Gold Coast summer 2025 Pool care pre-storm checklists
- goldcoastpools
- Oct 8
- 4 min read
Get your pool ready for summer on the Gold Coast with our Pool care pre-storm checklists. Pre season water balance, equipment checks, storm prep and a 15 minute weekly plan to prevent algae and surprises.
Why this matters now
Spring on the Gold Coast is the sweet spot to get ahead of heat, storms and heavy bather loads. A little prep now avoids green pool callouts, pump failures and sky high chemical bills when the temperature spikes.
Summer Pool care pre-storm checklists (save this!)
Weekly (15 minutes):
Skim, empty baskets, brush walls and steps
Test pH and free chlorine, top up as needed
Run pump long enough to achieve at least one full turnover
Monthly:
Backwash or clean cartridges
Check total alkalinity and calcium hardness
Inspect salt cell or dosing lines and peristaltic pump tubing
Pre-storm:
Lower water level to mid-skimmer height
Secure pool cover, furniture and toys
Switch automation to “super chlorinate” or raise free chlorine by 1–2 mg/L
Post-storm:
Remove debris early, vacuum to waste if heavy silt or dirt washes in to the pool
Shock to breakpoint (see quick maths below)
Re-test pH, Total Alkalinity and Salt level before normal dosing resumes
Step 1: Dial in the water balance
Free chlorine: 1–3 mg/L (bump to ~4 mg/L if cyanuric acid is high or after big swimming days)
pH: 7.4–7.6
Total alkalinity: 80–120 mg/L
Calcium hardness: 200–300 mg/L for fibreglass, 250–350 mg/L for tiled/concrete
Cyanuric acid (stabiliser): 30–50 mg/L (keep under ~60 mg/L to avoid “chlorine lock”)
Salt (if salt pool): as per cell spec, commonly 3,000–5,000 mg/L
Pro tip: If Cyanuric Acid (a.k.a "stabiliser" or "sunscreen") has crept above 60–70 mg/L, partial drain and refill is usually cheaper than chasing higher chlorine forever.
Step 2: Ensure reliable circulation and filtration
How long to run the pump?Aim for one full turnover per day minimum in summer.
Quick calc: turnover time (hours) ≈ pool volume (L) ÷ pump flow (L/h).Example: 50,000 L pool, pump at 12,000 L/h → ~4.2 h. Add 20–30% for real-world losses.
Filter care: Backwash sand/glass filters when pressure rises 20–30 kPa from clean. Hose cartridges when the gauge climbs or flow slows.
Salt cells and probes: Descale salt cells gently, inspect O-rings, recalibrate pH/ORP probes often for accurate dosing.
Step 3: Storm season prep for the Gold Coast
Before storms:
Bring chemicals off the floor and out of direct sun, check lids and labels
Lower water level to mid skimmer height to create surge room
Super chlorinate (or set SWC to 100% for 24 h)
After storms:
Remove organic matter quickly or it will chew through chlorine
If water is turbid (has lots of suspended solids), dose a clarifier or floc, settle overnight, then vacuum to waste
Re-test salt level; heavy rain dilutes
Step 4: Prevent algae the smart way
Breakpoint chlorination (fast rule):If combined chlorine (CC) is measurable, add 10× CC as free chlorine.
Example: CC = 0.4 mg/L → add enough chlorine to raise FC by ~4 mg/L.
Brush weekly: Algae anchors in low flow areas (steps, behind ladders, inside skimmer throat).
Keep the cover clean: A dirty cover reseeds spores every time it is applied.
Step 5: Make chemicals work harder (and cost you less)
Dose at dusk: Sunlight destroys unstabilised chlorine. Evening dosing means more disinfection for the same spend.
Balance first, then heat: Poor balance accelerates scale on heat exchangers and salt cells.
Automate where possible: A simple pH doser or ORP controller stabilises the basics so you use fewer “fix-it” chemicals later.
Troubleshooting quick wins
Cloudy after heavy use: Check pH, run pump longer, backwash, superchlorinate (shock) and consider a clarifier
Burning eyes but “smells like chlorine”: Likely too little free chlorine and high chloramines; superchlorinate or "shock" to breakpoint and improve ventilation.
Green tinge forming: Brush, shock, verify CYA and phosphates, increase run time for a few days.
15-minute weekly routine (print and stick on the shed door)
Empty skimmer and pump baskets
Quick skim and brush trouble spots
Test pH and FC → adjust
Glance at filter pressure and salt cell
Confirm pump schedule meets turnover target
Local Gold Coast add ons we recommend for summer 2025
Variable speed pump schedule review: Re tune pumps speeds for quiet overnight filtration and daytime skimming.
Anti surge skimmer weirs and leaf canisters: Reduce blockages during peak leaf drop.
Basic automation bundle: pH control + ORP or saltwater chlorinator output smoothing to keep free chlorine stable in heatwaves.
Storm kit: Spare clarifier, floc, filter socks, spare test reagents, and a leaf rake that actually holds its frame under load.
FAQs (Gold Coast homeowners ask us these every summer)
How long should I run my pool pump in summer?
Long enough for at least one full turnover per day. Many pools land between 6–10 hours depending on pump size and volume. Use the quick calc above and add 20–30%.
Do I need to lower the water level before a storm?
Yes, to mid skimmer height. It prevents overflow of debris into landscaping and lowers the load on skimmers.
My pool smells strongly of chlorine, do I have too much?
Usually the opposite. That smell is chloramines. Shock to breakpoint and ensure good circulation and fresh air.
What’s the best chlorine level for a salt pool in summer?
Keep free chlorine 1–3 mg/L and CYA 30–50 mg/L. If swimmers or sunlight spike, run the cell harder for 24 hours.
Is it worth adding a pH controller?
For most Gold Coast pools, yes. It keeps pH in the sweet spot so chlorine works better, reduces scale, and saves you chasing test results.
Book a pre-summer tune-up:
We’ll test on site, re tune your pump schedule, clean the salt cell, calibrate dosing and leave you with a simple run sheet tailored to your pool.
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