10 Common Winterising Mistakes

Pool winterising is a process that involves reducing the chlorination and filtration in your pool during the cooler months when it's not used as frequently. This can help save energy and reduce your electricity bills while ensuring your pool is ready for swimming when the weather turns warm again.

However, reducing chlorination and filtration without properly managing water balance can lead to issues such as algae growth, blackspot and mustard algae. Therefore, it's essential to maintain the pool water balance throughout the Winter and not forget about it, as this can cause the water to turn green. Neglecting to winterise the pool water can also be harmful to the pool surface and equipment, reducing their overall lifespan.

Winterising a pool can be easy, but it's crucial to do it correctly to avoid any potential issues. Making mistakes while winterising can lead to disastrous problems when you reopen your pool in Spring. Here are 10 common mistakes you should avoid when closing your pool for the Winter.

Failing to Shock Your Pool

Shocking your pool removes organic and inorganic waste, allowing your sanitiser to concentrate on killing bacteria and algae during cooler seasons.

Forgetting to Adjust the Pool pH to 7.2-7.6

To prevent the buildup of algae in your pool, it's essential to maintain a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6. You can easily check the pH level by taking a water sample from elbow-deep using the test strips and adding the necessary chemicals to adjust the level to the appropriate range.

Failing to Thoroughly Vacuum and Skim Your Pool Water for Floating and Sunken Debris

Make sure you remove all leaves and sticks from the pool, as these can leave stains if left on the bottom for too long. Don't forget to clean the skimmer baskets and pool pump baskets.

Using the Wrong Type of Algaecide

It's important to note that not all algaecides are created equal when it comes to winterising your pool. Some algaecides may not last the full three months or be able to handle the varying pH levels that can occur during the colder months. That's why it's recommended to use a specialised algaecide specifically designed for winter use. These winter algaecides often contain copper as the main active ingredient.

Not Properly Testing Your Pool Water Before Closing It

It's important to properly test your pool water using test strips or taking a water sample to your local pool shop instead of guessing.

Letting Your Phosphate Levels Get Too High

To prevent phosphate buildup in your pool, make sure you keep organic materials like leaves and yard waste out of it. These materials release phosphates into the water as they break down. Additionally, try to prevent algae buildup as much as possible. If you find that you need to remove phosphates, you can use a phosphate remover to balance your levels.

Failing to Clean Your Filter

Any grease or oil deposits will harden through Winter and make the filter harder to clean when spring rolls around.

Forgetting About Your Salt Cell

If you own a salt chlorinator, it's recommended to clean the salt cells every 3-4 months to ensure their longevity. You should keep an eye out for white calcification building up in the cell, as this indicates that it's time for a cleaning.

Failing to Secure Your Pool Cover

During the winter season, many people use bricks or stones to hold their pool cover in place. However, this is not a good idea as these items can fall into the pool and damage the liner. It is important to use water tubes or weights that are specifically designed for pool covers to avoid any potential damage.

Failing to Keep Up a Basic Maintenance Schedule

Once you've completed your winter prep, it's vital that you stick to a basic maintenance schedule to ensure your pool water is balanced and your equipment is performing properly. Once a week, do a quick visual inspection of your entire pool system.

Bottom Line

Properly winterising your pool is crucial to maintaining its cleanliness and ensuring it's ready for the next swimming season. While the steps outlined can significantly reduce the risk of common winterising mistakes, the process can be intricate and may require professional expertise for optimal results.

If you're uncertain about any aspect of the winterising process or prefer the assurance that comes with professional service, we're here to help. Connect with hundreds of local pool technicians through our Dealer Locator.