Your Pool’s Winter Game Plan

As temperatures cool across Queensland’s subtropical regions, including Mackay, many pool owners are preparing to swap daily dips for doona days — but that doesn’t mean your pool should be forgotten. A little bit of maintenance over winter will go a long way to saving time, money, and effort when swimming season returns.

With the wet season now easing, rainfall and humidity will drop, which typically means less organic debris and algae growth. This makes it the perfect time to reduce your pool pump’s run time — around 2 to 4 hours a day is usually enough in cooler months — but don’t switch it off entirely. Stagnant water quickly becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria.

Check your chlorine levels regularly and adjust your chemical dosing to suit the lower water temperature. Using a pool cover will also help retain chlorine, keep leaves and debris out, and reduce water evaporation.

Brushing the pool walls and floor every few weeks, emptying skimmer baskets, and cleaning the filter are simple habits that help keep water crystal clear. If your pool is prone to staining, a metal sequestrant treatment may help avoid discolouration while the pool sits idle.

And don’t forget — winter is the perfect time to service your pool equipment. Booking a check-up now means you’ll beat the summer rush and ensure everything’s running smoothly before it’s time to dive back in.

With just a little care, your pool will stay in top shape and be ready to go as soon as the warmer weather returns, but, for now, enjoy this last month or so of refreshing dips.

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