Swimming pool in winter

Swimming pool in winter

Summer is over... the endless hours of sunbathing on our comfortable sunbeds and refreshing dips in the deep blue of our pool are now a thing of the past. Of course, since the winter is late to visit Greece and combining the high temperatures of the atmosphere mostly until October, some of us - especially those who have foreseen the water heating of their pool – they enjoy their bath until the last days of Autumn.

But what happens in the Winter when we don't use it?

To protect the pool during the winter, it is necessary to follow the following instructions: (as long as you are not operating the facility).

•   The pool must remain filled with water so that the temperature inside does not drop below 0^TheC causing cracks in the walls and the bottom and damage to the lining, (detachment of tiles or cracking of the polyester, etc.).
•   The water level inside the pool should be kept below the opening of the surface absorber (skimmer) or below the perimeter overflow channel.
•   If possible the pool should be covered with a protective cover that will prevent leaves or other debris from falling into the water, thus keeping it as clean as possible.
•   Outdoor pools are likely to form a layer of ice when the temperature drops too low. It is then necessary to break this layer around the entire perimeter of the pool, also so that the ice does not cause pressure on the walls.
•   But when the lack of a preservative makes the above process difficult, damage can be prevented by throwing semi-floating bodies (floats, expanded polystyrene, car tires, etc.) into the tank so that the ice pressure is exerted on these bodies and not on the walls.

However, swimming pools are part of the surrounding area of the house, many swimming pools are located on the facades and very close to the house. Given that, when the pool water is not recirculated, it becomes a breeding ground for microbes, algae and even odors, resulting in a 'bad' aesthetic and hygienic water. For this reason, it is recommended that you should operate the facilities in winter as well (on a reduced schedule).     

Stavroula Krokou – Chemical Engineer NTUA