Introduction

Preparing a pool for winter is not just about closing the pool for the cold; it is important because it helps to prevent damage to the pool, prevent algae blooms, cloudy water, and heavy-duty spring clean-up.  If a pool is not properly maintained, chemically cared for, or not balanced, when you go to open it in the spring and use the pool, the water can be imbalanced, and equipment could have been damaged, and the pool can have an unsightly green/murky colour.

Common Seasonal Pool Problems

As summer turns to winter, pool owners are often confronted with:

• Cloudy water from debris, organic matter, and imbalanced chemicals.
• Algae from residual pool contaminants and insufficient sanitiser levels.
• Fluctuations in pH levels from skin irritability, damage to equipment, and inefficient application of chlorine. 

But the right pool chemicals meant to winterise pools and clear water can easily solve these challenges.

Pool MaxxSummer & Winter Chemical Checklist & Step-by-Step Guide

1. Balance Your pH with Pool Maxx pH Up & pH Down

Why: Ideal pool water pH ranges between 7.2 - 7.6. Out-of-range pH can cause irritation, scaling, or corrosive conditions.

How:

• Test the pool water using Pool Maxx 5-in-1 Test Strips.
• If the pH is lower than 7.2, add Pool Maxx pH Up.
• Dosage Example: Based on the chart, pour in 907 - 1700 g per 100,000 L for the water to reach a pH of 7.6.
• Broadcast granules across the deepest water area while running the pump, retest after the water has circulated. It's best to add half of your dose at a time.
• If the pH is higher than 7.6, add Pool Maxx pH Down.
• Dosage Example: For a drop from a pH of 8.0 to 7.6/7.2, add 1 - 1.75 L per 100,000 L.
• Run the circulation for a minimum of 2 hours before re-testing and repeating as necessary. 

Pro-Tip: To reduce staining from any undissolved granules, be sure to brush them off surfaces. During the off-season, periodically test the pool water weekly and maintain the correct pH balance for optimum water quality.

2. Disinfect & Sanitise: Chlorine-Free Pool Cleaning Chemical

Reason: By sanitising the water, you are killing bacteria, algae and biofilms; having safe, clear water throughout the winter.

How to:

• Test the pH and be sure it is 6.5-7.5 before usage.
• Add the Pool Maxx Chlorine-Free Pool Cleaning Chemical as instructed on the label.
• Allow to circulate for a minimum of 1 hour.
• Repeat weekly for continued clean winter water.

Benefits: 100% chlorine-free, non-toxic, and gentle on sensitive skin. Safe for families and pets, leaving no harsh residues or odors.

3. Shock & Algae Control: TCCA 90 Chlorine Granules

Chloro Maxx 90 quickly helps to eradicate tough pollutants, keeps pool water sparkling clear, and keeps winter algae bomb blasting under control. To apply, dose the pool, per label direction, based on your pool size, to get chlorine residuals of 1-3 ppm free chlorine. The granules can be dissolved in water, and while the pump is running - broadcast uniformly over the surface of the swimming pool. Be sure you are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent inhalation, skin or eye exposure. Allow for the water to circulate completely for at least overnight before covering the pool. For best results, shock the pool for maintenance before winterising, and again after heavy rainfall, if the water looks cloudy or green.

4. Fight Cloudy Water: Clear Maxx Flocculant & Sparkle Maxx Clarifier

A. Pool Flocculant (Clear Maxx)

Objective: To sink suspended fine particles, debris, and dead algae to the bottom of the pool to make vacuuming easier. 

How: 

Add 25 ml for every 10,000 L of pool water. 

Let it sit undisturbed overnight (8 – 10 hours) and then vacuum off the bottom of the pool. Vacuum to waste as opposed to vacuuming it through the filter to avoid clogging the filter.

When: After a shock treatment, heavy debris, or water has turned green or cloudy.

B. Swimming Pool Clarifier (Sparkle Maxx)

Purpose: Immediately clears water by binding micro-particles for easy capture using a filter.

How:

- Dilute the clarifier in a bucket of pool water.

- Pour around the pool and into the skimmer while running the pump.

- Run the pump and filter for 8 hours and then vacuum.

When: Weekly use is recommended for optimum swim quality and after shocking or cloudy visible conditions.

5. Weekly Maintenance & Monitoring

• Test water weekly for pH and sanitiser levels.
• Add sanitiser and clarifier as needed based on pool condition and volume.
• Skim debris, brush walls, and maintain filtration for best winter results.

Actionable Winter Pool Care Tips

Pool chemicals should consistently be kept in a cool, dry location, inaccessible to children or pets. Do not mix various chemicals; add each chemical separately and in accordance with the directions. After using or applying a flocculant to the pool, you should vacuum the pool to remove the debris that settles; never use the filter to remove large chunks of debris. Continue to keep the pool cover in place throughout the winter and clean off the debris regularly, which will help to keep the water clean and well-protected.





Conclusion

Using the Pool Maxx range to winterise a pool will allow your pool water to remain clear, a great pH level, and free from hassle for spring. Pool care maintains your pool no matter how cold the winter is, resulting in crystal-clear, sparkling water and trouble-free swimming.