Early autumn is often mild and encourages us to enjoy a few more swims. It is nevertheless important to ensure that the water temperature is suitable. By late autumn, there is less talk of swimming and more of preparing for overwintering, and here too, certain instructions must be followed.

Tips for maintenance of the pool at the end of the season

Every season requires specific pool maintenance. Autumn, with its changing weather, is no exception if you want to maintain a healthy pool all year round.

In autumn, it is essential to clean your pool more frequently because leaves are likely to get in. As such, it is advisable to clean the surface daily and use the suction cleaner regularly; alternatively, you can opt for automatic water treatment devices for greater peace of mind.

Cleaning your pool is crucial in autumn, but the intensity will be lower than in summer. It is possible to reduce treatment and filtration time as pool use will likely be less frequent, resulting in less dirt. Instead of weekly treatment, it will suffice to perform a treatment every two weeks, while checking pH and chlorine levels.

Tips for maintaining water at a good temperature

At the end of summer, temperatures are often pleasant, so it is natural to want to swim and enjoy the poolside! However, even if the weather conditions are attractive, they are not the same as those in summer. It is therefore important to pay close attention to the water temperature.

To enjoy your pool even in autumn, it is possible to opt for a pool enclosure. This enclosure can be low, in which case it retains heat only in the pool, or high, allowing for the creation of a comfortable space around the pool. One advantage of an enclosure is that it maintains heat better than a simple cover and protects the basin from impurities. For those looking to save money, be aware that equipping yourself with a heating system is cheaper. Several heating solutions exist: solar covers, electric heating, solar water heaters, solar panels, etc. For night swimming, it is wise to provide lighting and decoration.

Preparing the pool for overwintering

After having fully enjoyed your pool throughout the summer, it is time to look at its preparation so that winter passes smoothly, ensuring it is protected from algae and frost, which can cause serious damage.

Many think that emptying the pool is the solution to this concern. However, this should only be done every three years and at the beginning of spring. Furthermore, this action can be detrimental to the pool.

The choice between active overwintering and passive overwintering must be made based on the climatic conditions of the area concerned.

Active overwintering is suitable for warm regions that do not risk freezing temperatures during this period. The pool’s hydraulic system remains in operation, albeit more slowly, and requires more attentive monitoring. The advantage of this method is its ease of application and the maintenance of good water quality, but it consumes more energy.

Passive overwintering is intended for cold regions. During this period, the hydraulic system must be completely shut down, except for pH regulation. This type of overwintering requires little monitoring and is economical, but restarting will be more complicated and will involve additional adjustments that are not necessary for active overwintering: the pool must be covered with a winter cover and the water level must be lowered by about ten centimeters below the return nozzles. Additionally, all equipment that is shut down must be stored in a dry place, protected from frost. Return nozzles and vacuum ports must be plugged. Winter plugs must be installed in the skimmers and a diagonal line of floats put in place.

Both types of overwintering generally require the same steps: water treatment before overwintering, cleaning the basin, and adding an overwintering product to be renewed regularly.