June 30, 2025 - PoolBot

Swimming pools are one of the best parts of living in Australia. Whether you’re splashing around in the summer heat or enjoying a peaceful view in winter, a clean pool makes all the difference. But with the changing seasons, cleaning the swimming pool needs more than just scooping out leaves.

This guide will walk you through how to clean a pool in Australia—step by step—adjusted for every season. Whether you’re a new pool owner or someone who’s tired of guessing, this article is for you.

Summer Pool Cleaning: High Use, High Maintenance

1. Skim the Surface Daily

Summer means more swimming, which also means more dirt, sunscreen, and debris. Use a skimmer net to remove floating leaves, insects, and any other debris daily. It helps stop buildup before it sinks.

2. Brush the Walls and Floor Weekly

Brushing the pool sides and bottom prevents algae and stains. Use a nylon-bristle brush for concrete pools and a softer one for vinyl or fiberglass.

3. Vacuum Twice a Week

Manual or robotic pool vacuums help clean up the dirt and debris that sinks. This keeps the water clear and reduces pressure on your pool filter.

4. Check and Balance Water Chemistry

Check pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium levels at least twice a week. In summer, pool water evaporates faster, which changes the chemical balance.

1. pH: 7.2 – 7.6

2. Free Chlorine: 1 – 3 ppm

3. Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm

5. Run the Filter Longer

Because of higher pool usage, run your pool filter for 8–10 hours daily in summer. Clean the filter cartridges or backwash sand filters weekly.

Autumn Pool Cleaning: Preparing for Cooler Days

Leaves, pollen, and cooler evenings bring new cleaning challenges.

1. Use a Pool Cover When Not in Use

As trees start to shed, using a pool cover reduces the mess. It also keeps your water warmer and chemical levels balanced longer.

2. Clear Skimmer and Pump Baskets

Check baskets twice a week. Fallen leaves can clog them quickly in autumn.

3. Lower Water Temperature Means Less Chlorine Use

Since algae grows slower in cooler water, you can reduce chlorine levels slightly, but still maintain hygiene.

4. Continue Weekly Brushing and Vacuuming

Don’t skip vacuuming just because swimming reduces. Algae and dirt can still build up and get worse by winter.

5. Check Water Levels

If rainfall increases in your area, keep an eye on water levels. Drain any excess to avoid overflowing.

Winter Pool Cleaning: Low Use, But Not No Use

Some Aussies cover their pools entirely in winter. Others keep it running. Either way, basic cleaning is still necessary.

1. Reduce Filtration Time

Cut filter run time to 4–6 hours daily, depending on water clarity. If the pool is covered and unused, run it every few days.

2. Clean After Storms

Winter storms can blow debris and dust into your pool. After heavy rain or winds, skim, vacuum, and rebalance your water chemistry.

3. Use a Winterising Chemical Kit

A winterising kit includes algaecide, scale inhibitors, and chlorine tablets. This keeps your pool clean and reduces algae risk during off-season.

4. Monitor Water Chemistry Monthly

You won’t need to test weekly, but check once every 3–4 weeks to ensure levels are stable. Cold water still needs balance to stay clean.

5. Keep Pool Covered or Fenced

Safety first. If your pool is not in use, a secured pool cover or fencing is important to prevent accidents and reduce dirt accumulation.

Spring Pool Cleaning: Getting Ready for the Swim Season

Spring means warmer days and time to prep your pool for summer fun.

1. Remove the Cover and Clean It

If you’ve used a pool cover in winter, remove it carefully and clean it. Allow it to dry before storing to prevent mould.

2. Shock the Pool

“Shocking” means adding a high dose of chlorine to kill bacteria and algae. Do this when reopening your pool for use.

3. Deep Clean

Brush the pool walls, vacuum thoroughly, and clean out skimmer baskets. A deep spring clean ensures fresh start for the swim season.

4. Refill Water if Needed

Evaporation and maintenance may have lowered your water level. Fill the pool back to halfway up the skimmer box.

5. Restart Filtration System Fully

Run the filter for at least 8 hours a day and monitor the water’s clarity. Replace or clean filters if clogged.

Essential Tools for Cleaning the Swimming Pool

1. Skimmer Net – For daily debris collection

2. Pool Brush – Prevents algae buildup

3. Vacuum (Manual or Robotic) – For thorough floor cleaning

4. Water Test Kit – pH and chlorine checking

5. Leaf Rake – For heavy-duty autumn leaf removal

6. Filter Cleaner – Keeps pump system running efficiently

Pro Tips for Aussie Pool Owners

1. Use Pool Alarms or Motion Sensors: In stormy or windy areas, they notify when debris enters.

2. Install a Pool Blanket Roller: Makes it easier to cover and uncover your pool.

3. Schedule Monthly Professional Service: Even with DIY cleaning, a monthly check by an expert helps keep long-term costs down.

4. Keep a Logbook: Track cleaning dates, chemical adjustments, and filter changes for better maintenance.

Cleaning the swimming pool might sound like a chore, but with a clear, seasonal routine, it becomes a simple part of home care. By understanding how to clean your pool in Australia—from summer heatwaves to winter storms—you ensure your pool stays beautiful, safe, and ready whenever you are.

Don’t wait for algae or dirty water to remind you. Stick to this seasonal guide and enjoy crystal-clear water all year round.

