Introduction
Pool hibernation is the preparation process for winter months when usage is reduced or non-existent. Proper hibernation protects the structure, equipment and water, making spring reopening much easier.
In Margem Sul, with relatively mild winters, hibernation can be less rigorous than in colder regions. However, the basic principles remain important for keeping the pool in good condition and avoiding unpleasant surprises when you want to use it again.
This complete guide covers the entire hibernation process, from preparation to maintenance during winter.
When to Hibernate the Pool
Timing in Margem Sul
| Period | Recommendation |
|---|
| October | Prepare materials, final use |
| November | Ideal to begin hibernation |
| December | Last recommended month |
Indicators for Hibernation
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|
| Water temperature < 15°C consistently | Algae grow very slowly |
| End of regular use | Intensive maintenance not worthwhile |
| Frequent cold nights | Risk of heat losses |
| Leaves falling heavily | Maintenance difficult to keep up |
💡 Dica Profissional
In Margem Sul, some owners opt for "semi-hibernation", with reduced maintenance but without full coverage. This allows occasional swimming on warmer winter days.
Types of Hibernation
Active Hibernation (Semi-Hibernation)
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|
| Filtration | Reduced (2-4 hours/day) |
| Chemical treatment | Minimal but regular |
| Cover | Optional or partial |
| Equipment | Operational |
| Occasional use | Possible |
Advantages:
- Pool always available
- Immediate reopening
- Less shock to water
Disadvantages:
- Continued energy consumption
- Regular maintenance required
- Higher operational cost
Passive Hibernation (Total)
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|
| Filtration | Off |
| Chemical treatment | Initial only |
| Cover | Mandatory |
| Equipment | Drained and protected |
| Use | Not possible |
Advantages:
- Zero operational cost
- Minimal maintenance
- Total equipment protection
Disadvantages:
- Pool unavailable
- More laborious reopening
- Requires adequate cover
Which to Choose in Margem Sul?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|
| Use pool year-round | Active hibernation |
| Don't use November to March | Passive hibernation |
| Like occasional swimming | Active hibernation |
| Want to minimise costs | Passive hibernation |
| Heated pool | Active hibernation |
| No heating | Passive hibernation |
Water Preparation
Deep Cleaning
Before hibernating, the pool must be spotless:
| Task | Procedure |
|---|
| Vacuum floor | Remove all dirt |
| Brush walls | Walls, stairs, corners |
| Clean waterline | Specific product |
| Clean skimmers | Interior and baskets |
| Check drains | Unobstructed |
Balance the Water
| Parameter | Hibernation Value |
|---|
| pH | 7.2 - 7.4 (slightly low) |
| Alkalinity | 80 - 120 ppm |
| Chlorine | 1 - 3 ppm |
| Calcium hardness | 200 - 400 ppm |
💡 Dica Profissional
A slightly low pH (7.2) helps prevent limescale deposits during inactive months, especially important in Margem Sul where water tends to be harder.
Final Shock Treatment
| Water Type | Dose |
|---|
| Clean, balanced water | 10-15 g/m³ shock chlorine |
| Traces of algae | 20-25 g/m³ + algaecide |
Hibernation Products
| Product | Function | Typical Dose |
|---|
| Long-lasting algaecide | Prevents algae for months | 1 L / 50 m³ |
| Winterising product | Multiple protection | As per manufacturer |
| Flocculant | Clarifies during winter | 0.5 L / 50 m³ |
Application sequence:
- Shock treatment (wait 24h)
- Long-lasting algaecide
- Winterising product
- Flocculant (if needed)
- Filtration 24-48h
- Proceed with hibernation
Water Level
Recommended Height
| Hibernation Type | Level |
|---|
| Active | Normal (mid-skimmer) |
| Passive with mesh cover | 10-15 cm below skimmer |
| Passive with solid cover | 15-20 cm below skimmer |
| Frost risk | 30 cm below skimmer* |
*Rare in Margem Sul, but possible on very cold nights
Why Lower the Level?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|
| Skimmer protection | Prevents damage if water freezes |
| Easier covering | Less tension on fixings |
| Edge protection | Less exposure |
| Rain drainage | Space for accumulated water |
Equipment Preparation
Filtration System
Sand Filter:
| Step | Procedure |
|---|
| 1 | Do deep backwash |
| 2 | Position valve to "Winterise" or between positions |
| 3 | Drain water from tank (if applicable) |
| 4 | Open bottom drain |
| 5 | Let dry |
Cartridge Filter:
| Step | Procedure |
|---|
| 1 | Remove cartridge |
| 2 | Wash thoroughly |
| 3 | Let dry |
| 4 | Store in dry place |
| 5 | Cover filter opening |
Circulation Pump
| Step | Procedure |
|---|
| 1 | Turn off circuit breaker |
| 2 | Close inlet and outlet valves |
| 3 | Open drain plug |
| 4 | Drain all water |
| 5 | Remove pre-filter basket |
| 6 | Leave open to dry |
| 7 | Cover against dust (not airtight) |
**WARNING**
Never leave standing water in the pump. Even in Margem Sul, one frosty night can permanently damage the pump body if water freezes.
