Autumn is here – Keep Swimming While You Can!
The sun is still shining, the days are warm, and while the nights might be a little cooler, there is still plenty of pool time to be had before autumn sets in properly. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a warmer-than-average April in 2025 – so if we’re lucky, you’ll get a few extra weeks of swimming in.
Plus, with the kids home for the school holidays, some basic maintenance, a pool cover, and a heater, your family can still enjoy a warm swim all the way through!
Here’s how to get the most out of your pool as we move out of summer settings and into the start of the cooler season.
Give Your Pool Equipment a Quick Check
With the change of season, your pool equipment needs a little TLC as we head into autumn.
- Check for wear and tear: Your pump, chlorinator, and other equipment have been running hard all summer. Now is a good time to check for leaks, strange noises, or anything that’s not working quite right.
- Clean out your baskets and filters: Debris from trees and gardens can be more common in autumn, especially after windy days. Empty the skimmer and pump baskets regularly, and give your filter a good clean or backwash.
If you’re unsure whether your equipment is in top shape, bring in a photo or call us to come and check for you—we’re happy to help!
Adjust Your Pump Run Times
The pool doesn’t need to run as long in cooler months. Shortening your pump’s daily run time is an easy way to keep costs down without compromising water quality.
Here’s a rough guide for the average size pool ~40,000 – 50,000 litres
- Summer: 8 hours
- Autumn/Spring: 6 hours
- Winter: 4 hours
If you’ve got a variable speed pump, make sure it’s not running at high speed all the time (this can easily happen after backwashing or vacuuming). Aim for the lowest speed that still gives you proper circulation and keeps your chlorinator cell full (if you have one) – slower is cheaper!
Make the Most of Your Heating
If you’ve got pool heating, now is the time to use it! Whether you’re running solar, a heat pump, or gas heating, keeping your water at a comfortable temperature can help you squeeze a few more swims in before it gets too chilly.
- Solar: Switch to winter mode when you’re ready to stop heating.
- Gas/Heat Pump: These are perfect for cooler evenings or early morning dips. Set your temperature to around 28°C.
- Use your pool cover: It’s best to use a pool cover when heating your pool, as most of the temperature is lost through the surface. Using a blanket keeps it warmer for longer, and bubble-style blankets help heat the pool for double the benefit.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Taking a few simple steps now can help prevent issues (like algae blooms) down the track.
- Balance your water: Keep an eye on your water balance. It’s easy to slack off a bit, but water balance is crucial not only for bathers but also for the longevity of your pool equipment and pool surface.
- Add an autumn algaecide or winterising treatment as an extra insurance policy against algae developing.
- Keep it clean: Scoop out leaves and debris regularly to reduce chlorine demand and minimise staining.
Bonus Tips
- Pool lights should be run for at least 15 minutes a week to keep them in good working order.
- Water features (like waterfalls) can increase evaporation and power use – turn them off if not needed.
- Pool covers help reduce evaporation and can also retain heat and stabilise chemicals.
There is still time to enjoy your pool – and with a few quick checks and adjustments, you can keep it looking great and running efficiently well into autumn.
Need help getting your pool ready for the season ahead? Come and see us in-store or book a service – we’re here to help!
