Winter Essentials

Look below for our Winter Essential Products, but here's a simple proceedure for Winterising your In-ground Pool: 

1. Never empty pools for the winter.
2. Thoroughly Clean the pool and Backwash filter.
3. Adjust Ph Level accordingly - always ensure between 7.4-7.6.
4. Store any summer covers and ensure they are clean and dry for the winter period. (Use our PVC Reel Covers to help protect through the winter - see below).
5. Store vacuum equipment and automatic cleaners indoors.
6. Add winterising chemicals and allow to circulate - Long Life Algaecide & Shock Chlorine.
7. Lower the water level to below the skimmer weir; the only exception to the rule being pools installed in high water table areas, where lowering the water level could cause problems. In these circumstances, consult the original builder of the pool.
8. Remove skimmer weir and basket and store in filter shed. Half fill plastic bottle with anti freeze mixture or small stones and place in skimmer barrel to prevent ice damaging the skimmer.
9. Fit Winter Cover
10. Make sure the filter, pump and heater are drained down for the winter and all exposed pipework holding water. If the filter is positioned below water level, seek further advice from the experts by simply clicking on 'contact 1st Direct'.
11. Spray the electric motor and any electrical equipment with a moisture repellent spray or preferably remove pump and store in warm dry conditions. Switch off electrical equipment.
12. If heat pump is fitted flush with clean water.
13. If auto chemical feeder is fitted, remove chemical and flush with clean water and leave drained.
14. Remove all stainless steel steps, rollers etc and wipe clean and store in dry store.

If we experience a particularly hard winter, 1st Direct suggest the following especially for concrete pools: tie a row of half filled plastic containers (fill with an anti-freeze solution or sand) along the middle of the pool. This is to form a frost break to relieve pressure of ice on the sides. Formed ice should not be broken, as sharp edges may damage the pool lining.