How to maintain a pool in winter NZ

Keeping Your Pool in Top Shape During a New Zealand Winter

As a pool owner in New Zealand, you may be wondering how to care for your pool during the cooler months. While it might not get as cold here as in some other countries, winter can still impact your pool’s water quality, equipment, and overall maintenance needs. Whether you’re keeping your pool open all year or considering winterising it, here’s what you need to know to maintain it properly.

Should You Winterise Your Pool or Keep It Running?

The first decision to make is whether to winterise your pool or keep it running over winter.

Winterising (closing your pool): This involves covering the pool and reducing maintenance, usually for pools that won’t be used at all.
Keeping it running: This means continuing regular maintenance, but likely at a reduced schedule compared to summer.

In most parts of New Zealand, where winters are mild and pools don’t freeze, many homeowners choose to keep their pools running. However, if you live in cooler areas like Central Otago, winterising might be the better option.

Steps for Winter Pool Maintenance

1. Keep the Water Balanced

Even in winter, pool water chemistry is important. If left unchecked, algae and bacteria can grow, and the water can become unbalanced, leading to costly damage.

Test the water every 2–4 weeks using a pool testing kit (available at retailers like Bunnings NZ).
Maintain balanced pH (7.2–7.6), alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
Consider adding a winter algaecide to prevent algae build-up (visit NZ Pool Supplies for options).

2. Reduce Filtration Time

Because pools aren’t used as frequently in winter, you can reduce the time your pool pump runs.

Instead of running the pump for 6–8 hours a day like in summer, decrease it to 2–4 hours per day.
This will keep the water circulating and prevent algae without unnecessary power use.

3. Keep the Pool Clean

Even though you’re using the pool less, it can still accumulate debris.

Skim the surface weekly to remove leaves and dirt.
Vacuum the pool every few weeks to prevent build-up.
If possible, use a pool cover to minimise debris (Mitre 10 has options available).

4. Maintain the Pool Cover

If you have a pool cover, it’s essential to keep it clean and in good condition:

Remove any debris or water accumulation from the top.
Store it properly if it’s a solar cover that isn’t being used in winter.
Ensure it’s well-secured to prevent wind damage.

5. Check and Maintain Equipment

Winter is a good time to ensure your pool equipment is in good condition:

Inspect and clean the pool filter (cartridge, sand, or DE filters).
Check the pump and skimmer baskets for clogs.
If you have a heat pump or chlorinator, ensure it’s functioning correctly (Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ has maintenance products).

6. Prevent Algae Growth

Algae can still thrive in cooler temperatures, so take steps to prevent it:

Brush the pool walls and floor regularly to prevent algae build-up.
Use a long-lasting winter algaecide or shock treatment if necessary.
Maintain steady chlorine levels in the water.

What If You’re Not Using the Pool at All?

If you’re planning to completely stop using your pool for winter:

Reduce the water level slightly to prevent overflow from winter rains.
Remove and store pool accessories like ladders and floats.
Add a winterising chemical kit to help protect the water quality.
Cover the pool securely to prevent debris and contamination.

Final Thoughts

While winter pool maintenance in New Zealand requires less effort than in summer, keeping up with basic upkeep will help prevent bigger (and more expensive) issues in spring. Whether you decide to keep the pool running or winterise it, regular checks on water balance, filtration, and cleanliness are key.

If you’re unsure about your specific pool’s needs, consider visiting a local pool supply store for advice. Stores like The Warehouse and specialty pool shops can provide helpful solutions to keep your pool in great condition all year round.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that when summer rolls around again, your pool is ready for another season of fun!