Keep Your Pool Healthy, Even in the Cold
Winter in Queensland might not be extreme, but it’s still enough to slow down the swimming season. That said, your pool shouldn’t be forgotten just because it’s too chilly for a dip. In fact, how you care for your pool during winter directly impacts how ready it’ll be come spring.
At Atlantis Pools in North Lakes, we see too many locals—from Mango Hill to Narangba—leave pool maintenance until it’s too late. The result? Green water, bacteria, expensive clean-ups, and a whole lot of regret.
“Winter is the time to get ahead of any potential issues,” says Kylie Rojahn, owner of Atlantis Pools. “A little effort during the colder months saves a mountain of work when summer returns.”
Why Winter Pool Care Is Essential
It might feel tempting to power down your equipment and ignore the pool until the weather warms up, but that strategy can backfire. Without regular circulation, filtration, and sanitisation, your pool becomes the perfect place for algae and microorganisms to take hold.
And it’s not just about looks—neglected pools can become unhealthy for swimmers, damage equipment, and even affect pool surfaces if water balance gets too far out of range.
The 5-Step Guide to Year-Round Pool Maintenance
With the right winter strategy, you’ll keep your pool water healthy and your equipment running efficiently—even during low-use months.
1. Circulation
Water that stays still allows bacteria and algae to flourish. Even in winter, your pool pump should run for around 4 to 6 hours per day to circulate water and keep chemicals moving.
“During summer, pumps often run 10 to 12 hours, but winter allows you to reduce that,” says Kylie. “Using an energy-efficient multi-speed pump or timer can help cut power bills too.”
💡 Tip: The aim is to turn over the entire volume of water once per day during winter.
2. Water Filtration
Your pool filter is the heart of your system—removing dirt, debris, and microscopic matter that can cause murky water or unhealthy conditions.
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Check your filter weekly
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Backwash monthly
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Inspect for signs of clogging or inefficiency
To reduce strain on your filter and save water, consider using pre-filter devices that capture leaves and debris before they reach your system.
3. Pool Cleaning
Even in winter, regular cleaning is essential. Some areas of your pool, like steps and corners, don’t get great water flow, so debris can build up fast.
“Brushing the pool walls and floor weekly helps stop algae before it starts,” Kylie explains. “Whether you use a suction cleaner or a robotic one, manual brushing should still be part of your routine.”
✅ Vacuum once a fortnight
✅ Brush walls, steps, and floor weekly
✅ Keep your skimmer basket clear of leaves
4. Water Testing
Just because you’re not swimming doesn’t mean you can ignore your pool’s chemistry. Chlorine and pH levels can still fluctuate—especially during rainy periods or when leaves and organic material enter the water.
“Winter pool water might not change as fast, but it still needs to be checked,” says Kylie. “Letting chlorine levels drop can lead to algae outbreaks even in cold water.”
🧪 Test at least fortnightly
🧪 Focus on pH and chlorine
🧪 Bring a sample into Atlantis Pools for a free test using our professional equipment
5. Ongoing Maintenance
Establishing a basic winter pool routine means less effort and expense later. Winter is also a great time to schedule a professional service check—our team can inspect your equipment, recommend updates, and help plan for spring.
Stay Ahead of the Chill with Atlantis Pools
At Atlantis Pools, we stock everything you need to maintain your pool through the colder months—plus offer expert advice and hands-on support for local pool owners in North Lakes, Redcliffe, Kippa-Ring, and surrounding suburbs.
“We’re here to help make winter pool care easy,” Kylie says. “Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just learning the ropes, our team will point you in the right direction.”
Need help preparing your pool for winter? Drop into Atlantis Pools today for products, advice, and friendly service to keep your pool clean, clear, and ready for summer.