Australia’s swimming season may slow down in winter, but your pool still needs attention. Neglecting care during the colder months can result in algae growth, damaged equipment, and expensive cleaning work when summer returns. Whether you have a backyard plunge pool or a full-size lap pool, understanding how to care for it through winter is essential for its longevity and cleanliness.

This guide walks through key steps to manage your pool during winter in Australia, ensuring it’s ready for action when the warmer days return.

Why Off-Season Pool Care Matters?

Even when unused, a pool remains exposed to environmental elements like dust, rain, and falling leaves. Without regular upkeep, water chemistry becomes unbalanced, surfaces accumulate grime, and equipment may deteriorate.

Taking preventive measures during winter can:

1. Minimise costly repairs

2. Extend pool equipment life

3. Reduce summer prep time

4. Keep water in better condition

Prepare Early: The Best Time to Start

The best time to begin your winter preparation is in late autumn, before temperatures drop too low. This ensures you can complete all necessary checks and adjustments in mild weather, making the process easier and more efficient.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winter Pool Preparation

1. Balance the Water Chemistry

Before the season changes, check pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Keeping water balanced protects your pool’s surface and prevents scale buildup or corrosion.

Recommended levels:

A) pH: 7.2 – 7.6

B) Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm

C) Calcium Hardness: 200 – 275 ppm

Add winter algaecide and shock treatment if necessary, particularly if the pool isn’t covered year-round.

2. Deep Clean the Pool

Use a leaf net or skimmer to remove floating debris. Vacuum the base to pick up dirt and brush the walls to prevent algae. This reduces contaminants and ensures better chemical efficiency.

Also, clean the skimmer basket and pool filter. A thorough clean before shutdown will save hours of work post-winter.

Covering Your Pool for the Cold Months

Installing a pool cover is one of the simplest ways to protect your water and surface during winter. In Australia, where debris can accumulate due to frequent storms or strong winds, a durable cover helps reduce maintenance time and chemical use.

Types of Pool Covers:

A) Solid covers: Best for keeping out sunlight and debris

B) Mesh covers: Allow drainage but may let some dirt through

C) Automatic covers: Convenient but more expensive

Make sure the cover fits tightly, without gaps that allow leaves, bugs, or rainwater to enter.

Winter Pool Pump and Filter Maintenance

If you’re choosing to keep your system running on a reduced schedule during winter, set the pump to run for 2–4 hours daily. This ensures water circulation and prevents stagnation.

For those opting to shut the pool down entirely, clean and dry the filter and pump, and consider professional help to prevent internal freeze damage—even though Australian winters rarely freeze water solid, regions like Canberra or elevated areas can be at slight risk.

Should You Close the Pool Completely?

Some Australian pool owners prefer to “winterize” by fully closing the pool. Others keep it running on minimal operation. Both options are valid; the choice depends on location, pool usage, and weather.

Closing Down the Pool:

1. Backwash the filter

2. Lower water level below the skimmer

3. Add appropriate chemicals (shock, algaecide, scale preventer)

4. Disconnect and store equipment

5. Cover the pool tightly

Partial operation, on the other hand, requires weekly or fortnightly checks but allows easier reopening in spring.

Handling Pool Cleaning After Winter

When spring arrives, it’s tempting to jump in right away—but cleaning is necessary first.

Here’s how to clean the pool after winter:

1. Remove the cover and rinse it before storing

2. Skim, vacuum, and brush the pool thoroughly

3. Reconnect equipment if disconnected

4. Test water chemistry and adjust accordingly

5. Run the pump for at least 24–48 hours before swimming

If water clarity is poor, use a flocculant or clarifier to gather fine particles for easier removal.

Simple Tips for Effortless Pool Care

Keeping your pool healthy during winter doesn’t require daily checks.

Follow these easy pool maintenance habits:

1. Inspect the cover regularly for rips or water pooling

2. Check chlorine levels fortnightly if the system is running

3. Remove any floating debris before it settles

4. Keep the pump timer consistent

These small efforts can make a big difference in how your pool performs once warm weather returns.

Mistakes to Avoid During the Off-Season

Even experienced pool owners sometimes make winter care mistakes.

Avoid these common errors:

1. Skipping the chemical check before covering

2. Leaving the pump off for months without proper shutdown

3. Using the wrong type of cover or not securing it

4. Neglecting filter cleaning

5. Failing to lower water level if closing the pool completely

Being aware of these issues can save money and time down the line.

Regional Considerations for Australian Pool Owners

Australia’s varied climate means that pool maintenance in winter differs by location.

Here’s a quick overview:

1. Tropical Regions (e.g., QLD): Pools may still be used occasionally, so low-level regular care is preferred over full closure.

2. Temperate Zones (e.g., NSW, VIC): Consider partial shutdown with a good cover and weekly checks.

3. Cooler Areas (e.g., TAS, ACT): Full winterizing may be ideal due to low temperatures.

While winter in Australia doesn’t always bring snow or ice, it still impacts your backyard pool. A few proactive steps can help keep your system healthy, your water clean, and your summer swim season stress-free. Regular monitoring, proper covering, and balanced chemistry are the keys to success.

Whether you’re shutting things down for the season or maintaining a light routine, good winter care ensures your pool remains an asset, not a hassle.

Need Help with Winter Pool Preparation?

Consult a local professional or your pool product supplier to choose the right winterization chemicals, covers, and an automatic pool cleaner that can assist with light off-season maintenance. A little effort now means a crystal-clear pool waiting for you next season.