Most pools have a peak season when they get everyday use or close to it. But even in tropical Queensland, where summer lasts for about nine months of the year, pools don’t get swum in throughout the whole year. While pools are a higher maintenance job during summer, there are a few important steps to take to keep your pool clean and the water balanced during winter, too – and they’ll save you time and money when summer returns, too. These steps are called winterising a pool, and in this article, we’ll explain what it is and why it’s worth doing.
What is ‘winterising a pool’?
Winterising a pool is a process whereby you reduce chlorine levels and filtration in your pool and put a cover on during the winter months when it’s not being used frequently. This doesn’t necessarily mean winterising is a ‘one-and-done’ operation, though.
Reducing chlorination and filtration means the water balance can easily be thrown out, and this can lead to the dreaded ‘green pool’ when algae spreads throughout the pool and renders it unhealthy to swim in. For this reason, the savviest pool owners include testing the water every few weeks during winter to their pool winterising process.
Why you should winterise your pool
Winterising a pool is worth doing for a number of reasons.
1. You’ll save money on energy bills
By reducing filtration throughout winter, you’ll save money on power bills.
2. You’ll save time on maintenance when summer returns
Debris can provide a breeding ground for algae and stain your pool, so keeping it out with a pool cover makes a lot of sense.
By protecting your pool from debris like sticks and leaves that may otherwise end up in the pool when it’s raining or windy, you’ll save time and money on maintenance during both winter and summer.
3. You’ll protect your pool equipment
Pool equipment that has been off for months sometimes seizes when turned back on and requires repairing or replacement. Leaving your filter on a low setting allows it to aid in cleaning and filtration during winter, and could save you hundreds of dollars!
Lower costs, less risk of equipment damage, and a cleaner, healthier pool all year round – if you ask us (or any pool technician), winterising a pool is absolutely worth it!
