The end of the swimming season is a good time to take care of your pool before next summer. For ondaFlo® pools, we recommend disassembling, thoroughly cleaning, and storing the pool in suitable conditions. It is worth doing this carefully, especially during the drying stage. Even a small amount of water left between folded layers can make unpacking in spring much less pleasant.
Why is it worth disassembling an above-ground pool for the winter?
Our pools have a light color scheme that fits well with modern garden architecture. However, deposits and dirt are easier to notice on such a surface. After the season ends, it is therefore worth cleaning both the inside of the pool and its outer coating.
Disassembly also allows you to move the pool to a place where it will be protected from moisture and frost during the winter. The ondaFlo instructions specify storage in a dry place, at a temperature of 8-35°C. Simply covering a pool left in the garden does not provide these conditions.
Plan the disassembly for a warm, sunny day so that you have time to clean and thoroughly dry the material. Do not put these tasks off until the first frosts. If the pool does not have time to dry, it is better to finish packing later than to trap moisture between the PVC layers.
Clean water during the season makes disassembly easier
Preparing for winter begins while the pool is still in use. Regular filtration, checking the water parameters, and removing contaminants reduce the formation of algae and deposits. As a result, there is less work to do when cleaning the walls and bottom after the season.
If a slippery film has appeared on the surface, remove it during the final washing. Do not leave dirt to dry together with any remaining water. We describe more about daily care in the guide “How to keep an above-ground pool clean?”.
Use water-care products according to their instructions. Do not increase the dosage simply because you are ending the season. Plan how the water will be discharged before you start emptying the pool - it should comply with local regulations concerning the discharge of pool water.
How do you empty the pool and disconnect the equipment?
Before draining the water, collect leaves, insects, and other larger contaminants. We recommend using the Bayrol pool skimmer net for this. This will leave less dirt on the bottom after the pool is emptied, making the final cleaning easier.
You can attach the net to the Bayrol telescopic pole to conveniently reach the farther parts of the pool. You can later use the same pole with a rubber brush when cleaning the walls and bottom.
Next, turn off the filter pump and disconnect it from the power supply. Prepare a place where the water will be discharged so that the area around the pool is not flooded. If you use a hose to direct the drainage, make sure its connection is stable and compatible with the installation components being used.
The lower WATER OUT connection is used to drain the water. Empty the pool through it, leaving the structure inflated. Release the air before folding, after removing the water, cleaning, and drying the coating.
Some water will remain below the drain opening. Remove it by hand or with a suitable water pump, used according to the device's instructions. Finally, collect any remaining water and wipe the bottom.
Before rotating, moving, and folding the pool, disconnect the hoses, adapters, and other components connected to it. Protruding parts could press against the PVC or damage it while the pool is being rolled up.
Do not lift or rotate the pool until it is completely empty. The handles are intended for moving an empty pool. For a larger model, get assistance so that you can maneuver the structure without dragging it across the ground.
How do you clean the walls and bottom of the pool?
After emptying the pool, wash the inside walls and bottom. To remove deposits, we recommend the Bayrol rubber brush. Use it gently, without applying heavy pressure. Attached to the pole, it will make it easier to reach farther sections of the bottom and walls.
Pay attention to the waterline, corners, and areas where dirt accumulated. For thorough cleaning, use a soft sponge and, if necessary, a mild detergent suitable for PVC surfaces, in accordance with the recommendations for the pool and cleaning product. Then rinse the surface thoroughly. Do not use wire brushes or solvents.
Also clean the outer surface of the bottom. Once completely empty and after disconnecting the adapters, you can carefully turn the pool upside down. Prepare a clean surface beforehand, free of stones and sharp objects.
After washing, rinse away any cleaning-product residue and remove the water collected during rinsing. Prepare the cover, hoses, and adapters for storage separately. Empty and secure the filter pump according to its manufacturer's instructions.
The pool must be completely dry before folding
After cleaning, leave the pool to air-dry freely. In good weather, placing it upside down in the sun will make it easier to dry the underside.
However, drying only the bottom is not enough. The entire pool must be dry before folding, including the inside, the area near the floor, and any recesses.
Pay particular attention to where the bottom meets the walls and to the WATER IN and WATER OUT connections. A small amount of water may remain in these areas without being visible at a glance.
Do not assume in advance that the pool will dry within a specific number of hours. The time depends on the weather and drying conditions. Before packing, check the surfaces by hand and look into the recesses. If water comes out of a connection while you are rolling up the pool, stop folding and dry that area again.
Moisture trapped between the layers of material can lead to mold, unpleasant odors, and permanent deterioration of the coating. That is why it is worth being especially patient at this stage.
How do you fold and store an ondaFlo pool?
When the pool is clean and completely dry, release the air from it according to the valve instructions.
The best model for properly folding, rolling up, and packing the pool is the way it was delivered to you. Fold it in a similar way, then roll it up, avoiding sharp creases and forcing the material into a tight bundle.
Use nonwoven interleaving sheets to separate touching PVC surfaces to reduce the risk of them sticking together during storage. This is exactly how we prepare the pool for shipment to the customer. Use the preserved foam elements to protect the valves and handles. All materials used for packing should be clean and dry.
Store the pool in a dry place, at a temperature of 8-35°C, according to the ondaFlo instructions. Not every garage or garden shed meets these conditions, so check what temperature it reaches there in winter.
A well-prepared pool means less work at the beginning of the next season. When warm days return, it will be more enjoyable to unpack the clean ondaFlo and prepare the garden for the next family swims. For now, all it needs is a little attention so it can wait safely for next summer.
