How to Prepare and Maintain Your Pool During Winter in Western Australia

Winter in Western Australia might not bring snow, but it still brings cooler temperatures, stormy weather and plenty of leaf litter. While your pool might not get much use during the colder months, it still needs regular care to stay clean, safe, and ready for when the warm weather returns.

Here’s your complete guide to winter pool maintenance including pH balance, skimming, brushing, filtration, and algae prevention, plus an easy seasonal checklist to keep things simple.

Why Winter Pool Maintenance Matters

Neglecting your pool during winter can lead to a build-up of debris, unbalanced water, cloudy water, algae growth, and even damage to your pool equipment. Regular upkeep now means fewer problems (and less cost) down the track when you're ready to dive back in.

1. Balance Your Water Chemistry

Keeping your water chemistry in check during winter is key to preventing algae and protecting your pool surface and equipment.

• pH Level: Aim for a pH between 7.2–7.6.
  
  
• Chlorine: Maintain chlorine at 1–3 ppm to keep bacteria at bay.
  
  
• Total Alkalinity: Should sit around 80–120 ppm.
  
  
• Calcium Hardness: Keep it within recommended range to avoid scale or corrosion.
  
  
• Stabiliser (for salt or chlorine pools): Check cyanuric acid levels to prevent chlorine loss from sunlight, even in winter.
  
  

💡 Tip: Test your water every 2–4 weeks using a reliable pool test kit or bring a sample into your local pool shop.

2. Skim, Brush and Clean

Even when your pool isn’t in use, leaves and debris still find their way in, and they can affect your water balance and stain the pool surface if left too long.

• Skim: Remove floating leaves and debris weekly.
  
  
• Brush: Scrub pool walls, steps, and tiles every 2–3 weeks to stop algae and grime from building up.
  
  
• Vacuum or robot clean: Do a deep clean once a month, especially if your pool is uncovered.
  
  

🧽 Staying on top of cleaning now makes spring opening a breeze.

3. Maintain Filtration and Circulation

You can reduce your pump run time in winter, but don’t switch it off completely.

• Run your pump and filter for 3–6 hours per day to keep the water circulating and your chemicals evenly distributed.
  
  
• Backwash or clean your filter monthly, or as needed, depending on your system.
  
  
• Check your skimmer and pump baskets and empty them regularly.
  
  

⚙️ Circulation is your pool’s best defence against algae and cloudy water in winter.

4. Use a Pool Cover

If you’ve got a pool cover — use it! A properly fitted cover can reduce evaporation, chemical loss, debris build-up, and algae growth.

• Remove any standing water and leaves from the top of the cover to prevent sagging or damage.
  
  
• If your cover’s damaged or sagging, now’s the time to inspect and replace it.
  
  

🛡️ No cover? Consider investing in one before next winter to make maintenance even easier.

5. Mid-Winter Algae Prevention

Even with less sunlight and cooler temps, algae can still thrive — especially after rain or if your chlorine levels drop.

• Shock your pool with chlorine every 4–6 weeks (or after heavy rain).
  
  
• Add a long-life winter algaecide to keep green and black algae at bay.
  
  
• Keep an eye out for cloudy patches or slimy walls, which are early signs of algae growth.
  
  

🌿 Prevention is easier than treatment! So stay on top of it during the off-season.

✅ Your Winter Pool Care Checklist

Weekly

- Skim surface

- Empty baskets

- Check pool cover

- Remove leaves/debris

Fortnightly

- Brush walls & steps

- Test pH & chlorine

- Add chlorine if needed

Monthly

- Vacuum pool

- Backwash filter

- Inspect equipment

- Shock & algaecide dose (if needed)

Quick Reminders for Winter Pool Health

• You don’t need to empty your pool for winter as it can damage your surface and structure.
  
  
• Avoid switching off your pool system completely as stagnant water invites bacteria and algae.
  
  
• Regular water testing is key, even if your pool looks clean.
  
  

Want a Hand with Your Pool This Winter?

Keeping your pool in top condition doesn’t have to be hard work. If you're ever unsure about your water balance, noticing equipment issues, or just want some advice, your local pool professionals are here to help.

👉 Have a question about winter pool care? Reach out to the CPS WA team for advice, testing, or a winter service check.

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