Getting Your Fibreglass Pool Winter Ready
Nothing quite says summer like splashing around in a cool pool! While taking a few laps may be the last thing on your mind as winter approaches, it’s essential to maintain and care for your fibreglass pool during colder months. Following these simple steps can help ensure that come springtime, your family is ready to make some happy memories together – without any nasty surprises or unexpected repairs. Read on to find out how best you can winter-proof your pool!
Why is Winter-Proofing Your Pool So Important
Winter-proofing your pool is extremely important, as it can help to prevent costly damages caused by harsh winter weather. When temperatures begin to drop, freezing water can cause significant damage to pool infrastructure. Pool pipes, pumps, and filters can easily crack or burst due to ice expanding within them. These damages can lead to leaks and other malfunctions, potentially resulting in expensive repairs and loss of pool usage.
Additionally, failing to properly winterise your pool can also lead to staining, algae growth, and other maintenance issues in the future. By taking the necessary steps to winter-proof your pool, such as draining the water level and adding winterising chemicals, you can help to ensure that your investment remains in top condition and ready for the next swimming season.
What About If I Live In A Warm Climate, Do I Still Need To Winterise My Fibreglass Pool?
If you live in a warm climate, you may believe that winterising your fibreglass pool is unnecessary. However, it is important to remember that even in warmer climates, the temperature can still drop low enough to cause damage to your pool and its equipment. It is recommended to take the necessary steps to properly winterise your pool to prevent any potential damage such as cracks or leaks.
Additionally, winterising your pool can help to prevent algae and bacterial growth during the off-season, saving you time and money on maintenance costs when you open your pool again in the spring. Even if your area experiences milder winters, it is still better to take the necessary precautions to prolong the life of your fibreglass pool. By consulting with a professional or conducting research on best practices for winterising your pool in a warm climate, you can ensure that your pool is properly prepared for the colder months ahead.
Here’s How To Get Your Fibreglass Pool Ready for Winter
Step 1: Clean and Balance the Water
The first step is to use a pool water test strip to check the pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorination levels of the water. Adjust the levels according to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the water within the recommended range. Use a pool brush to scrub the pool walls thoroughly and vacuum the pool floor to remove any debris and dirt from the pool.
Step 2: Lower the Water Level
Drain the pool water until it is below the skimmer and return jets. This step is essential to prevent the freezing water from damaging the pool’s plumbing, filtration, and circulation systems.
Step 3: Drain the Plumbing System
Drain the pool’s plumbing system, including the pump, filter, heater, and any other equipment that circulates water between the pool and the house. Disconnect and store all the hoses, valves, and pumps in a dry place to prevent freezing, cracking, or bursting.
Step 4: Winterise the Heater
If your pool has a heater, it is crucial to winterise it properly to prevent damage to its internal parts. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to turn off the power, drain the water, and remove the electrical and gas connections. Cover the heater with a weather-resistant cover to protect it from external damage.
Step 5: Add Winter Chemicals
Add winterising chemicals to the pool to keep the water clean, clear, and free from algae and bacteria throughout the winter season. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure that the chemicals are evenly distributed across the pool’s surface.
Step 6: Cover the Pool
Finally, cover the pool using a high-quality winter cover that fits well and secures tightly around the edges. A properly installed cover will not only keep leaves, debris, and animals out, but it will also prevent rainwater and snow from accumulating on the pool’s surface.
When Should I Start Getting My Fibreglass Pool Winter Ready
If you are a proud owner of a pool, it is essential to start preparing your pool for the winter season. Generally, it is recommended to start winterising your pool 1-2 weeks before the onset of harsh winter weather. Usually, this means starting the process around the end of September or the beginning of October. Winterising involves thoroughly cleaning it and adding the necessary chemicals to prevent algae and bacteria growth. Additionally, it is crucial to examine the pool equipment, such as the filtration and heating systems, to ensure no potential damage during the winter months. Following these steps and starting early can help prevent future damages and costly repairs, keeping your fibreglass pool in pristine condition for years to come.
Opening Up Your Pool After Winter
According to MelbourneFibreglassPools, It’s important to follow the right procedures in reopening your pool. Firstly, remove the winter pool cover and ensure that there is no debris or leaves in the pool. Secondly, reconnect the pool equipment such as the pump, filter, and heater. Thirdly, start filling up the pool with water and ensure that the water level reaches the appropriate level. Finally, test the pool water and balance the chemicals accordingly to ensure that the water is safe and healthy for swimming.
Conclusion
With the colder months upon us, it’s time to start thinking about prepping your fibreglass pool for winter. Following these steps is key to providing maintenance and protecting your pool from damage over the winter season. There are many benefits to keeping up with regular maintenance that will help ensure a long lifespan for your fibreglass pool. Most importantly, remember to be proactive by having yearly inspections and winterising done before the frost has set in!
Doing so not only reduces maintenance costs but can also save you a lot of headaches down the line. For more helpful advice on how to keep your fibreglass pool winter ready, be sure to check out our blog post here! With this wealth of knowledge in hand, you’ll have no problems tackling any winter prep tasks that come your way.
