Is it OK to leave an EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission cover on your pool over the winter?
Looking out the window this morning in rainy East Sussex, it’s becoming clear that winter is fast approaching and that pool season in the UK is coming to an end. This is probably why one of the questions we’re being asked most often lately is whether or not EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission can be used as a winter pool cover.
The answer is absolutely “Yes!” It is perfectly ok to leave your pool covered by EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission during the winter months- We will soon be doing just that on our 5 testing pools at Plastipack HQ, just like we do every year.
An EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission cover can be left on your pool over the winter without the need to add chemicals over this period. Simply prepare the pool for winter – Drain down the pool to below the skimmer line and winterise your filtration system ready for its period in shut down. Once the pool has returned to balance 2 to 4ppm (for the long shut down aim for 4ppm) replace the cover on the pool and leave for the winter.
Your EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission cover will keep the water clear of algae and debris, making the restarting of the pool quicker and more cost effective, reducing the effort it takes to get your pool back to a swimmable condition for the new season.
By continuing to prevent algae growth during the off season you will need less filtration time and chlorine when you decide to re-open your pool, as shown below.
An advantage of EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission is the ability to completely shut down your pool without the need for expensive chemicals and need to run the filter.
It is also worth mentioning that snow and freezing temperatures will not be a issue with your as long as the ice is not disturbed, in which case it can mechanically puncture the cover.
Pictured: Plastipack test pools.
Both pools pictured were shut down from October 2019 to March 2020. The left pool was covered with EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission during this time, and the right pool was covered with translucent material over the same time period.
As a result, covering your pool with EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission over the winter will make it quicker and cheaper to open up your pool again in the spring.
Closing your pool
- Back wash the filter thoroughly
- Clear all skimmers
- Thoroughly clean the pool
- Treat the pool chemically (shock if needed) and balance the TA, CH, FC and pH
- Drain the water to about 20cm below the skimmers
- Drain out and switch off the filter/pump and shut off the values
- Place the cover on the pool once the water has returned to 4ppm
- Leave for the winter
Find out more about EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission or discover where to buy.