Heat Pump
| Step | Procedure |
|---|
| 1 | Turn off and cut power |
| 2 | Close water valves |
| 3 | Drain heat exchanger |
| 4 | Drain associated pipes |
| 5 | Clean evaporator |
| 6 | Cover with protective cover |
Salt System (Electrochlorinator)
| Step | Procedure |
|---|
| 1 | Turn off system |
| 2 | Remove electrolysis cell |
| 3 | Clean cell (vinegar or specific product) |
| 4 | Dry and store in dry place |
| 5 | Cover opening |
Pipes
| Action | Procedure |
|---|
| Drain | Open all drains |
| Blow | Use compressor if possible |
| Antifreeze | Optional in Margem Sul |
| Protect | Insulate exposed pipes |
Accessories and Structure
Remove and Store
| Item | Procedure |
|---|
| Removable ladders | Clean, dry, store |
| Diving board | Remove, store dry |
| Floats and accessories | Deflate, dry, store |
| Thermometers | Remove |
| Cleaning equipment | Clean, dry, store |
Leave in Place
| Item | Preparation |
|---|
| Fixed ladders | Check fixings, protect base |
| Handrails | Check for corrosion |
| Lighting | Check seals |
| Return jets | Install plugs if draining |
| Skimmers | Install gizmos (protection floats) |
Air Pillows
| Function | Benefit |
|---|
| Absorb ice expansion | Protects walls |
| Keep water away from centre | Facilitates drainage |
| Support cover | Prevents water accumulation |
| Create slope | Water runs to edges |
Installation:
- Inflate to 60-80% (not fully)
- Position in pool centre
- Tie with ropes to sides
- Check it stays below cover
Winter Cover
Types of Cover
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|
| Mesh | Economical, lets rain through | Doesn't fully block light |
| Solid opaque | Blocks light, better protection | Accumulates water, needs pump |
| Safety | Supports weight, very durable | High cost |
| Automatic | Convenient, safe | Very expensive |
Correct Installation
| Step | Procedure |
|---|
| 1 | Clean pool edges |
| 2 | Place air pillow |
| 3 | Unroll cover |
| 4 | Centre over pool |
| 5 | Fix one side first |
| 6 | Tension and fix opposite side |
| 7 | Fix sides |
| 8 | Check uniform tension |
Adequate Fixing
| Coping Material | Method |
|---|
| Concrete | Recessed brass anchors |
| Stone | Water bags or anchors |
| Wood | Stainless screws |
| Grass | Stakes |
💡 Dica Profissional
The cover should have enough tension not to form water pockets, but not so tight it's under stress. A slight sag in the centre is ideal.
