When the weather cools and the pool cover may go on, it’s easy to let pool care slide. After all, if no one’s swimming, it can feel like there’s no point running the system or checking the water.
But even in places with mild winters, like Perth, the elements still affect your swimming pool. Rain, wind, falling leaves, and even a few sunny days can quietly affect your water quality, damage pool equipment, and impact your pool surface.
The good news? Maintaining your pool through winter doesn’t take much effort. With a few consistent habits and some simple winter pool maintenance tips, you can keep your pool water clean, protect your filtration system, and avoid expensive repairs.
1. Keep Your Water Balanced
Chemical balancing is the foundation of good pool care. Even in winter, you still need to monitor your pool water, just not as frequently as you would in summer.
Here are your winter target levels:
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Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
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pH level: 7.2–7.6
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Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
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Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
Test your water every 2–4 weeks. In WA, rainfall can quickly dilute pool chemicals, disrupt your pH level, and make it easier for bacteria or algae to take hold.
Tip: Keep a test kit at home or take a sample to your local pool shop each month. Staying on top of chemical balancing is one of the most effective winter pool maintenance habits for pool owners.
2. Run Your Pump Daily
Cutting back is fine, but turning your pool pump off completely in winter isn’t. Stagnant water can quickly lead to cloudiness, bacteria, and algae.
Depending on the size of your pool, a general winter run-time guide:
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Mild regions like WA: 4 hours per day
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Cooler states: 3–4 hours
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Heated or in-use pools: 6–8 hours
Moving water is healthy water. Running your filtration system daily helps circulate sanitiser, manage debris, and prevent algae growth.
Pro tip: Consistent, short cycles are better than long, infrequent ones. It helps your pool filter and salt chlorinator operate more efficiently and keeps your pool water clean without wasting energy.
3. Clean Debris Weekly
Even with a cover, debris can sneak into your pool, especially after windy or rainy weather. Staying on top of cleaning keeps your water clear and lightens the load on your pump and filter.
Your weekly tasks should be:
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Skim the surface
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Empty skimmer and pump baskets
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Brush walls, steps, and corners
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Vacuum if needed (every few weeks)
Organic matter, like leaves and twigs, can stain pool surfaces and deplete chlorine levels. Quick weekly cleans are a smart way to maintain balance and prevent issues from building up.
4. Monitor for Algae and Cloudiness
Algae might slow down in winter, but it doesn’t disappear. Mild, sunny days, especially in uncovered pools, can still encourage growth.
Keep an eye out for:
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Green or cloudy water
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Slippery walls or floors
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Light staining around steps or corners
If you notice any of the above, act quickly. Brush affected areas thoroughly and use shock treatments to kill off blooms. Adding an algaecide early in the season can also help prevent algae growth.
Tip: Out of all the winter pool maintenance tips, staying ahead of algae is one of the most important for pool owners.
5. Maintain Your Equipment
Even if you’re running things at reduced capacity, your pool equipment still needs attention through winter. Proactive checks help you avoid breakdowns later on.
Keep your system running smoothly by:
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Backwashing or rinsing filters monthly
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Checking for leaks, wear, or corrosion
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Running heaters or solar systems occasionally to prevent a build-up
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Monitoring water levels and skimmer performance
Even during the off-season, proper equipment care plays a big part in keeping your pool clean and safe. It’s one of those winter pool maintenance tips that pays off when spring rolls around.
6. Reduce Energy Use Without Sacrificing Quality
Winter is the perfect time to scale back on energy use while still keeping your pool in great shape.
Smart energy-saving tips:
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Run the pump during daylight hours if you have solar panels
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Install a variable-speed pump to run longer, lower-energy cycles
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Keep filters clean so the system doesn’t have to work harder
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Adjust for weather: run longer after storms or heavy leaf fall
These small changes help reduce running costs while ensuring your pool stays healthy. They’re easy, effective, and part of a smart winter pool maintenance strategy.
7. Plan for Spring
Come September or October, you’ll want your pool clean, clear, and ready to go. A bit of planning now will make that transition simple.
As the weather warms up:
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Start gradually increasing filter time
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Keep an eye out for algae, bugs, and cloudiness
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Balance your water chemistry
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Remove and clean your pool cover
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Brush, skim, and vacuum thoroughly
If you’ve followed these winter pool maintenance tips, you’ll be able to dive back in with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Clean with Pool Assist
For most backyard pools in WA, sticking to a light weekly routine, like running the pump for 4 hours a day, checking water balance monthly, and keeping things clean, goes a long way in maintaining water quality all winter.
These straightforward winter pool maintenance tips help you avoid major issues, extend the life of your equipment, and save time and money in the lead-up to summer.
Keep your pool crystal clear all year with Pool Assist. From expert advice to tailored maintenance plans, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us today to book your winter service.