With the onset of the cooler months, it’s time to think about getting your pool ready for winter. To ensure an easy transition back to the swimming season, it’s important to complete a few maintenance activities at the start of winter.
First Step: Clean your pool
This is the foundation of your winter prep. Organic matter left in the water can trigger algae growth, so make sure all surfaces are thoroughly scrubbed with a broom or brush then vacuumed to remove any build up from the warmer months.
Step 2: Filtration
The pool will likely be cloudy from all the scrubbing, so run the filter until the water clears up before giving the filters a good clean and thorough backwash. During summer, oils and fats accumulate in the filter media and over winter they will thicken or become hard, making it difficult to remove. Follow the filter’s backwash procedure to ensure it is clean, then engage the ‘winter’ setting if you have one.
Over winter the need for filtration isn’t as high as during the warmer months, but Perth’s mild winter temperatures won’t prevent algal growth, so you’ll need to maintain the water quality to stop it turning green. Discuss your optimum filtration hours with your local pool shop, but you should expect to be able to reduce your pump operation to between 3 and 6 hours per day during winter.
Step 3: Chemistry
The secret to a great pool is great water, which is achieved when the chemistry is correct. The pH level should be in the 7.2-7.6 range before packing up for winter. Winter algae is a problem in Perth, so the addition of an algaecide is highly recommended and should be applied after balancing the pH. Several long-acting formulas are available and will do much of the work in preventing the growth of unsightly green algae.
Also consider the use of phosphate reducers or phosphate blockers, as algae thrives in phosphate-rich waters. In winter, rainwater and run-off can carry fertiliser from your lawn or garden into your pool which promotes the rapid growth of algae. Phosphate blockers bind to the phosphates to prevent them becoming a nutrient source and should become a part of your winter pool maintenance program.
Over winter it is recommended you check your pool chemistry and make any necessary adjustments at least once per month.
Step 4: Winter blanket
To reduce the load on the pool’s disinfection system, it is vital to prevent organic matter from entering the pool. A well-fitted winter pool blanket should keep out most debris from your garden, but you’ll still need to regularly empty the skimmer basket and vacuum the pool over the winter break.
Step 5: Check surrounds and pack it all away
Deflate any pool inflatables and give all pool toys a good clean before drying and storing them away. It’s also a great time to perform any pool area maintenance: check paving stones and decking, lubricate gate hinges and ensure the pool safety barrier is in good working order.
The better prepared your pool is before winter, the easier it will be to get back in the swim in spring!