How to close your pool for the winter

It’s that time of year again, the days are getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler and it’s time to close your pool for the winter. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Backwash the filter thoroughly

Step 2: Clear all skimmers

Step 3: Thoroughly clean the pool

The outdoor pool season is over and we have closed down our test pools for the winter. All five of our pools are covered with EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission to keep them algae free until the new pool season.

Step 4: Treat the pool chemically (shock if needed) and balance the TA, CH, FC and pH

Step 5: Drain the water to about 20cm below the skimmers

Step 6: Drain out and switch off the filter/pump and shut off the values

Step 7: Place your cover on the pool once the water has returned to 4ppm

Step 8: Leave for the winter

Resort Private pool has weekly check maintenance test, Salt Meter Level, to make sure water is clean and can swim

Making the effort to properly shut down your pool for the winter will mean that when it comes time to open it up again, you will save a lot of time and money. Using EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission as a winter cover will keep the water clear of algae and debris, making the restarting of the pool quicker and more cost effective.

An EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission cover can be left on your pool over the winter without the need to add chemicals over this period.

composite image of energyguard and transparent covers on swimming pools. The pool covered with energyguard is quite clear. the pool covered with solguard is green with algae — *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.

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.

It is also worth mentioning that snow and freezing temperatures will not be a issue with your cover as long as the ice is not disturbed, in which case it can mechanically puncture the cover.

Find out more about EnergyGuard™ Selective Transmission or discover where to buy.