1. Remove and store pool cover debris cover (if appicable)
2. Check and empty skimmer and pump baskets, replace any that are split.
3. Check and lube pump/filter O’rings and gaskets in regular use. Use a silicone lube such as ‘Hydrslip’ or ‘Super Lube’ Replace any O’rings that come off ‘black’ on your hands, they are perished and will cause problems.
4. Scoop out leaves and any large debris - do not try and put these through the vacuum! Brush pool walls, floor and steps.
5. Vacuum the pool as required and then backwash the filter.
6. Apply ‘Filter brite’ filter cleaner as a pre season treatment as per instructions on packet (we recommend this at least 6 monthly to extend the life of the filter sand).
7. Take a 500 ml sample of pool water ready for spring start up water balancing prior to ‘shock dosing’ the pool. Bring this in the same day for testing.
8. Start running pump daily and extend filter time to suit the pool and filter system (possibly 4-6 hours initially) for good circulation. Run the filter system in one continuous run and increase the filter time as it warms up and the pool is used more. Up to 8-10 hrs may be required depending on the pool requirements - see us for whats best for you.
9. Shock dose pool @ approx 250g chlorine per 25,000l or 1 Bag ‘Pool Shock Dose’ per 50,000l of pool water. Apply an initial dose of algae inhibitor for algae prevention
10. ‘Chemically balance’ the pool water as per BioGuard lab water analysis printout.  Maintaining good water balance aids chemical use and protects both the pool surface and equipment and bathers.
11. Even if you are not swimming yet - start your 3 STEP programme straight away! Sanitize continously with Trichlor Tablets. Oxidise or Shock dose periodically (1-2 weeks). Prevent Algae with a regular dose of algae inhibitor.  Actual dosing needs can be stepped up or down depending on pool temperature. See us instore for whats best suited for you and your pool.
12. Run filter daily as above.
13. Check skimmer and pump baskets regularly and scoop leaves etc as required.
14. Vacuum pool as required (usually every 1-2 weeks) and Backwash the filter afterwards or as required.
15. Brush pool walls/steps regularly to groom the pool and aid circulation/distribution of chemicals - this eliminates ‘dead spots’ in your pool. (The more use your pool has the less you will need to do this)
16. Test pool water at least weekly with home test kit for chlorine, pH etc.
17. Bring in a pool water sample monthly for full lab analysis - this avoids guesswork for maintaining good water chemistry.   
18. Thank you for winterising your pool and happy swimming!