A predicted warmer-than-average autumn forecast for much of Australia could wreak havoc on swimming pools. However there's plenty of time to prepare your pool for the coming winter - or as Swimart calls it, 'winterising' your pool.
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While your autumn pool care plan will depend on a few factors, such as the size of your pool and where you live, Swimart's following tips will help reduce energy bills, maintain healthy water and protect pool equipment in the coming months.
- Regularly scoop the pool water and clear the skimmer basket of leaves and debris. Remove stains by reducing the chlorine level and using Aqua-health 3-in-1 Stain Remover
- Check your filter and as temperatures drop later in autumn, change the running mode from summer to winter.
- Vacuum and brush pool walls and floor as needed to remove debris and reduce the likelihood of staining.
- Regularly check sanitiser levels, ideally on a weekly basis.
- Gradually reduce the number of hours the filter operates over the next two months.
- Check the Total Alkalinity fortnightly.
- Check the pH fortnightly and maintain between 7.2 and 7.8. Aqua-Health pH increaser or pH decreaser adjusts pH as required.
- With warmer temperatures, use an algaecide appropriate for your pool.
- During winter, use a shock treatment to maintain clear, clean and healthy water. Once appropriate amount has been added, run both the pump and filter for several hours to ensure good distribution.
- Use a pool cover when the pool is not in use to prevent water loss via evaporation and debris entering and contaminating the water. Remember to remove it regularly to visually check the clarity of the water.
"Regularly spending a little bit of time making sure everything is looking good and operating well will save you a bigger (and perhaps expensive) job later on," Swimart's pool and spa expert, Rick Graham said. "It's important to protect your investment and don't let it 'go to sleep' during the cooler months."
