Pool Maintenance In Winter - What Should I Do?
Looking after your pool in winter in Australia can be quite different from colder climates—especially because many areas (like Queensland, NSW, or WA) have milder winters. That means full winterization isn't usually needed, but regular care is still important to keep your pool clean, algae-free, and ready for swimming when the weather warms up.
How to Look After Your Pool in Winter
✅ 1. Reduce Pump Run Time
Drop your filter run time from 8 hours (summer) to 2–4 hours per day in winter.
You can also set it to run during off-peak hours to save energy.
✅ 2. Keep the Pool Covered (Optional but Helpful)
Use a solar or winter cover to reduce:
Evaporation
Debris
Chemical usage
It also helps retain some heat and keeps the pool clean.
✅ 3. Test and Balance Water Monthly
Even if you're swimming less:
pH: 7.2–7.6
Chlorine: 1–3 ppm (use tablets or a floater if not running the chlorinator daily)
Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
Calcium hardness: Especially in areas with hard water
Adjust as needed—imbalanced water can damage surfaces and equipment.
✅ 4. Clean the Pool Fortnightly
Skim debris and leaves.
Empty the skimmer and pump baskets.
Brush pool surfaces and vacuum if needed (manual or robotic).
If you’re using a cover, check under it monthly to ensure there’s no algae forming.
✅ 5. Lower Chlorine Output (for Saltwater Pools)
Reduce the output of your salt chlorinator to prevent over-chlorination, since chlorine demand is lower in cooler water.
✅ 6. Shock the Pool Occasionally
Add a chlorine shock every 4–6 weeks to kill bacteria and oxidise organics.
Best done on a sunny day with the pump running.
✅ 7. Watch for Algae
Algae can still bloom in winter, especially after heavy rain or warm spells.
Use an algaecide if needed and keep the pool covered during storms.
✅ 8. Check Equipment
Inspect the pump, chlorinator cell, and filter monthly.
Backwash sand filters or clean cartridge filters as needed.
Keeping a consistent light maintenance routine during winter in saves time, money, and effort in spring.If you don’t stay on top of regular maintenance during the colder months, you may find a green pool in spring when you go to use it!