8 Common Winterising Mistakes to Avoid

Winterising a pool isn't much of a challenge, but there is definitely a right way and a wrong way to do it. And given that doing it the wrong way can lead to any number of disastrous problems, you'll want to avoid the goofs that come back to haunt some owners in the spring.

If you are already familiar with the proper way to winterise your pool, here's 8 common mistakes you should try to avoid when closing down your pool for the winter.

1. Closing your pool too early

Algae love warmer temperatures, so if you close your pool too early, you could end up incubating algae under the cover during those warmer periods. 

It also means your algae-fighting chemicals might not last throughout the entire winter since they usually only last about five months.

So try to wait as long as possible before closing down your pool, but don’t wait too long if you live somewhere where temperatures dip below freezing.

2. Not checking your water chemistry periodically

Algae can easily bloom at temperatures of about 16 degrees Celsius, meaning large swaths of Australian pools are at risk during large portions of the winter. 

That means it’s extremely important to check your water chemistry every two to three weeks throughout the winter or until the water freezes. 

If your PH levels are out of whack, your chlorine won’t work as well, and algae can thrive. 

3. Emptying your pool

If you think emptying your pool is a clever way to avoid algae without putting in the effort, think again. While it may help you avoid algae growth, it exposes your pool to other serious risks.

Exposing your pool’s vinyl layer or concrete foundation in this way could lead to serious damage. Additionally, the weight of the water in above-ground pools keeps the ground from shifting or freezing. 

So whatever you do, don’t drain your pool, and instead, take the steps to winterise your pool properly.

4. Not checking your equipment

You should clean your filter before shutting down your pool over the winter months. On top of this, you should also ensure the pump is working and there is no calcium build-up on the chlorination salt cell. If you have a sand filter, simply backwash and rinse it. If you have a cartridge filter, remove the filter element and clean it with a filter cleaner.

Note: Throughout the cooler months, you’ll still need the pump, filter and chlorinator to run for at least 4 hours a day If needed.

5. Failing to drain water off the cover

Accumulated rainwater and snow can put pressure on your pool cover, especially if the pool isn’t completely filled. If it gets too bad, you’ll not only have to replace your cover, but you could also invite nasties into your pool, thereby promoting algae growth. 

So remove the accumulated water from time to time using a pump or a siphon.

6. Using the wrong type of algaecide

Not all algaecides are created to last an entire three months or to withstand the fluctuating pH levels pools can experience in winter. So to winterise your pool properly, you’ll want a specially formulated algaecide that’s designed specifically for winter. Typically, these winter algaecides contain copper as an active ingredient.

A long-lasting algaecide like Baracuda Algae Killer will kill algae & continue to remain active in the water for up to 3 months. This means that you won’t have to worry about any algal blooms while you’re not using the pool, which could create a costly cleanup when you’re ready to start swimming again. To add algaecide to your pool, pour it into a bucket, mix it with water and disperse around the pool.

7. Failing to secure your pool cover properly

It can be tempting to use bricks or stones to hold your pool cover in place throughout the winter. But this is a huge no-no. Bricks and stones can damage your liner if they fall into the pool. Instead, use water tubes or weights specifically designed for water covers.

8. Leaving the metal equipment out

You should remove any metal equipment, like diving boards and ladders, and store them somewhere indoors. This helps protect them from cracks, rusting and other damage. 

If you don’t have room for them in your home or garage, consider erecting a small shed where they can get protection from heat, moisture and sun.

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Bottom line

If you want to enjoy your pool over the long haul, winterising it is crucial. And while cutting corners during this process may save you some time, it will inevitably result in unplanned repairs. So avoid these mistakes at all costs and enjoy your pool for years to come!