The good news? Maintaining a pristine pool during a SA winter requires less effort than in summer, and with a few smart adjustments, you can keep your electricity bill under control too.

Here is your ultimate guide to winter pool care.

In the scorching summer heat, your pool pump needs to run for 8 to 10 hours a day to fight off algae growth. In winter, because the sun is less intense and water temperatures drop, algae grows at a much slower rate.

The Winter Rule: Reduce your pump runtime to 4 to 5 hours a day.

Pro Tip: If you have a timer, set the pump to run during the warmest part of the day (usually between 11:00 and 16:00). This helps distribute chemicals when the water is most likely to react to sunlight.

Even though nobody is swimming, you still need to test your water every two weeks. Balanced water protects your pool lining, prevents scaling on your creepy crawly, and keeps the water clear.

Aim for these target ranges:

pH Level: 7.2 – 7.6 (Crucial for preventing skin irritation later and protecting pool equipment)

Free Chlorine: 1.0 – 3.0 parts per million (ppm)

Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm

Because there is no swimmer load and less evaporation, you will find you need to add significantly less chlorine than you do in December.

High winds during winter—especially if you experience dry, windy highveld winters or wet Western Cape conditions—mean tons of leaves, twigs, and dust end up in your pool.

If left at the bottom of the pool, organic debris decays and causes tannin stains, turning your beautiful blue water into a murky brown color.

Empty your weir and pump baskets weekly.

Make sure your automatic pool cleaner (creepy crawly) is moving freely and suction is strong.

If you live in parts of Gauteng, the Freezes, or the interior where night-time temperatures drop below freezing, standing water in pipes can freeze and crack your pool pump or chlorinator.

If a severe frost is predicted, set your pump timer to run during the coldest hours of the early morning (e.g., 02:00 to 05:00) to keep the water moving and prevent freezing.

Cut pump time in half (to 4-5 hours daily).

Test water chemistry once every two weeks.

Clear baskets weekly to prevent organic staining.

Keep the water moving during freezing winter mornings.

Getting your pool through the winter shouldn’t be a headache. Whether you need a water test, equipment check, or a full seasonal service to ensure your pool remains the best in SA, Best Pools SA is here to help.

Contact us today for expert advice and reliable pool maintenance services tailored to your neighborhood.