5 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Pool During Colder Months

For millions of pool owners the drop in temperature means they may be putting their families at risk by letting water health slide as they reduce pool maintenance in the cooler months.

But if you’re not using the pool, why do you need to continuing maintaining it? A neglected pool is a prime breeding ground for harmful bacteria that could lead to outbreaks of gastro, respiratory problems and infections of the skin, ears and eyes.

With close to half (49 percent) of the pool owners we surveyed failing to test water pH and chlorine levels during the cold season and 36 percent never clearing skimmer baskets or scoop fallen leaves from the pool, the risk of developing a problem is very high.

And this lack of maintenance could cost pool owners considerably.

Your pool might look clean and clear, but after a few months of little or no monitoring, odds are it’s not. Most people make the mistake of thinking that because the pool is not being used as much that it doesn’t need as much cleaning, but it doesn’t take long for harmful bacteria and germs to grow.

As the weather starts to warm up, the results of lack of diligence can certainly add up. You can find yourself shelling out for extra chemicals and replacement parts for neglected filter and pump systems, or if the situation is dire the cost to fix a pool that has turned green. The good news is extra expense can be avoided by keeping up a less-intensive, but regular maintenance schedule over winter.”

However maintaining a healthy pool also extends to conducting a pool safety check, with 52 drownings recorded during May – July last year *.

According to our recent survey results, less than half of pool owners regularly inspected the safety of their pool area throughout the year. A critical risk in reducing the risk of drowning deaths.

Pool fences must be checked to ensure they’re intact, and you must have a self-closing and latching gate. The area surrounding the pool fence should also be clear of any climbable objects that can allow access to the pool area.

Water safety is a year-round obligation and something pool owners need to take seriously to make sure it’s a safe and fun space for everyone.

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A HEALTHY POOL DURING COOLER MONTHS

Reduce pool pump operation time to up to 6 hours and switch timer onto an off-peak tariff
Install a pool cover to reduce evaporation, chemical usage and protect your pool from fallen leaves.
Ensure chlorine levels and pH levels are in a healthy range through regular water testing and maintenance. This will make life easier come spring.
Thoroughly clean your skimmers, filters and pool cleaning equipment. These items can be hiding bacteria.
Clear the skimmer basket and remove debris from the pools surface every week.

MORE POOL CARE ADVICE