How do I winterise a salt water pool and a salt chlorinator?

Winterising a salt water pool: advice and good practices 

Winter is coming and it’s time to give your salt water pool the rest it deserves after a summer of splashing and diving. Don’t panic, preparing your pool for the cold season is not an endless chore! Follow the guide, and you will be ready to welcome winter with peace of mind, without fearing bad surprises in the spring. 

How does a salt water pool work? 

A salt water pool uses a salt chlorinator to transform the salt dissolved in the water into chlorine, which disinfects the pool naturally and effectively. This system reduces the need to add aggressive chemicals and ensures the water feels soft and pleasant on the skin. Before starting to winterise the pool, it is important to check that the salt chlorinator is working correctly to avoid any surprises when the temperatures rise again. 

Why should a salt water pool be winterised? 

Winterising of salt water pools is essential to avoid ice damage and to maintain clean water during the winter. An unprotected pool can suffer costly deterioration, such as cracks in the coating or damage to the filtration equipment. In addition, if the water is maintained at good quality over winter, it will be easier to reuse in the spring. 

Key steps to winterising a salt water pool 

1. Cleaning the pool : Before your pool takes up residence in its winter quarters, it deserves a good clean bath. Clean your pool carefully: remove leaves and debris, and hoover the pool floor. A pool cleaner may also be sufficient for the deep clean and daily maintenance : A clean pool basin reduces the risk of proliferation of algae and bacteria during the winter. 
2. Balancing the water : Verify and adjust the levels of pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness. Well-balanced water prevents corrosion and calcium deposits on your equipment. The ideal pH is between 7.2 and 7.4 
3. Water treatment : For salt water pools, a boost treatment before winterising is recommended. Use a suitable oxidiser to eliminate the organic contaminants. Then, add a winterising product to prevent the formation of algae and bacteria. 
4. Lowering the water level : Lower the water level below the skimmers to avoid ice damage. This prevents water entering the filtration system, where it could freeze and cause damage. 
5. Protecting the equipment :

• Filtration: switch off and empty the filter and the pump. Make sure all pipes are emptied and stored in a dry place. 
• Salt chlorinator: this is where things start to get specific for salt water pools. Salt chlorinator is the key element of your pool’s disinfection system. 

To protect it: 

• Deactivation: start by switching off the salt chlorinator and disconnecting it from the electricity supply. 
• Cleaning: remove the salt chlorinator and clean it carefully to remove all calcium deposits. Use a water and vinegar solution or a specialised cleaning fluid for the salt chlorinator. 
• Storage: after cleaning, dry the salt chlorinator and store it in a dry place, protected from freezing temperatures. If your salt chlorinator is fixed in place and cannot be removed, make sure it is completely emptied and covered. 

         6. Covering the pool : Use a wintering cover to protect your pool. A good cover prevents debris entering the water and helps keep the temperature stable, thereby reducing the risk of ice. 

         7. Monitoring during the winter : Even in winter, your pool likes to know you are thinking about it. Check regularly that the cover is correctly in place and inspect the water to detect all signs of chemical imbalance, or contamination. It’s a bit like you are paying it a visit to check everything is ok. 

Now that winter is over, what should I do? 

To reopen your pool after the winter, if you have chosen passive wintering as described above, remove and clean the cover without letting debris fall into the water. Then fill the pool up to its usual level. Check and restart the filtration system, making sure the pump, filter and salt chlorinator operate correctly. Analyse the water to adjust the salt, pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness. Check the equipment to prevent leaks. Add salt if necessary and restart the heating system if you have one. Also consider using a preventive anti-algae treatment; this may turn out to be particularly useful at the start of the season, when the water begins to heat up and algae can form. 

Hayward products recommended for successful wintering 

To simplify winterising of your salt water pool, Hayward offers a range of products specially designed to protect and maintain your pool: 

• Hayward AquaRite® salt chlorinator: this appliance guarantees stable production of chlorine even at lower temperatures, which is ideal for maintaining the water quality before wintering. 
• Hayward ProSeries sand filter: an effective option for the final cleaning before winterising, this filter guarantees crystal-clear water. 
• Hayward Super Pump® pool pump: Robustness and performance to drain and protect your pool during the winter months. 

Pump Super Pump

By following this advice and using Hayward products, you guarantee optimal protection for your salt water pool during the winter. You will then be ready to enjoy your pool as soon as the sunny season returns.