Why Continuous Operation Matters: Keeping your pump and filtration system running throughout winter actually prolongs equipment lifespan. Pumps and motors are designed for continuous operation- seals stay lubricated, moving parts remain free, and components avoid the stress of repeated stop-start cycles. Equipment that sits idle for months can develop seized bearings, dried seals, and corrosion. Regular operation prevents these issues and means your equipment will serve you reliably for years longer than systems that are shut down seasonally.
4. Implement Frost Protection Install a frost protection thermostat that automatically activates your pump when temperatures approach freezing. This keeps water moving through pipes and equipment, preventing freeze damage. The combination of regular 15-minute cycles and frost protection ensures your pool remains safe even during the coldest snaps. Never allow the pool to freeze solid.
Important: If you’ re not using your heater during winter, it will need draining completely to prevent frost damage. Follow the manufacturer’ s instructions to drain all water from the heater unit and associated pipework.
5. Choose the Right Winter Cover Select your winter cover based on how you plan to use your pool during the colder months:
Thermal Cover – If you’ re planning to take cold water dips throughout winter, invest in a quality thermal cover that’ s easy to remove and replace. These covers reduce heat loss, minimise chemical usage, and keep debris out whilst being light enough for regular access. Perfect for cold water swimming enthusiasts who want their pool ready at a moment’ s notice.
Winter Debris Cover – If you prefer to leave your pool untouched until spring, choose a robust winter cover designed to keep leaves and debris out over several months. These covers fit snugly, withstand harsh British weather, and protect your pool whilst it ticks over on its automated cycle. Come spring, simply remove the cover to a clean, maintained pool.
Both options work with active winter management— the key is matching your cover choice to your intended use.
6. Monitor Equipment Performance Check your equipment weekly throughout winter. Inspect pumps, filters, and heaters for proper operation. Clear any debris from skimmer baskets regularly. Monitor water levels and top up as needed, keeping water at normal operating height. Active monitoring helps you catch minor issues before they become major problems. Regular operation means you’ ll immediately notice any changes
POOLS, SPAS & HOT TUBS
in performance such as unusual noises, pressure fluctuations, or flow issues, allowing you to address them promptly. This preventative approach avoids the unpleasant surprise of discovering failed equipment when you try to restart a dormant system in spring.
7. Embrace Cold-Water Swimming Active winter management opens up the increasingly popular world of cold-water swimming. With your pool maintained and operational, you can enjoy the proven health benefits of regular cold-water immersion, from improved circulation and immune function to enhanced mental wellbeing and stress relief. Start gradually as temperatures drop, allowing your body to adapt naturally. Many cold-water enthusiasts find winter swimming becomes the highlight of their day, offering an invigorating start or a refreshing end to their routine.
“ Active winter pool management represents a fundamental shift in how we think about year-round pool ownership. Rather than mothballing your investment for six months, you maintain a living, functional pool that’ s protected from winter damage whilst remaining available for use. Modern filtration, heating, and automation technology make this approach both practical and economical. Crucially, keeping equipment running continuously actually extends its working life- pumps, filters, and circulation systems thrive on consistent operation rather than prolonged dormancy,” says Alex Kemsley, Managing Director, Compass Pools So don’ t dread the autumn pool prep, embrace it! With a little effort now, you’ ll enjoy a sparkling pool and stress-free swimming season next year.
Please Note: This active winter management process has been specifically designed for Compass fibreglass ceramic composite pools www. compass-pools. co. uk
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