Get your pool ready for winter

Unfortunately winter has arrived and as the temperature drops and we swap our boardies and bikinis for trackies, big fluffy jumpers and ugg boots, the thought of swimming in your backyard pool may become a distant memory for most. For many people this means "Chuck the pool cover on and i'll deal with that next summer!". However, just because your pool isn’t being used doesn’t mean that you don’t have to care for it!  Pool maintenance is just as important in winter as it is in the summer season so we’ve put together this guide of what you should be doing to keep your pool healthy and clean during the colder months.

Give it a Good Clean
The number one thing that you need to do before you allow your pool to go dormant is to give it a really good clean.  You can do this by thoroughly scrubbing the tiles to remove all the debris.  As well, give the pool equipment (skimmers, filters, etc) a good clean as well.  Cleaning is important as it’ll stop algae from forming and it will also make maintenance over winter much easier.

Cover the Pool
If you don’t plan on swimming often or at all during winter, it’s a great idea to use a pool cover.  This will stop leaves and other debris falling into the pool, which will result in having to clean it more often.  Remember to take the cover off every now and then to let you pool catch some sun. The UV from the sun stops algae growing, this will also give you a chance to scrub the pool or throw your robot cleaner in.

Balance the Water Chemistry
At the start of winter, it’s a great idea to balance your pool chemicals.  You’ll need to ensure that the alkalinity and pH levels are correct.  If they’re not, add the appropriate chemicals to return the water to a state of balance.  You may also want to shock (super chlorinate) your pool and add a dose of algaecide.  If you are unsure of how to do this, you can take a water sample down to your local pool shop and they will be able to assist.

Keep Running Your Filtration System
As you will not be using your pool as much, or at all, throughout winter, your chlorine consumption will be less than the summer months. This doesn't mean that you can turn off your filtration system. You will be able to lessen the amount of time your filtration runs each day, we recommend running for at least 4 hours per day, this will vary on your specific pool.
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Continue Testing Your Levels & Cleaning
Once you have balanced your pool, you’ll still need to regularly test your pool water to ensure that the chemicals are still present in appropriate levels.
Make sure you maintain a regular cleaning schedule of your pool. It can be easy to overlook through winter, but by maintaining water quality, you will ensure you will maximize the life of your pool and avoid costly cleaning treatments when the weather warms up!