When winter storms roll through in July, it’s easy to think you can just cover the pool and forget about it until spring. But even if no one is swimming, rain and wind can quietly disrupt your pool’s water balance, damage surfaces, and strain equipment, especially in places like Perth, where winter showers and gusty days are common.
Understanding if it is safe to swim in a pool after rain isn’t just about today; it’s about keeping your pool healthy and your equipment protected all winter long.
How Rain Affects Your Pool in Winter
Rainwater isn’t as clean as it seems. As it falls, it picks up dust, pollen, and other pollutants from the air and surrounding surfaces. By the time it enters your pool, it can:
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Dilute sanitisers: Lower chlorine levels make it easier for bacteria and algae to develop.
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Shift pH levels: Rain is typically slightly acidic and can lower your pool’s pH, making the water more corrosive and harsh on surfaces and equipment.
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Introduce debris: Windy winter weather often blows in leaves, dirt, and sand that clog filters and consume chlorine.
In Western Australia, winter rain combined with coastal winds can bring extra sand and organic matter into your pool. Over time, this can damage surfaces, corrode metal fittings, and put extra load on your pumps and filtration system.
Even if no one is swimming, these changes can quietly create problems that are much harder (and more expensive) to fix later.
Why You Should Still Check Your Pool
While you’re probably not planning a swim right now, ignoring your pool in winter can lead to hidden issues that escalate quickly.
Unbalanced water can cause:
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Algae growth that spreads rapidly as soon as the weather warms up.
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Damage to pool finishes and internal equipment.
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Higher costs and more effort are needed to restore water quality before reopening.
A few simple checks now help avoid these headaches and keep your pool in good shape year-round.
What to Do Before Swimming
Check the Water
Look for cloudy water, discolouration, or floating debris. Even covered pools can collect fine particles and dirt blown in by the wind.
Test and Balance Chemicals
Rain affects chemical levels all year. Check:
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Chlorine: 1.5–3.0 ppm to prevent algae and bacteria.
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pH: 7.2–7.6 to protect surfaces and keep sanitiser effective.
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Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm to help stabilise pH.
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Calcium hardness: 200–225 ppm (for concrete pools) to prevent corrosion.
In WA, unexpected winter downpours make having a home test kit or regular professional check-ups essential.
Clear Out Debris
Skim off leaves and dirt, and give the walls and floor a gentle brush to prevent algae from taking hold. Even a small amount of organic matter can throw off your water balance and feed algae growth once the weather warms up.
Run the Filtration System
Let your filter run for at least 8–12 hours after heavy rain. Moving water helps keep chemicals evenly distributed and prevents ‘dead spots’ where algae and bacteria can settle.
Shock the Pool if Needed
If chlorine levels have dropped significantly or the water is cloudy, a shock treatment can help reset sanitiser levels and prevent bacteria from spreading. ‘Shocking’ means adding a high dose of chlorine or an oxidiser to bring everything back to a safe level.
Retest and Adjust
After filtering and adjustments, retest to confirm your water is balanced and stable. This step protects your surfaces and equipment and ensures a smooth transition into spring.
Why Winter Maintenance Matters
It might feel like you can switch everything off in winter, but WA’s mild climate and frequent rain mean problems can build up quietly.
Letting water chemistry slip now can result in:
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A green, algae-filled pool when spring arrives.
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Corroded pool finishes or damaged fittings.
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You might end up paying for costly repairs or adding extra chemicals before reopening.
Regular winter pool maintenance makes your pool easier to manage, protects your investment, and ensures it’s ready for the first warm days without any last-minute scrambling.
Extra Tips for an Easy Spring Start
As you get closer to spring, these habits will help you transition with less stress:
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Stick to regular testing, even if no one is swimming. Every 2–4 weeks in winter is usually enough.
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Keep debris out. Check and clear the pool after storms, even if covered.
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Brush and skim regularly to stop algae before it starts.
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Check your filters and pool equipment. Winter is an ideal time for servicing, so everything is ready when the sun comes out.
Winter Pool Care Made Simple with Pool Assist
Winter and early spring are the perfect times to get ahead of pool problems before they surprise you. A little ongoing care now saves you time, money, and stress later, and keeps your pool ready for that first warm, sunny swim.
Take the hassle out of winter pool care and get set for spring. Book your pool service with Pool Assist today and enjoy a cleaner, healthier pool.