Perth’s Mediterranean climate gives us one of the longest swimming seasons in Australia. But those hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters each bring different challenges for pool owners. Understanding what your pool needs in each season helps you stay ahead of problems and keeps maintenance costs under control.
Here is a practical season-by-season guide to pool care tailored specifically for Perth conditions.
Summer (December to February)
Summer is when your pool works hardest. With temperatures regularly exceeding 35 degrees in suburbs like Midland, Cannington, and even coastal areas like Scarborough, your pool chemistry is under constant pressure.
Key Summer Tasks
Increase pump run time. During Perth’s peak heat, your pump should run 8 to 10 hours per day. The general rule is one hour of pump run time for every 10 degrees of air temperature, but in extreme heat, err on the side of running longer. Use a timer to run the pump during off-peak electricity hours (typically 9pm to 7am) to save money.
Test water chemistry twice per week. Chlorine consumption spikes dramatically in summer. UV radiation breaks down free chlorine faster, and increased swimmer load introduces contaminants. Check chlorine and pH at least twice per week, and adjust promptly.
Monitor stabiliser levels. Cyanuric acid (stabiliser) protects chlorine from UV degradation, but levels between 30 and 50 ppm are ideal. Perth’s intense sun makes stabiliser essential, but over-stabilisation is a common problem that renders chlorine ineffective.
Clean the filter more frequently. Higher bather loads, sunscreen residue, and increased debris from dry winds mean your filter clogs faster. Backwash sand filters when pressure rises 8 to 10 psi above clean, and rinse cartridge filters fortnightly.
Keep water levels topped up. Perth summers cause significant evaporation, sometimes 5 to 10 centimetres per week. Low water levels expose the skimmer, which can damage your pump. Top up regularly and check for leaks if water loss seems excessive.
Autumn (March to May)
Autumn in Perth brings cooler mornings, the occasional storm, and the beginning of leaf drop from deciduous trees. This is the transition period where many pool owners start scaling back maintenance, but it is actually one of the most important seasons for proactive care.
Key Autumn Tasks
Clean gutters and surrounds. Fallen leaves from trees common in suburbs like Mount Claremont, Claremont, and Peppermint Grove will end up in your pool if they are not cleared from surrounding areas. Native paperbarks and eucalyptus are particularly problematic.
Reduce pump run time gradually. As temperatures drop below 30 degrees, you can reduce pump run time to 6 to 8 hours per day. Do not cut it too aggressively though, as Perth autumns can still produce warm days into late April.
Service your filter. Autumn is an ideal time for a thorough filter service. Sand filters should be inspected for channelling, and cartridge filters should be deep cleaned or replaced if they are past their effective life.
Check equipment before winter. Have your pump, chlorinator, and filter inspected now. It is much better to identify a worn seal or aging chlorinator cell during autumn than to discover it has failed when you want to use the pool in spring.
Shock treat after heavy use. If your pool saw heavy use over summer, an autumn shock treatment clears accumulated contaminants and resets your water chemistry for the quieter months.
Winter (June to August)
Perth winters are mild compared to the rest of Australia, with average maximum temperatures around 18 to 20 degrees. While you may not be swimming, your pool still requires attention. In fact, winter neglect is the number one cause of green pools that need expensive green pool recovery come spring.
Key Winter Tasks
Continue running the pump. This is where many Perth pool owners go wrong. Turning off your pump in winter allows water to stagnate, which invites algae growth. Run the pump for 4 to 6 hours per day through winter to maintain circulation and filtration.
Maintain chlorine levels. Even though UV intensity drops and nobody is swimming, chlorine levels should be maintained at 1 to 2 ppm. Perth’s mild winters mean algae can still grow, especially during warm spells.
Remove debris promptly. Perth’s winter storms drop branches, leaves, and dirt into pools. Remove debris within a day or two to prevent staining and organic contamination. Eucalyptus leaves and pine needles are particularly problematic as they release tannins quickly.
Monitor pH during rainy periods. Rainwater is slightly acidic and dilutes chemical levels. After heavy rain, test and adjust pH and chlorine. Perth typically receives the bulk of its annual rainfall between May and September, so this is a regular consideration.
Use an algaecide. A monthly dose of algaecide provides an extra layer of protection during winter when chlorine levels fluctuate and circulation is reduced.
Consider a pool cover. A quality pool cover dramatically reduces debris, evaporation, and chemical consumption during winter. It also prevents heat loss on those cooler Perth mornings, which helps if you have a pool heater.
Spring (September to November)
Spring is the season of preparation. As Perth warms up and the first swim of the season approaches, your pool needs a thorough commissioning to ensure it is safe and ready.
Key Spring Tasks
Book a professional spring service. Before the first swim, have your pool professionally serviced. This should include a full chemical balance, equipment inspection, filter clean, and any necessary repairs. This is our busiest season, so book early.
Increase pump run time. As temperatures rise through September and October, gradually increase pump run time from winter levels (4 to 6 hours) back up to summer levels (8 to 10 hours).
Test all chemical parameters. Do not just check chlorine and pH. Spring is the time to test stabiliser, calcium hardness, total alkalinity, and total dissolved solids. These parameters may have drifted during winter and need correction before the pool sees heavy use.
Clean tile lines and watermarks. Scale and waterline marks that accumulated over winter should be removed now before they become permanent. A specialised tile cleaner and a pool-safe scouring pad usually do the job.
Inspect pool safety equipment. Check your pool fence, gate latch, and CPR signage. Western Australian regulations require compliant pool fencing, and local councils conduct random inspections. Spring is the right time to ensure everything meets current standards.
Service your salt chlorinator. Clean the chlorinator cell of any scale buildup. Inspect the electrodes for wear. If your cell is more than five years old, have it tested for output efficiency.
Check your automatic cleaner. Inspect hoses, diaphragms, and moving parts. Replace worn components before summer when you need the cleaner working at full capacity.
Year-Round Essentials
Regardless of the season, these tasks should never be neglected:
- Empty skimmer and pump baskets weekly (more often in autumn)
- Brush walls and floor at least monthly to prevent algae attachment
- Keep the area around the pool clean to reduce debris falling in
- Monitor water level and top up as needed
- Record chemical readings so you can spot trends and catch problems early
- Schedule annual equipment servicing with a qualified technician
When to Call a Professional
While many seasonal tasks are manageable for handy pool owners, some situations call for professional help. If your pool has turned green over winter, if your pump is making unusual noises, or if you simply want peace of mind before the first summer swim, our team is here to help.
Pool Cleaning Perth offers comprehensive seasonal servicing packages designed for Perth’s unique climate. Whether you need a full spring commissioning, a green pool recovery after winter, or ongoing year-round maintenance, we have you covered. Call us on 08 7943 6637 to book your seasonal pool service today.
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