to "kick-start" the water and remove any unwanted microorganisms. Only when the values are balanced can you start using the pool to its full potential.
Pool maintenance starts with the preparation of the pool
If this is your first time unclogging your pool after winter, keep in mind that how you unclog it will affect the entire swimming season. Proper filtration settings, regular water testing and a good start will help minimize later problems - green water, sediment, malfunctioning equipment or overspending on pool chemicals. It's much like a bicycle - if you check it in the spring, tighten what needs to be tightened and replace what doesn't work, it's a worry-free ride.
Everything is easier with an overlay
Wink over the fence to your neighbour to see how he has sorted out his pool overlay. If he's invested in an aluminum overlay, he'll strain himself considerably less when winterizing than you would with a heavy tarp. With a compact protective layer, his water will be cleaner and warmer, the technology better protected from frost and moisture, and it makes the whole process of winterizing much easier for him.
While you're hanging on the fence, also check out whether your neighbor has a sliding or solid overlay. With a sliding overlay, you'll achieve a higher level of flexibility and comfort. We don't need to convince or debate anyone about that. That's just the way it is. And let's not forget the biggest benefit of an overlay - a significant extension of the bathing season. Thanks to the greenhouse effect, the water warms up faster and you can enjoy your first bath already during the spring days.
Less chemistry, less work, more comfort
Lines-may-fuk! Winterized? We very much hope that this season will be your last without an aluminium overlay. It will benefit both the pool and the garden design. Our overlays are designed to look exclusive outdoors and blend in nicely with the gazebo, pergola and the house itself. If you are still hesitating, take a look at our portfolio of projects and judge for yourself whether your pool would be a little better under such a pergola.
