Winterizing the pool
1.
When the water temperature drops below 10 degrees, it is time to winterize the pool. A few days before you carry out a complete winter shutdown, you need to make sure that the water’s
pH value is between 7.2–7.4 and that the pool is free from leaves, dirt, and algae. When the pH value is correct, you also need to check the REDOX value (chlorine level) to ensure that
it is at least 700mV. Also measure the alkalinity and adjust if necessary. Add algaecide (also called “winter preservative forpools”). This will prevent algae from forming at temperatures above 10 degrees during the spring. Once the above values have been adjusted, let the circulation pump run for a further 4 hours and then measure the values again.
2.
Backwash the sand filter
3.
Turn off the circulation pump and set the sand filter to winter shut-off mode.
4.
Lower the water level using a submersible pump until the water level is below the inlet. If you have a “jetswim”, the level should be lowered below it.
5.
Unscrew the winter plug on both the sand filter and the circulation pump and let the water drain out.
6.
Disconnect the heat pump from the power supply and shut off the water supply to the heat pump by closing the bypass connection. Also disconnect the heat pump’s connections from the system, unscrew the heat pump’s drain plug, and lift one side of the heat pump so that all the water drains out through the connections and the drain outlet. It is absolutely essential that all water is drained from the heat pump, as even a small drop that freezes into ice can cause the pipes to burst and damage the heat pump. Store the heat pump in a shed or garage over the winter, or cover it with a protective cover.
7.
Remove the cover of the circulation pump and the basket.
8.
Remove the skimmer basket. Clean the skimmer using a wet and dry vacuum cleaner and vacuum out any remaining water inside the skimmer and the pipe. To create a tight seal between the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the skimmer, you can use a cloth.
When you hear the vacuum cleaner sucking at the circulation pump opening, this indicates that the pipe is empty of water. If you have a check valve before the pump, this must be unscrewed.
9.
Unscrew one of the fittings on the pressure side after the pump (for example where the electrolysis unit is connected on the salt chlorinator) and make sure that all valves are open (i.e. pointing along the pipe). Close the valve leading to the sand filter. Turn the wet vacuum hose around so that it blows air into the pipe instead. When you start blowing air in, all the water in the pipe will be forced into the inlet and out into the pool.
10.
To close the pump housing for the winter, the winter shutdown procedure above can be used. For pump rooms located below ground level, the ball valve (located just before the pool inlet) must be closed so that no water can flow in. If you have a Jetswim, you also need to close the ball valves to it and drain the pipes and pump of water.
11.
Unscrew the automatic dosing system’s sensors and place them in a winter storage bottle with winter storage solution (sold separately).
12.
Place PET bottles or polystyrene on the water surface. This prevents the pool edge from being damaged when the ice expands. Close your pool enclosure and lock