Top Tips for Winter Pool Prep
How to Winterise Your Pool: A Simple Guide for the Cooler Months
As the days grow shorter and the temperature begins to dip, it’s time to think about preparing your pool for winter. While swimming may not be top of mind during the colder months, your pool still needs a little attention to stay clean, healthy, and ready for action when spring rolls around.
By taking a few simple steps now, you can avoid costly surprises later and reduce the amount of maintenance needed when warmer weather returns. Here's a straightforward guide to help you winterise your pool like a pro.
Start With a Deep Clean
Begin by thoroughly brushing or scrubbing the pool walls and floor, then vacuum the entire pool. Removing debris and build-up now helps prevent algae growth and keeps the water in good condition during winter.
Clean the Filter
Your pool’s filter has worked hard over the warmer months, so now’s the time for a deep clean. Backwash and use a degreasing product to remove any contaminants like sunscreen, oils, and fine particles. Check and change the filter media if needed, and don’t forget to clear out the skimmer basket and lint pot.
Test and Balance the Water
It’s essential to get your pool water chemistry in balance before covering the pool for winter. You can test it yourself or take a sample to your local pool shop. Not confident with chemicals? A SPASA-accredited technician can assist.
pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.6 for concrete pools, and between 7.0 and 7.2 for fibreglass pools.
To raise pH, add sodium carbonate (soda ash).
To lower it, add pool acid (muriatic acid), carefully diluted in a bucket of water. Avoid adding more than 500 mL at a time.
Total alkalinity should sit between 80 and 120 ppm.
Add sodium bicarbonate to increase alkalinity.
Any required reduction will usually be addressed during pH adjustments.
Shock Dose the Pool
Remove the pool cover and give your water a shock treatment. Use the recommended quantity of granular or liquid chlorine (your local SPASA member can advise), mixing it in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool. Leave the cover off until chlorine levels return to normal.
Add Algaecide
To help prevent algae growth over winter, add a long-life algaecide specifically designed for cold-season use. Dilute it in a bucket of water first, then pour it evenly into the pool.
Adjust Your Timer
Reduce the filter’s run time to reflect the lower demand in winter. A few hours a day is usually sufficient to keep the water circulating.
Maintain Your Pool Throughout Winter
Recheck chlorine levels and replace the cover.
Every two weeks, check chlorine levels and inspect the skimmer basket.
Periodically monitor the water level and filter pressure gauge.
Need Help?
Winterising your pool doesn’t have to be complicated, but if you're unsure or short on time, your local pool store or a SPASA-certified pool technician can help. They’ll ensure your pool is properly maintained now and offer a springtime health check to get everything swim-ready when the weather warms up.