As winter approaches, many pool owners may be tempted to forget their pool maintenance routine and simply leave it unmaintained until warmer weather returns. However, continuing to maintain your swimming pool during the winter months can actually provide significant benefits in the long run to both the cost of your pool care and the lifespan of your pool and its equipment. In this blog, we will explore what pool maintenance looks like over the cooler months and how you can save yourself money with your swimming pool during winter.

Firstly, why not switch the pool off over winter, I am not swimming anyway!

This is a great question, and while we completely understand the thought process of this – saving money on power without it running, reducing the cost of servicing and chemicals if you cancel your servicing and stop maintaining the pool. Lets explore some of the issues this is likely to cause….

A swimming pool is a significant investment that adds value to your property. Neglecting pool maintenance during winter can result in costly repairs and damage to your pool, which can decrease its lifespan and reduce its value. By investing a little time and effort in winter pool maintenance, you can protect your investment and ensure your pool remains in top condition for years to come. Neglecting pool maintenance during winter can also result in a big clean up job when spring arrives. Leaves, debris, and other organic matter can accumulate in your pool, making it difficult to clean and balance the water chemistry. This can result in additional time, effort, and money spent on cleaning and restoring your pool in the spring. By continuing to maintain your pool during winter, you can minimize the cleanup effort in the spring and enjoy a clean, clear pool when warmer weather returns.

Algae growth can be a common problem in swimming pools, even during winter. While algae may not be as visible during colder months, it can still grow and thrive in your pool if not properly maintained. Algae can cause discoloration, affect water quality, and create an unsightly appearance. Regular pool maintenance during winter, such as checking and adjusting chemical levels, can prevent algae growth and save you from dealing with a major algae problem in the spring.

If you are wanting to reduce the running costs of your pool over winter while you are not swimming a number of things can be done, follow these simple steps to keep your pool in tip top condition and save money too!

Maintain Water Balance: Proper water balance is crucial for the health and safety of swimmers, as well as the longevity of your pool shell and equipment. During winter, the water temperature in your pool can drop, which can affect the water chemistry. Regular testing and adjusting of pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels can help maintain proper water balance and prevent issues like corrosion, scaling, and cloudy water. It’s important to keep a close eye on your pool’s water chemistry even during winter to avoid costly repairs.
TIP: We recommend visiting your local pool shop for FREE instore water testing at least every 4 weeks over winter.

Reducing Chlorination: Often in the early parts of Winter, those who have not had their pool water tested for some time will often find their chlorine levels excessively high – your local pool shop will be able to advise how to adjust your chlorinator settings for the time of year against your results most effectively. High chlorine levels can also be detrimental to your pool shell and equipment and in particular for the underside of pool covers.
TIP: Reducing chlorination levels will allow for longer life from your chlorinator. We always recommend checking with a pool professional about what settings are best for your pool.

Reducing Running Time: Throughout the cooler months, reducing the run time of your filtration system is a viable way to reduce the running costs of your pool , we always recommend having your chlorine levels checked prior to reducing these to ensure water chemistry is kept in balance.

TIP: Visit your local pool shop for FREE instore water testing at least every 4 weeks over winter, so they can advise on how much to turn your equipment down by, to save you both money on power and longevity of the life of your equipment.

Algaecide: Utilising a quality algaecide over winter can be a great way to prevent algae, while reducing the amount of maintenance required over the winter months. Always be sure to check with a pool professional before applying this product as there are different algaecides suited to different pool types.
TIP: If you have a pool technician service your pool on a regular basis – we recommend 4 weekly over winter depending on your pools needs – ask  your technician about winterising the pool (adding a suitable algaecide), which may also allow you to stretch out the regularity of your servicing.

In conclusion, maintaining your swimming pool during winter does not have to be costly but it is important and also beneficial in the long run.  Following these tips will help protect your investment, prevent algae growth, maintain water balance, save money during the winter months and save time and money in the spring. So, don’t overlook your pool during the winter months and always remember if you’re ever unsure or need more advice with your pool care, be sure to contact us at Aura Pool Shop – 1/19 Edison Crescent Baringa