But here’s the thing — autumn is actually one of the most important times of year to stay on top of your pool. A little bit of regular attention now can save you from a very expensive (and very green) problem come spring.
It happens every year. The Easter long weekend passes, the school holidays wrap up, and pool owners across Melbourne shift their focus elsewhere. The pool becomes background noise.
The problem is that your pool doesn’t stop working just because you’ve stopped swimming in it. Water chemistry still shifts. Leaves, debris, and organic matter still build up. Algae still finds a way in. And your equipment — pumps, filters, chlorinators — is still running, still wearing, and still worth protecting.
Neglect it for a few months and you’ll be looking at a green, unbalanced swamp by the time October rolls around. Nobody wants that.
Water chemistry doesn’t take a season off. In fact, autumn conditions — cooler temperatures, fallen leaves, and fluctuating sunlight — can throw your water balance off just as easily as a hot summer day.
You should still be testing your water at least once a fortnight during autumn. Key things to check:
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, bring a water sample into us at Dolphin Pools. We’ll test it on the spot and give you a clear, straightforward action plan. No guesswork.
Autumn is leaf season in Melbourne. Gum trees, liquid ambers, plane trees — they all shed, and a lot of that ends up in your pool.
A blocked skimmer basket or pump basket is one of the most common causes of pump damage we see. When the basket is full, water flow is restricted. Your pump works harder than it should, overheats, and wears out faster. What could have been a $15 basket clean becomes a $600–$1,200 pump replacement.
Check and empty your baskets at least twice a week during autumn, more if you have trees nearby. It takes two minutes and it’s one of the single best things you can do for the lifespan of your equipment.
While you’re at it, give your pool a brush and run your robotic cleaner regularly. Organic matter sitting on the floor and walls breaks down and feeds algae — keeping the pool clean physically is just as important as keeping the chemistry balanced.
It’s natural to want to cut back on running costs as summer ends, and yes — you can reduce your pump run times in cooler months. But don’t go too far, too fast.
We recommend dropping to around 6–8 hours per day in autumn rather than cutting to 3–4 hours straight away. Your pump and filter need adequate run time to circulate the water properly and keep everything moving. Stagnant water is where problems start.
If you have a variable speed pump, now is a great time to adjust your settings for the season. Running at a lower speed for longer is more energy efficient and kinder to your equipment than short bursts at full speed. Not sure how to adjust yours? Give us a call — it takes minutes to set up properly.
Think of it like a car service — you don’t wait until the engine light comes on. Autumn is the ideal time to have your pool equipment inspected and serviced because:
Our team at Dolphin Pools carries out full equipment checks covering your pump, filter, chlorinator, and any heating or automation systems. If something’s looking worn, we’ll tell you honestly — and give you options.
Adding a quality algaecide to your pool as you head into the cooler months is cheap insurance. It works alongside your chlorine to keep algae spores from taking hold — particularly useful when the pool isn’t being used as frequently and circulation may be reduced.
Ask us about the right algaecide for your pool type and size. A small investment now is a lot less painful than a full green pool treatment in spring.
Autumn pool care isn’t about maintaining a pool you’re swimming in every day — it’s about protecting your investment and making sure that when summer comes back around, your pool is ready to go.
Stay on top of the basics:
Dolphin Pools services pools across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including Knox, Ringwood, Croydon, Maroondah, Yarra Ranges, and surrounds. Whether you’re on a regular service plan or just need a one-off check-up heading into autumn, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us on (03) 9830 5744 — let’s make sure your pool doesn’t become a problem this winter.
Dolphin Pools — Pool Servicing, Repairs & Equipment, Wantirna South