Winterizing Your Pool: Essential Steps for South African Homeowners (and Commercial Pools)

Sune Dreyer
May 20
2 min read

Winterizing Your Pool: Essential Steps for South African Homeowners & Commercial Facilities

As winter approaches in South Africa, it’s crucial to properly winterize your pool—whether you’re a homeowner, estate manager, or run a commercial facility like a lodge, hotel, or public pool. A properly winterized pool can save you thousands in repairs, prevent algae growth, and ensure your system is ready for a hassle-free reopening when warmer months return.

Here’s how to protect your swimming pool during winter in South Africa — with steps tailored for both residential and commercial pools..

Why Winterizing Your Pool Matters in South Africa

Prevents algae and bacteria growth
Reduces wear and tear on pool pumps, filters, and pipes
Avoids costly repairs caused by freezing or debris damage
Ensures compliance and hygiene for commercial/public pools
Saves time and money come springtime

Winterizing for Homeowners: Step-by-Step

1. Thorough Cleaning

Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from the pool and surrounding area. Vacuum the floor and skim the surface.

2. Balance Your Pool Water

Ensure your pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels are properly balanced:

pH: 7.2 – 7.6
Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
Chlorine: 1 – 3 ppm

Use a winterizing algaecide for long-term protection.

3. Backwash and Clean Filters

Backwash your sand or cartridge filters and remove any debris from the system. Clean out your weir baskets and pump strainer.

4. Lower Water Level (if needed)

In regions prone to freezing, lower the water level just below the skimmer to prevent expansion damage. In most parts of SA, this step is optional.

5. Cover Your Pool

A high-quality pool cover prevents evaporation, keeps out debris, and protects your pool from the elements.

6. Switch to Winter Maintenance Mode

If your pump is on a timer, reduce the run time to 2–4 hours/day. Alternatively, consider using a floating chlorine dispenser for low-maintenance upkeep.

Winterizing Commercial Pools: Essential Additions

If you manage a lodge, estate, hotel, school, or gym, winterizing is even more important to reduce downtime, wear and tear, and compliance risks.

✔ Commercial Winterizing Musts:

Thorough inspection of all systems: pumps, pipes, filters, chlorinators
Add non-toxic antifreeze to exposed plumbing (in colder regions)
Document and schedule winter maintenance tasks
Use a professional service provider like Aquanite Pools to ensure compliance and safety
Post visible “Pool Closed” signage where applicable

🛠️ Aquanite Pools Can Handle It For You

With over 18 years of experience and NSPI certification, Aquanite Pools offers expert winterization services for both homeowners and commercial properties across Gauteng, North West, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking to prepare your pool in Centurion, Pretoria, Rustenburg, or Johannesburg, we’ve got you covered.

We also assist with:

Filter system checks
Marbelite touch-ups
Seasonal servicing packages
Compliance audits for commercial clients

📍 Areas We Serve

Centurion
Midrand
Pretoria
Rustenburg
Hartbeespoort
Johannesburg South & North
North West resorts and estates

Book Your Winter Service

Let us take care of your pool this winter so it's crystal-clear and ready come spring. Whether it’s a home pool or a large-scale commercial site, Aquanite Pools is the trusted name for reliable service, expert knowledge, and long-term value.

Contact us today for a free inspection or winterizing quote.