Solutions to prevent freezing on your shell pool

As the hexagon gently sinks into the winter period,the first frostsdidn't hesitate to invite themselves into your gardens… And intoyour pond! Indeed, depending on the region, it is not uncommon to see the thermostat drop below 0°C. Unfortunately, these freezing days are not without consequences for the health ofyour shell pool, even if you have carried out winterizationaccording to the rules beforehand!

To avoidpremature degradation of the walls and structureor evenbursting pipes, it is therefore better to be prepared and equip yourself with accessories suitable for the type of winterization carried out.

Here are some tips to help youprotect your shell pool from frostand avoidthe formation of damage… which could prove extremely costly!

Choosing between active and passive wintering

To protect your pool fromfrost formation, it is imperative to have previously carried outa proper pool winterization. For this, two solutions are available to you:active winterization or passive winterization.

You are wondering what the best alternative is? The answer simply dependson the climateof your place of residence. Indeed, in a region where frost is occasional, the best option remainsactive wintering. Since the risk of frost is low, your pool filtration can continue for a few hours a day. On the other hand, if you live in a place where frost is frequent, you will have to opt fortotal wintering. This means that you will have to shut down your pool completely and lower the water level of your pool, while takingprotective measuresto preventfrost from formingon your pool.

Whatever the case, never completely empty your pool! Without water to balance the structure,your pool shellcould warp under the external pressure of your land.

The different accessories to protect your shell pool from frost

• As part of active wintering

If you have made the choice of active wintering, this means that filtration your pool is only effective for 2 or 3 hours a day. In addition to circulating the water in your pool, this method also prevents gel formation. However, if cold spells are expected in the coming days, preventive measures will be necessary for protect your shell poole.

Overview of the accessories you will need to get:

• The floats: installed on the surface of the water and placed diagonally across the pool, this system is capable of absorbingice pressureand consequently, of preventingdamage to the shellof your pool.
• The gizmo: both practical and inexpensive, this accessory protectsthe skimmerby compensatingfor the pressure of iceon it.
• The anti-freeze kit: thanks to this device, protecting your pool from frost has never been easier! Indeed, completely automatic, this product triggersyour shell pool's filtration pumpas soon as the temperature reaches a critical threshold. Once in motion, the water remains liquid, thus protecting your structure and your pipes.

• As part of passive wintering

Duringpassive wintering,your pool is completely shut down. The water level of the pool is lowered by 10 cm below the return jets and the skimmer intake (Caution: do not completely drain your pool, as this could seriously damage your pool's structure!).The filtrationis stopped anda drainingof the various components and pipes to remove all the water present in the circuit is carried out.

In this way, your pool is partially protected from frost. However, the installation of certain accessories is essential to support the structure of your pool :

• Floats and Gizmo: Just like active wintering, the use of these accessories is also recommended as part of passive wintering.
• Winterizing plugs: placed on the return jets as well as on the skimmer inlets, these devices preventthe formation of frostinyour pool's hydraulic circuitby preventing water from stagnating inside.

You now have all the keys in hand to protect your pool from frost formation. For more information on winterizing your shell pool, contact a member of our team or consult our winterizing guide so you don't forget anything.