Easter is the unofficial starting gun for winter pool care in Australia. The good news? Maintaining your pool through the cooler months is less demanding than peak summer — you just need a slightly different rhythm. The goal stays the same: keep the water sanitised, balanced, and clean so there's nothing to do when the warm weather arrives except dive in.
Must Do
Essential Seasonal Tasks
Dial back the chlorinator
Reduce daily chlorinator run time to around 4 hours in winter. Bump it to 6 hours during the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring, when temperatures are still fluctuating.
Cover the pool
Fit a pool blanket or leaf cover as soon as regular swimming stops. Covers cut evaporation significantly, keep debris out, and reduce the chemical load on the water — all of which makes maintenance easier.
Add a winterising algaecide
Apply a quality winterising algaecide once you've stopped swimming regularly. It works to keep the water clear and algae-free over the cooler months with minimal ongoing effort.
Weekly
Weekly Duties
Skim out leaves and debris
Even with a cover on, debris finds a way in — especially on windy days. A quick skim each week keeps the pool looking clean and prevents organic matter from affecting water chemistry.
Empty the skimmer basket
A clogged skimmer basket restricts water flow through your filtration system. Clearing it weekly is one of the easiest things you can do to protect your pump and keep the water circulating properly.
Tidy the pool surrounds
Sweep the deck and clear any leaves, mulch, or garden debris from around the pool edge. What sits around the pool eventually ends up in it.
Check the water level
Water level should sit mid-skimmer. Too low and you risk damaging the pump; too high and the skimmer door won't work as intended. Winter rain can push levels up quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Monthly
Monthly Responsibilities
Test the water chemistry
Test every four weeks — and always after heavy rainfall, which can rapidly alter pH and chlorine levels. A balanced pool in winter is far easier to manage than one that's gone green by September.
Test and control phosphate levels
High phosphates are a key driver of algae growth. Testing monthly and treating when needed keeps algae from gaining a foothold — even in cooler water temperatures.
Brush pool walls and floor
Brushing the surfaces monthly disrupts early algae growth and prevents staining. Pay particular attention to corners, steps, and behind ladders where circulation is lower.
Inspect pool equipment
Give your pool cleaner, chlorinator, pump, and hoses a once-over each month. Winter is the ideal time to catch and fix any issues before the busy season — parts and technicians are easier to come by when demand is lower.
As Needed
Occasional Care
Clean the chlorinator cell
Calcium and mineral deposits on the cell blades reduce efficiency over time. This isn't a set-and-forget schedule — inspect the cell periodically and clean it when you notice buildup forming.
Service or backwash the filter
Cartridge filters may need cleaning; sand filters need backwashing. Frequency depends on your filter type and usage — check manufacturer guidelines and action it as required to maintain filtration efficiency.
Winter pool care doesn't have to be a chore. Stick to this checklist and you'll spend far less time fixing problems in spring than you would if you let things slide. Need supplies to see you through winter? Browse our full range of pool chemicals, covers, and maintenance products — we're here to help across Australia.
