Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean your pool gets the season off. The truth is, a bit of care over winter can save you from a green nightmare come spring.

Some Australian pool owners think that once the summer season winds up, the pool can be switched off and forgotten about until September. But that’s exactly where many common pool problems start. From forgetting to balance the water to believing pool covers do all the work, there are many winter pool maintenance myths out there can can do real damage.

So what exactly do pool owners need to do to ensure a healthy pool come spring? To set the record straight, we spoke to pool expert, David Sholl from Aiper, about exactly what you should (and shouldn’t) be doing right now to keep your pool healthy through the cooler months.

What are the long-term effects of leaving a pool untouched over winter?

Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind, especially when it comes to your pool. Leaving the pool completely untouched through winter runs the risk of it becoming a green, murky science experiment. Algae, bacteria and built-up debris don’t take a seasonal break, therefore you can end up with stained surfaces, damaged equipment or even a major clean-up bill come spring.

Remember, a little care now goes a long way later.

Does pool equipment need any specific care over the winter months?

Definitely! Just like your car, your pool gear still needs attention in the off-season, but not a lot. Empty baskets, backwash the filter now and then and make sure your pump’s still doing its thing.

Cold snaps and storms can cause sneaky damage too, so check on things after wild weather. 

Is it OK to turn equipment off for the winter months?

It might seem like a good way to save power, but fully switching everything off can cause more problems than it solves. Still water can quickly become unhealthy water – think algae growth, cloudy buildup and a blocked filter come spring.

Instead, run your system for shorter daily cycles to keep things ticking over and maintain a basic level of cleanliness. Or better yet, let a robotic pool cleaner like an Aiper Scuba S1 cordless robot handle the heavy lifting for you while you stay warm and dry.

Is any special attention required after heavy downpours, even if it’s not being used?

Yes. Rain might feel harmless, but it messes with your pool more than you’d think. It can lower chlorine levels, throw off the PH and wash in all sorts of gunk from nearby areas.

After a big downpour, check your water level, balance your chemicals and clear out any debris.

How does cold weather affect pool chemistry? Does it need different care than summer?

It does! While cooler temps slow down chemical reactions (meaning your chlorine lasts longer), your pool still needs regular checks. Rain, debris, and leaves can throw everything off. Water might look clear on the surface, but chemical balance is key behind the scenes.

A great tip for preventing any nasty green surprises when the weather warms up is to use a long-life algaecide over winter. 

Many people “cover and forget” the pool in winter – why isn’t this enough?

Covers help, but only at a very basic level, and they do not protect the pool from all of the elements, especially in extreme weather.

A pool left completely unchecked under a cover can still turn cloudy, smelly or full of sludge. Side winds blow debris in and rainwater can still seep in without you realising.

A light routine of undercover checks and debris removal makes a huge difference and if you’ve got a cordless robotic pool cleaner, it’s pretty much set-and-forget maintenance.

What’s the worst case of “winter neglect” you’ve seen as a pool specialist?

Let’s just say, some pools come out of winter looking more like ponds. One owner hadn’t touched their pool for months and had no cover, no circulation, no care taken at all. The water was dark green, the surface was slimy and the equipment was choked with leaves. It ended up costing them thousands to get it back to swimmable.

For pool owners on a budget, what’s the single most important thing to do in winter?

If you only do one thing, keep your water balanced. That means testing it every few weeks and adjusting your chemicals as needed. Balanced water helps prevent algae, scale, and expensive fixes down the track.

Bonus points for using a cover, running your filter occasionally and using a robotic pool cleaner to clean that extra debris. 

What are some eco-friendly ways to keep pools healthy during winter?

The good news is keeping your pool healthy in winter can be both low-maintenance and eco-conscious. Here are some smart steps towards a healthy pool throughout the down season:

• Use a quality cover to reduce evaporation and chemical use
• Run your pump for short cycles, just enough to keep water moving
• Let a cordless robotic cleaner like Aiper do the dirty work with minimal power use
• Stick to long-lasting products (like algaecides) so you’re not constantly re-dosing

“Small tweaks to your routine now mean a much easier and more relaxing swim season later.”

David Sholl, Country Manager at Aiper

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Do you have a winter maintenance routine in place for your pool? Leave us a comment below!