How to Winterise Your Pool: Essential Tips for a Trouble-Free Off-Season
As the cooler months settle into Adelaide, now is the perfect time to start thinking about winterising your pool. Winterising helps protect your pool and equipment during the off-season, saving you time, money, and hassle when it’s time to dive back in next summer.
Here’s your essential step-by-step guide to properly winterising your pool for the colder months.
1. Give Your Pool a Deep Clean
Before shutting things down, give your pool a thorough clean.
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Brush the walls and floor to remove algae spores and debris.
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Vacuum the pool thoroughly to eliminate dirt that may fuel algae growth.
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Skim the surface and empty skimmer and pump baskets.
Why it matters: Starting with a clean pool prevents staining, scale buildup, and algae outbreaks during winter.
2. Balance Your Water Chemistry
Properly balanced water is crucial for protecting your pool’s surface and equipment through winter.
Key levels to check:
Key levels to check:
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pH: 7.2–7.6
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Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
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Calcium Hardness: 180–250 ppm
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Chlorine or Sanitiser: Within normal range
Add a winter algaecide and phosphate remover to help keep the water clear and prevent blooms during inactivity.
3. Lower the Water Level Slightly
You don’t need to drain your pool, but you should lower the water level just below the skimmer to prevent freeze or overflow damage (especially if your area gets heavy rain or frost).
Important: If your pool has a vinyl liner or fibreglass shell, consult your technician before adjusting water levels too low — it can cause damage.
4. Clean and Store Equipment
Disconnect, clean, and dry your pool accessories:
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Store items like pool toys, ladders, and cleaning equipment in a dry space.
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Backwash your filter system and empty pump and chlorinator baskets.
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Turn off timers and ensure your pump and filter system are dry and free of water to prevent freezing damage.
If you’re using a robotic cleaner, give it a thorough rinse and store it out of direct sunlight.
5. Cover Up Your Pool
A good-quality winter pool cover makes all the difference.
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Keeps leaves, debris, and sunlight out
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Reduces evaporation and chemical loss
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Acts as a safety barrier for children or pets
Make sure your cover fits snugly and is secured with weights or ties — gaps or sagging can lead to trapped debris and algae growth.
6. Keep an Eye on Things During Winter
Winterising doesn’t mean forgetting!
Check your pool every few weeks for:
Check your pool every few weeks for:
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Water level changes
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Debris buildup
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Any signs of algae or staining
Top up chemicals as needed, especially after heavy rainfall. This ensures your pool remains clean, balanced, and easy to reopen.
7. Book a Winter Pool Service (We Can Help!)
Not sure where to start, or just want peace of mind? Book a Winter Pool Care Service with Century Pools & Spas.
We’ll take care of the testing, balancing, cleaning, and equipment prep — so your pool stays healthy all winter and is ready to swim as soon as the weather warms up.
We’ll take care of the testing, balancing, cleaning, and equipment prep — so your pool stays healthy all winter and is ready to swim as soon as the weather warms up.
Wishing you a warm, worry-free winter,
The Century Pools & Spas Team
The Century Pools & Spas Team
📞 (08) 7225 0887
📧 shop@centurypoolservices.com.au
📧 shop@centurypoolservices.com.au