Don't Ignore Your Pool in Winter
Don't Hide from Your Pool This Winter – It's Easier Than You Think!
The surprising truth about winter pool care that could save you hundreds
Let's be honest – when those first chilly mornings hit Perth, your pool suddenly becomes invisible, doesn't it?
We get it. At Poolwise Padbury, we see it every year. As soon as the temperature drops, pool covers appear, doors stay closed, and backyards become forgotten zones. You're definitely not alone – most of our customers do exactly the same thing!
But here's the plot twist: winter is actually when your pool needs you most, and ironically, when it's easiest to look after.
The Great Winter Pool Paradox
Think about it – while you're hiding indoors avoiding your pool, nature certainly isn't. Leaves are falling, algae spores are floating in on the wind, and minerals are slowly building up on your surfaces. That pristine pool you abandoned in May? By September, it could cost you hundreds in shock treatments and acid washes to bring it back to life.
The cruel irony? If you'd spent just 10 minutes a week during winter, you'd save yourself all that drama (and expense) come summer.
What Your Pool Actually Needs This Winter
Forget what you think you know about pool maintenance. Winter care isn't about daily testing and endless chemical balancing. Here's the truth:
1. Run Your Pump (But Less)
You don't need 8 hours a day in winter. Cut it back to 3-4 hours and let your timer do the work. This gentle circulation prevents stagnant water and algae blooms without wrecking your power bill.
💡 Pro tip: Split the run time – 2 hours morning, 2 hours afternoon. Better circulation, same cost.
2. Test Fortnightly (Not Daily)
Every two weeks, spend 5 minutes testing your water. That's it. We recommend using Lo-Chlor 6-in-1 Test Strips – quick, easy, and tells you everything you need to know:
- pH level
- Total alkalinity
- Chlorine
- Calcium hardness
- Cyanuric acid
- Total bromine
Stick the strip in your pool, wait 15 seconds, compare the colours. Done. Winter's slow metabolism means fortnightly testing is plenty to stay on top of things.
3. Keep Your Chlorine Steady
Your pool still needs sanitiser, just not as much. A Lo-Chlor Sunshield Stabilised Chlorine tablet in your skimmer basket once a week is often enough. The colder water means chlorine lasts longer – nature's doing half the work for you.
If you prefer liquid, Lo-Chlor Sodagold Liquid Chlorine gives you more control. Add weekly rather than daily.
4. Balance pH Monthly
Test it fortnightly, adjust it monthly (if needed). If pH creeps up, add Lo-Chlor pH Down. If it drops too low, Lo-Chlor pH Up brings it back. Simple.
5. Skim and Brush Fortnightly
Yes, even in winter. 10 minutes every two weeks to remove leaves and brush the walls prevents staining and algae from getting a foothold. Do it while the sun's out – you might even enjoy being outside!
6. Run a Clarifier Monthly
Once a month, add Lo-Chlor Ultra Clear or Aqua Clear to keep your water crystal clear. It clumps tiny particles together so your filter can catch them. Your pool will look amazing even though nobody's swimming.
The Secret Weapon: Winter Pool Enzymes
Here's something most pool owners don't know about – enzyme-based products are absolute game-changers in winter.
Lo-Chlor Ezy Enzyme breaks down organic waste (leaves, pollen, body oils from your last swim) naturally, reducing the load on your chlorine and filter. Add it monthly and watch your pool practically maintain itself.
Think of it as having a microscopic clean-up crew working 24/7 while you're inside watching Netflix.
What Happens If You Actually Do Hide?
We're not here to scare you, but let's talk reality. If you completely neglect your pool from May to September:
- ❌ Black spot algae can establish itself in your plaster (costs $400-800 to treat properly)
- ❌ Mustard algae can take over your floor (multiple shock treatments needed)
- ❌ Calcium buildup on tiles and salt cells (expensive acid washes required)
- ❌ Green swamp pool come September (shock treatments, multiple filter cleanings, maybe even a drain)
- ❌ Equipment damage from stagnant, unbalanced water
Total Cost to Recover
$500 - $2,000+
Cost of Winter Maintenance
~$100
The maths isn't complicated.
"But I'll Remember to Do It..."
Will you though? Let's be realistic – you've got work, kids, life happening. Winter pool care is easy to put off until suddenly it's November and you've got a swamp.
Here's where we come in.
At Poolwise Padbury, we can set up regular SMS or email reminders based on what YOUR pool needs. Some customers want weekly reminders, others prefer fortnightly or monthly. You tell us what works for you.
We can remind you to:
- Test your water
- Check your chlorine level
- Clean your filter
- Add clarifier
- Run your pump settings check
- Basically anything you need!
No pressure, no obligation – just friendly reminders so your pool doesn't become your spring nightmare project. And remember, you're not alone – we have plenty of customers who appreciate these nudges to stay on track!
The Bottom Line
Your pool doesn't go on holiday just because summer's over. But the good news? Winter maintenance is actually the easiest and cheapest time to look after it.
10 minutes a week beats 10 hours of crisis management in spring.
Don't hide from your pool this winter. Embrace it. Stay on top of it. And come September, when everyone else is frantically trying to resurrect their green lagoons, you'll be swimming in crystal clear water while they're still shocking and scrubbing.
Ready to make winter pool care actually happen?
Visit Poolwise Padbury to stock up on your Lo-Chlor winter essentials, or swing by our store in Padbury. We'll help you build a simple winter maintenance plan that actually fits your life.
Want those reminder nudges?
Contact us and we'll set you up with our customer reminder service – because life's too short to remember everything yourself!
Your future self will thank you. Probably from the comfort of a perfectly maintained pool next summer.