Passive Hibernation Checklist
Water
- [ ] Pool vacuumed and brushed
- [ ] Waterline clean
- [ ] pH balanced (7.2-7.4)
- [ ] Shock treatment done
- [ ] Long-lasting algaecide applied
- [ ] Winterising product added
- [ ] Water level lowered
- [ ] Final filtration 24-48h
Equipment
- [ ] Pump drained and protected
- [ ] Filter cleaned and drained
- [ ] Heat pump drained and covered
- [ ] Electrolysis cell removed and cleaned
- [ ] Pipes drained
- [ ] Circuit breakers off
- [ ] Electrical panel protected
Accessories
- [ ] Removable ladders stored
- [ ] Toys and accessories stored
- [ ] Gizmos in skimmers
- [ ] Plugs in returns (if drained)
- [ ] Air pillow installed
Cover
- [ ] Pool edges clean
- [ ] Cover installed and centred
- [ ] All fixings secure
- [ ] Adequate tension verified
- [ ] No exposed areas
Active Hibernation Checklist
Weekly Routine
- [ ] Check water level
- [ ] Remove surface debris
- [ ] Check pH (adjust if needed)
- [ ] Check chlorine (add if < 1 ppm)
- [ ] Check pump operation
Monthly Routine
- [ ] Complete water analysis
- [ ] Filter backwash (if needed)
- [ ] Check equipment
- [ ] Clean skimmers
- [ ] Brush walls (if accessible)
Reduced Schedule
| Component | Time/Day |
|---|
| Filtration pump | 2-4 hours |
| Heat pump | Off or anti-frost mode |
| Electrochlorinator | 1-2 hours or manual |
| Lighting | Off |
Maintenance During Winter
Regular Checks (Passive Hibernation)
| Frequency | Task |
|---|
| Weekly | Check cover, remove debris |
| Fortnightly | Check water level, fixings |
| Monthly | Inspect equipment |
| After storm | Check damage, cover tension |
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|
| Water accumulated on cover | Pump with submersible pump |
| Loose cover | Retighten fixings |
| Accumulated leaves | Remove regularly |
| Water level too low | Add water |
| Ice formed | Don't break, let melt |
Frost Protection
Although rare in Margem Sul, some nights can bring frost:
| Prevention | Method |
|---|
| Air pillows | Absorb expansion |
| Lowered level | Water doesn't reach skimmer |
| Drained equipment | No water to freeze |
| Gizmos | Protect skimmers |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In Preparation
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|
| Not cleaning before covering | Permanent stains |
| Not balancing water | Lining damage |
| Leaving water in equipment | Frost damage |
| Cover too tight | Tears, damage |
| Cover too loose | Accumulates water and debris |
During Winter
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|
| Neglecting checks | Problems worsen |
| Leaving accumulated water | Cover damages |
| Not removing leaves | Stains, blockages |
| Running pump with ice | Motor damage |
| Ignoring low level | Lining exposure |
Hibernation Costs
Initial Investment
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|
| Basic mesh cover | €200-400 |
| Solid cover | €400-800 |
| Air pillows | €20-50 |
| Gizmos | €10-30 |
| Chemicals | €50-100 |
Annual Cost Comparison
| Type | Energy | Chemicals | Total/Winter |
|---|
| Passive hibernation | €0 | €50-100 | €50-100 |
| Active hibernation | €100-200 | €100-150 | €200-350 |
| Normal maintenance | €200-400 | €150-250 | €350-650 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I empty the pool for winter?
Not recommended. An empty pool suffers ground pressure (especially after rain), the lining can deteriorate from sun exposure, and the structure can crack. Keeping water (even at low level) protects the pool.
How long does hibernation take?
The complete passive hibernation process takes 3-5 days, including chemical treatments and waiting times. Physical preparation (cleaning, equipment, cover) can be done in one day.
Do I need a winter cover?
For passive hibernation, yes - it's essential. For active hibernation, it's optional but recommended to reduce maintenance, heat loss and debris accumulation.
Can I use the solar (bubble) cover in winter?
It's not suitable for winter. It doesn't offer debris protection, doesn't support weight, and deteriorates quickly with prolonged exposure. Use a specific winter cover.
What do I do if the water turns green during winter?
If using passive hibernation with opaque cover, it shouldn't happen. If it does, the cover probably lets light through. You can add algaecide without removing the cover (through skimmers if accessible), or wait for reopening to treat.
Conclusion
Correct pool hibernation is an investment that pays off:
- Protects equipment and structure
- Saves on repairs
- Facilitates spring reopening
- Maintains water in better condition
- Reduces preparation time and costs
In Margem Sul, you can opt for passive hibernation (maximum savings) or active (flexibility of use). Whatever your choice, follow best practices and your pool will be ready for a new season with minimum effort.
If you need professional help hibernating your pool in Margem Sul, ManutençãoPiscinas is here to help. Contact us for a no-obligation quote.
