Most of the Southern Highlands sits 600 to 750 metres above sea level, and winter brings frosts and water that stays cold for months. Nobody is swimming, so it’s tempting to switch the pool off and forget about it. That’s usually how a green pool in spring begins.
Keep it running, just less
Cold water slows algae down, but it doesn’t stop it. Reduce your pump run times rather than turning the pump off, so water keeps circulating through the filter and sanitiser keeps reaching every corner.
Watch your salt chlorinator
Many salt cells produce less chlorine in cold water, and some reduce output automatically. Test chlorine regularly through winter, and if it’s low, top up with another sanitiser. See our salt chlorinator page if your cell is struggling.
Use a cover
A cover keeps leaves out, reduces evaporation and helps stop the water losing heat on frosty nights. Keep it clean so debris doesn’t tip into the pool when you take it off.
Keep the balance in check
Test pH, chlorine and alkalinity every couple of weeks over winter. Small corrections now are much easier than a full recovery in September.
Plan your spring start-up
Book a spring start-up before the first warm spell. If you’d rather not deal with winter at all, our fortnightly or monthly servicing covers it.