Southern California’s mild winters mean most homeowners don’t need to fully close their pools, allowing them to enjoy year-round access. However, proper winter care is crucial to prevent damage, keep the water clean, and avoid costly repairs.
While the cooler months require less upkeep than summer, neglecting routine tasks can lead to problems like algae growth, equipment malfunctions, or imbalanced water chemistry. The good news is that there are several practical, budget-friendly tips that will help you maintain your pool throughout the winter, ensuring it stays swim-ready and in top condition all year long.
Lower the Temperature Settings
During Southern California’s mild winters, you can conserve energy by lowering your pool heater’s temperature instead of turning it off entirely. Since the cooler weather naturally keeps the water at a lower temperature, there’s no need to maintain summer-like warmth unless the pool is used frequently.
Reducing the temperature to a maintenance level—around 10-15 degrees cooler than normal—can help save on energy costs while still protecting your pool equipment. If you only use your pool occasionally in winter, consider running the heater just before use instead of keeping it constantly warm. This simple adjustment balances comfort and energy efficiency.
Maintain a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Even during the winter months, keeping up with pool cleaning is essential to prevent algae growth and debris buildup. Cooler water temperatures don’t stop organic matter, like leaves and dirt, from accumulating.
Regularly skimming the surface, vacuuming the pool, and cleaning the filters—at least once a week—helps maintain clean water and keeps your pool equipment functioning properly.
Winter winds can blow additional leaves and branches into the pool, so trimming nearby trees is a smart preventative step. You can also use a pool cover when not in use to minimize debris and reduce the time needed for maintenance. A good cover helps prevent debris buildup, reduces chemical loss, and minimizes heat loss, keeping your pool cleaner and more energy-efficient. It also cuts down on cleaning time, allowing you to enjoy your pool with less maintenance.
Staying proactive with cleaning helps your pool remain inviting and reduces the risk of costly repairs or chemical imbalances.
Adjust Chemical Levels
Maintaining balanced chemical levels is crucial during cooler months to prevent damage to your pool’s surface and equipment. With reduced usage, your pool may require fewer chemicals, but you’ll still need to monitor and adjust pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. Keeping pH between 7.4 and 7.6 helps protect the pool lining, while balanced alkalinity prevents rapid pH shifts.
Even in lower temperatures, algae can grow if chemical levels aren’t properly maintained. Adding an algaecide is a simple step to prevent this. Additionally, using chlorine stabilizers can help maintain chlorine’s effectiveness during cooler weather, ensuring your pool stays clean and safe for swimming. Regular checks will keep your water balanced all winter long.
Reduce Pump Running Time
During Southern California’s cooler winter months, your pool requires less filtration, allowing you to reduce the pump’s run time to 4-6 hours daily, compared to the usual 8-12 hours in summer. This adjustment helps save energy and lower utility bills while still maintaining proper water circulation and cleanliness.
While reducing pump hours is efficient, avoid turning it off entirely. Without circulation, your pool water can become stagnant, leading to algae growth, debris buildup, and potential damage to the filtration system.
Keeping the pump running for a few hours each day ensures the water remains clean and your equipment stays in good working condition throughout the winter.
Inspect and Maintain Pool Equipment
As winter begins, it’s essential to inspect your pool’s heaters, pumps, and filters for any signs of wear and tear. Ensuring these components are functioning properly can prevent costly breakdowns during the season. Addressing minor issues early keeps your pool equipment running smoothly through the cooler months.
Keep an Eye on Weather Forecasts
Though Southern California winters are mild, occasional cold snaps or storms can happen. You should monitor weather forecasts and be ready to adjust pool care as needed. For example, during cold spells, add a cover to prevent heat loss or run the pump more frequently to maintain circulation. Staying proactive helps avoid unexpected issues.
Rainstorms can introduce debris and affect your pool’s chemical balance. After heavy rainfall, skim debris, check your filter, and test the water chemistry, adjusting pH and chlorine levels as needed. By managing rainwater and maintaining a clean pool, you ensure your pool stays in top condition, even during winter weather.
Our expert team is here to support you with equipment upgrades and pool repair services that will keep your pool in top shape all season long. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get a free quote. Anderson Pool & Spa is here to help you make the most of your backyard oasis, no matter the weather!
