How to winterise your swimming pool

Feb 3

Protect your swimming pool in the cold weather this winter !

In order to protect your outdoor swimming pool and equipment from the effects of the unpredictable British climate it is important that your pool is correctly shut down for the winter

There are two methods that can be used to winterise your pool

Method 1 – Lowering the pool water level

Clean the pool ensuring that the pool floor is clear of leaves and debris and the water is clear.
Ensure that the pH is between 7.2 and 7.6 and that the chlorine level is at least 8 ppm - this can be achieved by the addition of non stabilised chlorine granules or liquid chlorine
Add a winter algicide such as Clear N Clean and leave pump on for 3 hours to ensure even circulation of the chemicals in the pool water
Lower the pool water level about 2” below the skimmer mouths
Drain and then disconnect the pump from the filtration pipe work and remove the pump lid
Drain the filter and pool heater – this will prevent any damage to the pool plant due to the pool water freezing in the pipework and equipment

Fit a winter debris cover which is held under tension by spring tensioners fitted in the pool surround and will allow rainwater through but keeps leaves and other unwanted debris out of the pool

Method 2 – Using a froststat

Winterise pool as described in 1 above, but if an accurate frost stat is connected to the pool pump then the pool water level be left at the normal level ,as the frost stat will be activated when the air l temperature drops below 4 degrees C.
This method of winterisation ensures that the movement of water by the pool circulating pump will prevent the pipework and plant from freezing in the cooler months, without the need for lowering the pool water and enables the pool owner to control the pool water level using the pool pump.
This method of winterisation has to be used when an automatic pool cover is fitted in order to prevent damage to the cover by dropping the pool water level

Ensure that your swimming pool and associated equipment is covered by your household insurance policy!

How to keep your swimming pool clean

Sep 20

Swimming pools look great and can make any house look impressive as long as they are kept clean. Some people prefer to use a company who will do their cleaning and maintenance work for them whereas others like to do it themselves.

If you want to undertake all your cleaning activities yourself, then read on to discover the best methods for keeping your swimming pool clean.

It is quick and easy to remove any floating debris from your pool and this can be done on a daily basis. SImply purchase a net which can be used to scoop out any leaves, rubbish or dirt which has blown into your pool.

If there is any scum or general dirt on the water surface, simply squirt a quick shot of tile soap over the length of the pool and this will push the scum toward the edges which makes it more concentrated and easier to skim off.

Start by cleaning the tiles of your swimming pool as any dirt that comes off them will settle at the bottom of the pool. Squirt some tile soap to a tile brush and start cleaning above and below the waterline so all your tiles are clean even when the water levels vary.

Next clean out your pool’s skimmer basket and pump strainer basket. Check that there is no dirt in the heater and test it a few times to make sure that it is working properly.

If your pool is not dirty you will not need to vacuum it. However, if you need to do this you have different options. If your pool needs a general clean then you can vacuum to filter. However, if there are lots of leaves and heavy debris, you should vacuum to leafmaster. Once you have finished this, you can brush the walls and bottom of the pool to remove any algae from the surface.

Every time you clean your pool it is generally advisable to fill it with approximately an inch of water. If you leave it for long periods of time when the water levels have significantly decreased, it will take you hours to fill it back up again.

Finally, make sure you are completing all the required tests on a monthly basis. This includes testing the pH levels, chlorine residual, alkalinity and hardness. The tests make sure that your pool is always in top condition and is safe for swimming in.

Although it seems like cleaning and maintaining a swimming pool is hard work and time consuming, it is important to do this regularly and once you have a pattern it will become much quicker and easier to complete the steps required to give you a beautiful, clean swimming pool.

Tips on buying a swimming pool

Sep 20

A swimming pool is a welcome addition to any home. Not only can it provide hours of entertainment and relaxation, it can also significantly add to the value of your property.

From initial design briefs and construction to commissioning and the upkeep of your new facility, there is a lot to consider when deciding whether or not to invest in a swimming pool. The good news is that there are companies such as ourselves who can do all of this for you.

With a reputable company you can discuss your initial thoughts and can then be advised as to what your next steps should be. It is a good idea to have a basic understanding of what you want so you know what to expect and can ask any important questions.

One of the first and most obvious things to think about is where you are going to put your new pool. Some people prefer indoor pools so that they can use it all year round whereas others want an outdoor pool so that they can enjoy the sunshine during the summer months.

Once you know where you are going to put your pool, think about how big it can be without it taking over the whole area. You should also discuss your ideas with your local council as planning permission may be required.

Whilst the benefits of owning a swimming pool are almost endless, it is important to realise that they are not cheap. As well as any building fees, you will also need to consider the cost of maintaining your swimming pool and realise that your electricity bill will increase as you will need extra lighting and heating.

One of the most exciting parts of getting a new swimming pool is designing it. You may already have an idea in your head about what you want your pool to look like or you may want someone to completely design the whole thing for you.

If you have any pets or children it is very important to consider their safety. Both can be very inquisitive so make sure that you have the correct precautions in place to prevent any accidents from happening. A fence around your pool or a cover are both great ways to ensure that both your children and pets are well protected.

Make sure that you find a reputable company when you want your swimming pool installed. They will be able to help you with everything you need from deciding whether to have an indoor or outdoor pool, how much you can afford to spend, where to put the pool, what size to have and what you want the design to look like.