How to Winterise a Pool in Gold Coast: Step-by-Step Guide & Chemical Checklist
Same Pool, Different Season
Unlike northern-hemisphere pools that literally freeze, Aussie pools - especially here on the Gold Coast - face mild yet sneaky winter risks: lower chlorine demand, wind-blown organics, and “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” neglect. Below is our comprehensive guide to winterising, tailored for Australian conditions.
Table of Contents
Pre-Winter Equipment Check
Deep Clean & Debris Removal
Balance Like a Pro (Water Chemistry)
Winter Shock + Algaecide
Adjust Filtration & Chlorination
Cover or No Cover?
Fortnightly Quick Checks
FAQ: Chemicals, Timers & Common Mistakes
1. Pre-Winter Equipment Check
Pump – Inspect for leaks, prime loss, or strange noises.
Filter – Backwash sand or clean cartridge thoroughly.
Chlorinator Cell – Soak in a mild acid solution if calcium-crusted.
Heater – If you have a heat pump, set to idle mode or your preferred winter temp.
Tip: booking a service tech now avoids spring-time wait lists.
2. Deep Clean & Debris Removal
Brush walls, vacuum the floor, empty skimmer and pump baskets. Organic debris is food for algae and can stain plaster or fibreglass during long contact.
3. Balance Like a Pro
Australian standards suggest:
| Parameter | Ideal Range (Winter) |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.2 – 7.6 |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 – 120 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | 200 – 400 ppm |
| Cyanuric Acid (Stabiliser) | 30 – 50 ppm |
| Free Chlorine | 2 ppm (minimum) |
Balancing prevents surface etching, scale, and equipment corrosion.
4. Winter Shock + Algaecide
Raise chlorine to 10 ppm overnight (pump running).
Next morning, add a copper-based winter algaecide - it stays active for up to 90 days.
Run pump 24 hrs for complete circulation.
5. Adjust Filtration & Chlorination
Filter timer: 4–6 hrs total (split morning/evening).
Salt chlorinator: dial output down to 30–60 %.
Liquid/granular chlorine users: test weekly and dose small amounts rather than one big hit.
6. Cover or No Cover?
A pool blanket reduces evaporation and keeps leaves out. BUT it also traps chemicals; monitor chlorine each fortnight and reduce output if you smell strong chlorine when lifting the cover.
7. Fortnightly Quick Checks
Visual: water clarity, surface debris
Chlorine & pH test kit
Empty baskets
Listen for unusual pump sounds
5 minutes now beats 5 hours later.
8. Winterise FAQ
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| What chemicals are essential? | Balancing chemicals + long-life algaecide. |
| Can I switch everything off? | No. Minimal circulation prevents algae & equipment seizure. |
| Do I need to lower water level? | Only in freeze zones (not SE QLD). |
| Proper way to winterise a pool? | Clean → balance → shock → algaecide → adjust timers → monitor. |
Let the Pros Handle It
If that checklist feels like homework, let Ashmore Pools handle the heavy lifting. Our Fixed-Price Winter Pool Service ($149 inc. GST, chemicals included) covers:
Water balance & test
Equipment run-time optimisation
Long-life winter algaecide
3-month protection & report
Secure your winter booking here or phone 07 5539 6744 - then kick back and enjoy your stress-free off-season.
Closing Thoughts
Winterising a pool in Australia is less about ice and more about balance, circulation, and prevention. Follow the steps above - or call in our local experts - and you’ll greet spring with crystal-clear water instead of a chemistry headache.
