Winterising your pool (preparing your pool for winter): a process that may appear complex and raises many questions! Here, we answer all of the questions you may have!

1. What is the advantage of winterising my pool?

The advantage of winterising is to protect your pool over the winter months. It prevents the build-up of limescale deposits, the development of corrosion/rust and bacteria, and damage to the walls of the pool and pipes caused by freezing.

2. What is the ideal pool winterising temperature?

Winterisation takes place once the swimming season has finished and when the temperature of your pool has dropped to 12°C. This is the temperature below which micro-organisms can no longer grow in the pool.

3. What is passive winterising?

Passive winterising involves stopping filtration, pipes are drained and the pool is fitted with a cover after being partially drained. Passive winterising is recommended if there is a risk of your water freezing (outdoor temperature below 5°C).

4. What is active winterising?

Active winterising entails a slowing down of the operation of your pool with filtration running slowly every day for a minimum of 2 hours. Swimming pools need to be monitored when temperatures near freezing. Active winterising is recommended if there is no risk of your water freezing (outdoor temperature above 5°C throughout winter).

5. Should I perform a shock treatment before winterising?

Yes, it is recommended to perform a shock treatment in order to remove all the impurities present in the water.

6. What is the ideal pH for the winterising process?

The ideal pH for the winterising process is between 6.5 and 7.2.

7. Why does a winterising product do?

A winterising product prevents algae and bacteria from growing in your pool over the winter months. It also prevents limescale deposits from forming on the walls. It is used before winterising with the filtration system running for one hour.

The winterising product has a long-lasting action and stabilises the water throughout the winter. It makes the re-opening of your pool in spring so much easier.

8. What is a winterising float?

A winterising float is a rectangular-shaped, plastic swimming pool accessory. Ballasted and attached together with hooks, winterising floats are placed diagonally across the surface of the water and slightly submerged for greater effectiveness. The floats thus form a line of buoys diagonally across the pool and prevent damage caused by freezing.

9. What is a gizmo?

The pool gizmo is an accessory that takes the form of a plastic tube which is placed inside the skimmer to prevent freeze damage during winter.

10. What is a winterising plug?

It is a tapered plug with a thumb screw at the top. Winterising plugs are screwed into the skimmer points and discharge nozzles to plug the pipes.

Other questions? Do not hesitate to contact a swimming pool professional.