Winter might seem like the time your pool can take a break but ask any pool owner, and they will tell you that issues don’t stop just because you are swimming less. At Adelaide Pool Mart, we help pool owners all across Adelaide keep their pools healthy year-round. Whether your pool’s covered, semi-active or left open through the colder months, here are some common winter problems we see and how to troubleshoot them before they become costly headaches.
1. Cloudy Water That Just Won’t Clear Up
Even when your pool’s not in daily use, cloudy water is a sign that something’s off. In winter, cloudy pools are often caused by poor filtration, low chlorine levels or an unbalanced pH.
What to check:
- Filtration time: Even in winter, your filter needs to run at least 4–6 hours a day. Less than that, and particles start to build up.
- Chlorine: Cooler water slows down chlorine activity, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need it. If your chlorine’s too low, bacteria and algae sneak in.
- Water balance: pH and alkalinity should still be checked regularly. Off-balance water can make chlorine less effective and lead to murky water.
2. Algae… Even When It’s Cold?
Yep, algae doesn’t care what season it is. It just needs still water, low chlorine and a bit of light. If you have got green patches starting to appear on the walls or floor or worse, turning your pool water green, it’s time to act fast.
What to do:
- Brush the walls thoroughly to break up the algae.
- Shock the pool with a high dose of chlorine.
- Run the filter continuously for 24–48 hours after shocking.
- Check and clean your filter afterwards as it will be working overtime.
3. Your Pool Cover Is Doing More Harm Than Good
Covers are great until they are not. If your pool cover is trapping moisture underneath, not fitted properly, or hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it can create the perfect environment for algae and debris to build up.
What to watch for:
- Slimy buildup under the cover
- Green tinge on the water surface
- Odd smell when you lift the cover
What to do:
- Remove and rinse the cover occasionally. Let the pool “breathe” every now and then.
- Clean both sides of the cover and let it dry fully before re-covering.
- If rainwater is pooling on top, make sure your cover pump is working or manually drain it.
4. Equipment Playing Up in the Cold
Winter puts different kinds of pressure on your pool equipment. You might not notice it straight away, but left unchecked, small faults can become major problems by spring.
Common winter issues:
- Pool pump losing pressure or running noisy
- Salt chlorinator not producing enough chlorine
- Filter pressure too low (or too high)
What to do:
- Check and clean your pump and skimmer baskets regularly
- Keep an eye on your pressure gauge as it tells you when it’s time to backwash or clean filters
- Bring in any dodgy equipment for a check-up as we do repairs in-store!
5. Neglecting Regular Water Testing
It’s easy to let pool maintenance slide in winter. You are not swimming, so what’s the harm, right? The issue is, problems build quietly during the off-season. By the time the weather warms up, you are looking at murky water, stained surfaces, and expensive repairs.
Stay ahead:
- Test your pool water at least once every 2–3 weeks in winter
- Keep your chemicals topped up and balanced, even if you’re only “maintaining” the pool
Need a Hand? Pop In or Give Us a Call
Winter pool care doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right advice and a bit of attention, you can keep your pool in top condition all year and be swim-ready when summer hits. Whether you need a quick fix, a water test or a top-up on winter chemicals, we are here to help. Drop into Adelaide Pool Mart and we will walk you through exactly what your pool needs this season.
Book your next pool servicing appointment with Adelaide Pool Mart and enjoy your pool without the guesswork.
Contact us today at (08) 8431 9199 or visit our store at Shop
2, 443 Magill Rd, St Morris SA 5068. Let’s make your pool dreams come true.