Common Pool Owner Mistakes In Winter

In Australia, winter pool care is often misunderstood because many regions have mild winters—but that doesn’t mean your pool can be ignored. Here are the most common mistakes pool owners make in winter, and how to avoid them:

Top Pool Owner Mistakes During Winter in Australia

❌ 1. Turning Off the Pool Pump Completely

• Why it’s bad: Still water allows algae to grow and lets debris settle.

• Better: Reduce runtime to 2–4 hours/day (less in cold areas), but keep it circulating.

❌ 2. Skipping Water Testing

• Why it’s bad: Rain can dilute chemicals or shift pH, leading to corrosion, algae, or staining.

• Better: Test at least once per month, especially after storms.

❌ 3. Not Using a Pool Cover (or ignoring it)

• Why it’s bad: Covers reduce chemical use and block debris, but many forget to install or clean them.

• Better: Use a solar or winter cover and remove leaves and water buildup regularly.

❌ 4. Letting Chlorine Levels Drop Too Low

• Why it’s bad: Cooler temps slow algae—but don’t stop it completely.

• Better: Maintain 1–2 ppm of chlorine and shock the pool every 4–6 weeks.

❌ 5. Neglecting the Filter

• Why it’s bad: A dirty filter reduces water clarity and flow—even in winter.

• Better: Backwash sand filters or clean cartridges monthly.

❌ 6. Not Brushing or Skimming the Pool

• Why it’s bad: Algae and grime still form on pool surfaces, even when it's cold.

• Better: Do a quick brush and skim every 2–3 weeks, especially if not using a cover.

❌ 7. Forgetting About Rain and Runoff

• Why it’s bad: Storms can wash in dirt, fertilisers, or phosphates—feeding algae.

• Better: After heavy rain, test and adjust chemicals. Use phosphate removers if needed.

❌ 8. Using Summer Algaecides or Shocking Too Late

• Why it’s bad: Some products break down faster in cold water or aren’t meant for low-use pools.

• Better: Use a long-life algaecide and shock before winter and mid-winter.

❌ 9. Assuming Mild Winters Mean No Maintenance

• Why it’s bad: Even in Brisbane, Sydney, or Perth, neglect leads to cloudy or green water in spring.

• Better: Maintain a basic winter maintenance schedule to avoid costly clean-ups later.

❌ 10. Not Preparing for Spring Early

• Why it’s bad: Waiting too long to restart regular maintenance can lead to algae blooms.

• Better: Start ramping up cleaning and pump time in late August or early September.

Give us a call and we can talk you through what you need to do before the winter season!