Closing a Pool for Winter

Even though you won't be using your pool for a few months, it's not as simple as putting the cover on and forgetting about it. That's how you'll end up with a green pool. To avoid costly and time-consuming repair work when re-opening the pool, here are a few tips to help you out.

CLEAN THE POOL:

Get all the leaves and sticks out of the pool. These can stain your pool if they sit on the bottom for a long time. Also, clear out the skimmer basket and anything caught in the pool pump basket.

CLEAN THE FILTER:

Use Zodiac's Filter Cleaner and Degreaser to get rid of any clogs and grease in the filter. Backwash after treating with chemicals. If you have a cartridge filter, take it out and rinse clean.

BALANCE THE WATER:

Get your water checked by your local Zodiac stockist and make sure the water is at optimal levels. If not, dose accordingly using Zodiac pool chemicals. Shock the pool if necessary.

USE LONG-LIFE ALGAECIDE AND PHOSPHATE REMOVER:

Add Zodiacs Pool Long Life Algaecide and Phosphate Remover to prevent algae growth. Make sure not to have too much copper in your pool, otherwise staining may occur.

CHECK EQUIPMENT IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY:

Make sure the pump is working and if you have a chlorinator there is no calcium buildup on the cell. If there is, use Zodiac's Salt Chlorinator Cleaner to remove the calcification. You will want the pump/filter/chlorinator to run for 2-3hours a day. The chlorinator output can be lowered however check regularly for a free chlorine reading between 1-2ppm. Adjust the output as required.

MONITOR OVER WINTER:

Over the winter, check the pool water chemistry once every 2 weeks. Check water level and adjust where necessary. Keep clearing skimmer baskets and it is a good idea to remove the pool cleaner from the pool to stop it from being deteriorating. Also, check the filter gauge to see if another backwash is needed.