As the cooler months roll in, it’s time to start thinking about winding down your pool for the season. While Aussies are blessed with relatively mild winters, it’s still important to properly prepare your pool to avoid costly repairs and unnecessary headaches when summer swings back around. Whether you’re planning to keep your pool running year-round or put it into hibernation mode, a bit of maintenance now can save you big bucks later.
Here’s what needs to be done to keep your pool in top shape through the colder months.
Before you reduce pool use, give it a thorough clean. Skim the surface for leaves and debris, brush down the walls, and vacuum the pool floor. This helps prevent algae growth and keeps your water chemistry stable. It’s also a great opportunity to inspect for any damage, such as cracks or leaks, that might worsen over winter.
If you’re not keen on scrubbing and skimming, consider hiring a professional pool cleaner. They’ll ensure your pool is spotless and ready for the cooler months ahead.
Maintaining balanced water chemistry is essential, even in winter. Check and adjust the pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels to prevent algae buildup and corrosion. A balanced pool means fewer issues when you’re ready to dive back in come summer.
Not sure about the right chemical mix? A professional pool technician can test and balance your water for you, so you don’t have to worry about getting it wrong.
During summer, you’re probably running your pool pump for about 8–12 hours a day. In winter, when the water isn’t as warm and bacteria don’t grow as fast, you can cut that down to around 4–6 hours a day. This helps save on electricity while still keeping your water circulating enough to prevent stagnation.
A pool maintenance expert can adjust your pump settings for optimal performance, ensuring your pool stays clean without unnecessary energy costs.
A pool cover is one of the simplest ways to keep your pool clean and protected during winter. It prevents debris from falling in, reduces evaporation, and helps retain heat—perfect if you have a heated pool. Plus, covering your pool means using fewer chemicals, saving you money in the long run.
If you don’t already have one, a pool specialist can recommend and install a cover that suits your pool type and budget.
Your pool’s equipment—like the pump, filter, and chlorinator—needs regular checks to ensure it’s running efficiently. Inspect for any signs of wear and tear, clean out the filter, and check for blockages.
Not comfortable tinkering with pool equipment? A pool technician can give everything a once-over and fix any issues before they become expensive problems.
Algae might slow down in winter, but it doesn’t disappear completely. To prevent a green, murky pool when summer returns, add an algaecide and stain remover as part of your winter maintenance routine. This keeps your water looking fresh and your pool surface stain-free.
If you’re not sure which products to use, a pool maintenance expert can recommend and apply the right treatments.
If you’re completely shutting down your pool for the season, winterising it is a must. This involves:
Reducing water levels slightly (but not too much, as this can damage the structure).
Adding a winterising chemical treatment.
Turning off unnecessary equipment and ensuring pipes are protected.
A pool professional can take care of this for you, ensuring everything is done correctly so you don’t end up with costly damage.
If all of this sounds like a lot of work, you’re not alone! Many homeowners opt to bring in experts to handle their pool maintenance during the cooler months. A professional pool technician can tailor a winter maintenance plan for your pool, ensuring it’s clean, chemically balanced, and ready to go when warmer weather returns.
Whether you need a deep clean, chemical balancing, or winterisation, finding the right pool expert is easy on ServiceSeeking.com.au. Compare quotes, read reviews, and hire a trusted local tradie to keep your pool in top condition all year round.
A little prep now means a hassle-free, crystal-clear pool when summer returns. So don’t put it off—get your pool winter-ready today!