As winter is well and truly here, it becomes critical to maintain your pool properly to protect your investment and ensure a hassle-free reopening in the spring. Cold weather, debris, and reduced usage can cause algae buildup, stains, or equipment damage if you don’t winterise your pool correctly. Whether you face a harsh freeze, inclement weather or a mild winter, follow these ten essential tips to keep your pool in excellent shape and also protect your own health.
1. Thoroughly clean the pool before closing.
Give your pool a deep clean before winterising to prevent debris from causing stains or algae growth. Use a skimmer to remove floating debris, and brush the walls and floor to loosen buildup. This step prevents problems during the dormant months.
2. Use the Aiper Cordless Pool Cleaner.
Use the Aiper pool cleaner to make deep cleaning your pool easier. Aiper’s cordless robotic cleaners tackle dirt, leaves, and algae on both the floor and walls. With intelligent route planning and powerful suction, Aiper makes pre-winter cleanup nearly effortless, and you can even perform mid-winter touch-ups during warmer spells. These modern-day marvels of the pool are now essential to non-intrusive pool cleaning year-round. The Scuba S1 (pictured below) is a great all-around unit, but the company has many products that will suit your individual pool needs. Say goodbye to pesky hoses and make this winter the perfect time to start your next-generation pool cleaning routine.
3. Balance the water chemistry.
Test and adjust the chemical levels before closing your pool. Aim for these levels:
pH: 7.4–7.6
Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
Calcium hardness: 200–400 ppm
Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
Properly balanced water prevents corrosion, scaling, and algae growth during winter.
4. Shock the pool.
Add shock treatment to provide an extra layer of sanitation, killing remaining contaminants. Use chlorine or non-chlorine shock, depending on your pool type. Run the pump for at least 24 hours afterwards to distribute the shock evenly.
5. Lower the water level.
Reduce the water level below the skimmer to prevent freeze damage. Adjust water bags or weights on your pool cover accordingly, so it doesn’t overflow or strain during rain or snow.
6. Drain and store pool equipment.
Drain water from pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators. Freezing water causes cracks. Store portable equipment like ladders, diving boards, and floats in a dry place to protect them from weather-related wear and tear.
7. Add a winterising algaecide.
Use algaecide to keep the pool water clear throughout the off-season. Add it just before covering the pool to defend against algae blooms.
8. Use a durable pool cover.
Choose a sturdy, well-fitting pool cover to keep out debris, UV rays, and animals. Make sure it’s anchored securely to prevent sagging or tearing, especially during windy or snowy weather, and to avoid any impact from local wildlife.
9. Periodically check the pool.
Even during winter, check your pool every few weeks. Look for signs of damage to the cover, water chemistry changes, or unusual water levels. Use your Aiper cleaner on milder days for touch-ups without fully reopening the pool.
10. Plan for a smooth spring opening.
Maintain a well-kept winter pool to make spring reopening easier. Keep a checklist ready and ensure your Aiper pool cleaner is charged and prepared for the first spring cleaning session.
Winter pool maintenance might seem like a chore, but using smart tools like the Aiper pool cleaner speeds up and simplifies the process. Spending a little time now guarantees your pool remains crystal-clear and swim-ready when the warm months return.
Recommendations serve as a guide to help you keep your pool healthy during winter. Always check your local conditions and consult your pool supplies dealer for advice tailored to your situation.
Our friends at Aiper have supplied a Aiper Scuba S1 unit to AustralianSenior.com for review.
Robert is the founder of AustralianSenior.com.
He studied Journalism and Marketing at USC and TV Presentation at NIDA. He is passionate about advocating for seniors and presenting non-biased, fact-based news to enable those over 50 to thrive in an increasingly complicated digital world. He covers all areas of life and style, from pop culture to the economy and travel to events. If it's worth reading, it's worth writing about.
He loves to travel the globe and is a recently diagnosed, late-in-life Type One Diabetic.