How To Maintain Your Swimming Pool During Winter

01 Apr How To Maintain Your Swimming Pool During Winter

Pool Winter Maintenance

Swimming pools are such a luxury, but it might not feel that way while you spend hours cleaning them. Looking after your pool properly can be time-consuming and it can be tempting to take the easy way out during the off-season and ignore its needs.

However, it’s important to understand that even if you are not using your pool as much during the winter months, algae and bacteria can still enter the pool. Skipping winter maintenance can lead to a prolonged period where you’re unable to use your pool when spring rolls back in. Spending some time every week on upkeep will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

Here are some tips on keeping the pool maintained during the winter months.

Cleaning the pool

If you continue to clean your pool regularly once a week during winter, you do not need to buy expensive equipment or spend a lot of time cleaning it. Start by removing any visible debris on the surface such as leaves or bugs. To avoid stubborn algae build-up, make sure to give all surfaces a good scrub with a purpose-made broom or brush, including the corners, walls, steps and other fixtures. Finish your routine by giving the pool floor a good vacuum to remove any debris from your cleaning.

Also read: How to keep your inground pool in pristine condition

Filtration 

Unfortunately, the algae don’t know if you are using your pool or not, and it doesn’t care. Therefore it’s important to still run your pool pump regularly to filter the water and prevent algae growth. Before the winter break, you should give all filters a good clean and thorough backwash. Dirt and grime accumulate in the filter over summer use and it will thicken and make it difficult to remove next spring.

maintain your pool during winter

If applicable, remove your cartridges and give them a clean as well. Engage the “winter” setting on your filter once cleaned.

Testing the Chemicals 

You will need to make sure your pool’s pH levels are correct before you pack up for winter. Queensland pools are running a risk of winter algae, but there is an easy fix to the problem. Long-acting algicides will help to keep your pool water clear and at healthy pH levels. A range from 7.2-7.6 is what you’re looking for. If the levels are too low (acidic) or too high (alkaline) you will need to adjust accordingly. With the use of long-life algaecide, even if your pool drops below the recommended levels, you’re still protected from algae blooms.

Getting a pool cover

Getting a cover for your pool in winter is a no-brainer. It is the absolute easiest way to keep leaves and debris out of your pool and will greatly reduce the time you have to spend cleaning it every week. It is also cost-effective as it will help keep your chemicals balanced and the water at the right pH levels. It is worth noting though that with or without a winter pool cover, you’ll still need to look after your pool but with a winter pool cover, your life will be so much easier.

maintain your pool during winter oasis pools

Talk to Oasis Pool Constructions about your maintenance needs

Pool maintenance doesn’t have to be so costly and time-consuming. With our top tips for the winter pool maintenance, you will save money and time in keeping your swimming pool safe and clean.

To make sure that you’re doing the right thing, always consult a team of experts with years of experience in ensuring that inground pools remain in great condition. Call 07 5649 9810 and one of our pool specialists will assist you with pool maintenance-related questions, or enquire online if you want to build a concrete pool for your property in Gold Coast or South Brisbane.