What Does “Winterising” a Swimming Pool Mean – And Why Should You Care?
The Winter Trap Most Pool Owners Fall Into
It happens every year on the Gold Coast: the moment the mercury drops, we zip up our hoodies, the pool cover goes on, and the pump timer gets ignored (or switched off altogether). Fast-forward to September and … surprise, your once-sparkling pool is pea-soup green and your filter’s begging for mercy.
That nightmare is exactly what winterising your swimming pool is designed to prevent. In this post we’ll unpack what winterising really means, why it matters - even in a mild coastal climate - and how proper off-season care can save you time, money, and heartache next spring.
1. Winterising Explained in Plain English
Winterising = Adjusting how you circulate, sanitise, and balance your pool during the cooler months so algae can’t bloom, equipment doesn’t seize, and energy bills stay sane.
Key elements include:
| Element | Summer Setting | Winter Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration run time | 8–10 hrs/day (peak heat) | 4–6 hrs/day (cool temps = slower algae) |
| Sanitiser output | 100% (salt chlorinator / chlorine) | 30–60% (maintain 2 ppm free chlorine) |
| Algaecide | Optional shock treatments | Long-life winter algaecide |
| Water balance checks | Weekly | Fortnightly (but don’t skip them) |
2. Why Bother? Four Hidden Costs of Skipping Winter Care
Green-Pool Recovery Bills – A severe bloom can chew through $200+ in chemicals and labour.
Equipment Damage – Pumps left idle can seize; heaters can corrode if pH drifts. Replacement cost? Four figures.
Surface Staining & Etching – Unbalanced water leaches minerals, leaving permanent scars on fibreglass, pebblecrete, or tiles.
Energy Shock Later – Running pumps and chlorinators flat-out in spring to “catch up” devours more power than modest winter filtration.
3. Winterising Myths We Hear All the Time
Myth vs Reality
“Cold water kills algae.”
Algae just slows down, it doesn’t die. Give it nutrients and it will party.“I’ll just throw a pool blanket on and forget it.”
Blankets trap heat and contaminants. You still need sanitiser and balance checks.“Turning equipment off saves the most money.”
Short-cycle filtration (4–6 hrs) consumes far less power than a 10-day green-pool shock treatment.
4. The Ashmore Pools Fixed-Price Solution ($149 inc. GST)
If you’d rather not juggle test kits and timer settings yourself, we offer a Fixed Price Winter Pool Service that:
Tests & balances water (chemicals included)
Adjusts equipment run times for energy savings
Adds a long-life winter algaecide (3-month protection)
Provides a condition report so you know exactly where things stand
One visit, three months of protection - no nasty spring surprises.
5. Quick DIY Checklist for the Keen Pool Owner
Brush & vacuum walls/floor to remove biofilm.
Backwash or hose-out your filter.
Test pH, alkalinity, calcium, stabiliser; balance to 7.2–7.6 pH.
Shock to 10 ppm free chlorine, run pump 24 hrs.
Add winter algaecide (follow label dosage).
Reset timers: 2–3 hrs morning + 2–3 hrs evening.
Check water fortnightly; top-up chemicals if needed.
Conclusion – Protect Now, Swim Sooner
Winterising isn’t complicated, but it’s crucial. A few proactive steps - or a single fixed-price visit from Ashmore Pools - keep your pool clear, equipment healthy, and power bills in check. Spend a little time now, enjoy a hassle-free dive the moment spring sunshine returns.
Need help winterising your pool? Book our $149 service here or call 07 5539 6744 for friendly advice.
