How to care for your swimming pool in winter - Victoria
Your pool will require some adjustments during the colder months. This will help you save money and keep your pool in perfect working order ready for next summer. Whatever you do, do not switch off your pool system, doing this will cause algae to grow and dirt to accumulate which will involve heavy and expensive cleaning come next summer. The best way to look after your pool is to follow the next few steps below and continue to get your water professionally analysed each month. Here at Rippleside Pools we offer free pool chemistry analysis, just bring in a small sample of your pool water and make sure the sample is from the same day the water is tested. Monthly checks help to secure your pool shell warranty and to make sure your pool water is healthy.
General pool clean
Firstly, give your pool a good general clean and scrub to remove any dirt and grime. Use your pool brush to scrub the pool walls and floor. This helps to prevent the build-up of scum and algae and stops it spreading. Use the net to collect any leaves, sticks and debris from your pool. You can also use your robotic cleaner to give your pool a deeper clean. Make sure to check and empty your pool skimmer basket regularly.
During winter in Victoria we recommend you turn your chlorinator down to half what it is currently set at (usually set at 2-3 Parts per million PPM, so in winter reduce to 1-2PPM). Then after 1 week get a pool water test, we do this FREE instore. The water balance test will allow us to know what levels your chlorine is at and the best percentage to set your pool chlorinator for winter months.
Note: The PPM will differ depending on your chlorinator or sanitisation system. Please check your chlorinator device.
Heat Pump
If you are not using your heat pump during the winter months, we recommend turning it off and isolating your heat pump. See Oasis product manuals for further information Our Products Warranties and Manuals | Sunlover Heating
Filter Check and Clean
As part of your winter maintenance routine, you should check your pool filter. Clean out any dirt or debris that may be lodged in your filter. You should have been shown how to do this when your pool was installed but if you have forgotten, you can see more information on how to clean your pool filter HERE
Removing Ground Water
Water can build up outside the pool shell and it is important to monitor this after installation and should be part of your winter and ongoing maintenance. Your pool installer should have installed an atmosphere pipe that comes to the ground surface that you can easily access. You can see down this pipe to gauge how much ground water is outside your pool. Heavy rain fall can lead to excess ground water. This water must be removed with a pump to avoid any movement or damage to the pool shell.
Pool Blanket
A pool blanket can help keep debris out of pool water, heat the pool water in the warmer months and can reduce water evaporation from your pool. A pool blanket can be left on your pool long term HOWEVER, we recommend regular monthly pool water test to make sure your chemical levels are balanced.
Leaving a pool blanket on means that pool chemicals such as chlorine cannot be evaporated for the pool and can build up leading to high levels. High levels of chlorine for example will change the chemical balance of your pool. Regular water tests are essential.
Disclaimer: Each pool installation is different, and pool, filtration, heating, and chlorination systems can vary, so please make sure to check with your pool specialist before following any of the above information.
