Starter pack: 5 essential tips to prepare your pool for winter  

As the summer season draws to a close, it's time to think about closing your pool. This crucial step is essential to protect your pool from the winter weather and keep it in good condition for next season. In this article, we give you five simple but important tips for closing your pool before winter sets in.   
  
  
  
Tip 1: Clean the pool thoroughly  
  
Before closing, it's important to give your pool a thorough cleaning. Remove leaves, debris and insects using a pool net or hoover. Clean the sides and bottom of the pool with a suitable brush. Make sure you also balance the pH, alkalinity and chlorine levels to prevent the formation of algae or limescale deposits during the period of inactivity.  
  
  
  
Tip 2: Choose between passive and active wintering  
  
When you close your pool, you can choose between passive and active wintering. Passive wintering involves reducing the pool's activity to a minimum by switching off the filtration system and adding specific chemicals to keep the water in good condition.   
  
Active wintering, on the other hand, involves keeping the filtration system running, reducing filtration time and using specific products to protect the water from problems with algae and bacteria.   
  
The choice between these two methods will depend on your preferences, the characteristics of your pool and, above all, the region in which you live. If you live in the south, but don't have very low temperatures, you can opt for active wintering, so you can enjoy your pool even in winter.  
  
  
  
Tip 3: Use specialist winterisation products  
  
When it comes to closing your pool, using specialist products can make the process easier and ensure your pool is effectively protected over the winter. The ACTI brand offers a range of products dedicated to pool winterisation. These include winterisation products to prevent the formation of algae and deposits, anti-limescale products to prevent limescale-related problems, and products to balance and stabilise the water. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and recommendations for best results.  
  
  
  
Tip 4: Partially drain the water  
  
We recommend partially draining your pool before closing. Reducing the water level to around 10 to 15 centimetres below the discharge nozzles will help prevent damage caused by frost. However, take care not to empty the pool completely, as this can damage the structure due to the pressure exerted by the surrounding land. The remaining water level will help to keep the pool stable over the winter.  
  
  
  
Tip 5: Cover your pool carefully  
  
To protect your pool from debris and the elements during the winter, the use of a pool cover is essential. Choose a quality cover, preferably a winter cover specially designed to withstand the harsh conditions. Make sure the cover is securely fastened to prevent it from slipping or coming loose, allowing debris to enter the pool. A properly installed cover will also prevent algae formation and reduce water evaporation.  
  
  

  
Closing your pool before winter is a crucial step in preserving its quality and extending its life. By following these five tips, you can ensure optimum protection for your pool during the winter season.  
  
Don't forget to consult the specific recommendations of your pool manufacturer and the products used to ensure you follow the correct procedures. By taking care of your pool during the closed season, you'll be able to enjoy swimming to the full next summer, avoiding costly problems and delays associated with re-opening the pool.  
  
With the right preparation and maintenance, your pool will be ready to welcome you back as soon as the warm weather arrives.