Mistakes made when winterising your pool: What happens if you don’t cover your pool correctly

Preparing the pool for winter is essential to keep the water in good condition and avoid problems when spring arrives. Although temperatures are not extreme in Mediterranean climates, winterizing the pool properly helps reduce the buildup of algae, bacteria and dirt that can make the water a costly problem to clean and restore.

Making common mistakes during winterizing can lead to unnecessary expenses and the need for additional treatments when the pool is reopened. With proper care and using the right products, it is possible to avoid costly repairs, maintain water quality and have a pool ready for use at the start of the season.

1. Not covering the pool properly is a mistake

One of the mistakes made when winterising a pool is to leave it uncovered during the winter. This allows leaves and accumulated dirt to affect the quality of the water, which facilitates the proliferation of algae and bacteria and complicates cleaning in spring.

To avoid these problems, it is advisable to use a cover suitable for Mediterranean climates.

  • Opaque or safety covers prevent the entry of light and debris, reducing pool maintenance during the winter.
Outdoor Backyard Garden Swimming Pool Maintenance.

At JuJuJu, you will find cover options that offer good moisture resistance and protect your pool from the elements, keeping it clean and in optimal condition all season long.

2. Ignoring winter water treatment

Neglecting water treatment in winter can lead to a build-up of algae and bacteria, especially in temperate climates where the water does not freeze and remains stagnant, making the pool an ideal environment for the growth of micro-organisms that affect water quality.

At JuJuJu you will find a range of winter specific products that help to keep chlorine and pH levels stable, preventing the development of bacteria and algae.

By using these products regularly, you can ensure that your water is clean and free of contaminants.

3. Leaving your pool’s filtration systems inactive

Keeping filtration systems completely inactive during the winter can cause the water to become cloudy and smelly due to stagnation. Without minimal circulation, dirt particles build up and the water loses clarity, making it easier for bacteria and algae to grow.

Dirty swimming pool

How can you prevent your pool water from stagnating during the winter?

To avoid these problems without high energy consumption, carry out occasional filtering.

Programming the filtration system to run for a few hours a week is enough to keep the water in better condition during the off-season, avoiding the accumulation of waste and unpleasant odours.

4. Not controlling chlorine and pH levels of the water

Neglecting chlorine and pH levels is another mistake that is made when winterising the pool in winter and can cause various problems in the pool.

  • An imbalance in chlorine and pH in winter can cause the water to become corrosive or encourage algae growth.
  • Common problems such as damage to the pool liner, proliferation of micro-organisms and loss of water quality.


Using products on a regular basis avoids problems of decomposition in the water and facilitates the process of fine-tuning the pool in the spring.

At JuJuJu, we have specific products for chlorine and pH control that help to keep these levels stable during the winter. 

5. Forgetting to clean the pool before winterising

A thorough cleaning before wintering your pool is essential to avoid maintenance problems during the winter and to make it easier to reactivate it in spring.

What are the most common problems?

  • Bacteria build-up.
  • Staining of surfaces.
  • Increased cleaning effort in spring.

How to clean the pool thoroughly before covering it?

  • Remove leaves and dirt.
  • Clean the bottom and walls.
  • Check the filters.
Boy diving in clear swimming pool

Properly preparing your pool for winter is key to keeping the water and structure in optimal condition during the dormant months.

With this care, you can avoid various problems such as dirt build-up, algae and bacteria growth and component wear and tear, ensuring that your pool is clean and ready for use in spring, without the need for intensive cleaning work.

To ensure proper winterisation, visit JuJuJu, where you will find specific products and professional advice on how to care for your pool throughout the winter.