Closing down the pool for winter is always an unpleasant job on many different fronts, but this year I had the added task of re-pointing between the edging stones and the flagstones. For some reason the mortar had weakened over the past 10 years, and it all needed to be chiselled out and replaced.
Even Lady Magnon wanted to have a go (above), and got stuck in like a pro (saving my back for a while).
And this is what it looked like after being brushed down with a wire brush, and left to dry in the sun.
I'd call that pukka 'Invisible Mending'.
Next job is thorough cleaning, heavy dosing with chlorine, and covering over with black tarpaulin. Then it'll be 'goodbye' for the next 8 months. It's sad when the time comes, but when the water temperature drops to about 20 C we have to accept that the swimming season is finally over.
30 comments:
Good idea to get it all done now instead of putting it off till next spring.
It was top of my list of 'must do' winter jobs; now just the rest to complete.
I'll bet it will be a relief to have it all squared away, though. Tomorrow is my last day of almost a week off. I intended to do a lot of work outdoors, but it's poured rain every single day. Sigh.
Ain't that the way. When you have to be at work, the sun shines. When you have time off, it pours.
A tedious job but the end result looks good.
I've just finished it. My back is killing me.
Erk. My comment disappeared into the ether.
I'm in the middle of a week off and I haven't had the energy to do half of what I intended. Though my son (on term break) and I will continue our DVD marathon - Walking Dead is on the list.
We are in the beginning of spring here and I've sown lots of seeds in punnets, today. I'm looking forward to the produce, though I give most away. It gives me pleasure to grow and share (AND eat!).
I wish it was the beginning of Spring here, I'm not a cold weather person; I get Winter depression. It's always good to approach the growing year ahead, we see perfect crops, no bugs, and no weeds. Perfect.
Handy hint: Mortar made from Hydraulic Lime (made in France) will set underwater. The trouble is I don't know how it reacts to chlorine, but I bet it's not a good reaction.
I've used a white cement/orange sand mix (2:5), which gives the right colour, and seems to harden well. I'm hoping this'll be the last time it needs doing. That Hydraulic Lime is produced very nearby here; good stuff.
My daughter suffers dreadfully from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) as do many of us to varying degrees. I'm always relieved when the warmer (sunnier) weather hits.
Is this John's blog I have mistakenly landed upon? Walking Dead?
I've never seen it, have you? Not my bag!
Yes, Walking Dead, Rachel. I've surprised myself by not only watching, but enjoying it. John will understand.
When I see the pools close and the gardens pulled up, I get a lump in my stomach that really does not go away till the first day of spring.
Me too Arleen; those 8 months seem very very long.
I can't cope. I come hear to get away from it.
When you step on it it launches you straight into the pool, eliminating the need for a diving board.
Your family masonry skills are very impressive, along with your dedication to getting that chore completed Now.
Hoping everyone's post-project aches slip away quickly.
Best wishes.
Well it was 7 degrees here in Sarlat this morning so temperatures like that would soon make the water too cold to swim in. Your coping stones look similar to the lovely honey coloured stone they build with here.
But at least you have had a swimming season Cro.
You have a fabulous wife...but of course you know that (and tell her so).
Why do all my tasks involve a bad back? Nature's revenge.
I think it was 6 here. Still, I shall continue to wear my shorts for a bit longer.
It was the first year we've had the pool temperature over 30 C (sun heated only), and we probably had more use of it than ever before.
I do. She enjoys seeing how things are done.
Only two words to say "knee pads"!
It will come as no surprise that wintering the pool (which I have done with friends in France) is not one of my tasks here on Lewis. Interestingly in New Zealand we don't winter the pool. I've never thought of that before.
I don't know why I've never bought any!!!
One of my neighbours leaves his up and running all year, but we have trees and shrubs all around that make an awful mess. Easier to clear up when it's covered.
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