Why Pool Maintenance Is Essential in Brazil's Winter

Although Brazil enjoys a sunny tropical climate, winter (June to August) still brings about temperature fluctuations and humidity changes. Especially in the southern and southeastern regions (such as Sao Paulo, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, etc.), it may bring cold air and rainfall in winter. During this period, swimming activities will decrease depending on the region and the conditions of the swimming pool. However, it does not mean that you can reduce the use of pool chemicals or neglect the pool daily maintenance.

In fact, winter is one of the most crucial times for swimming pool maintenance. The correct use of swimming pool chemicals and proper equipment management can not only prevent water quality deterioration but also protect the equipment and save future cleaning and repair costs. Aquaenjoy, a professional supplier of swimming pool chemicals with 30 years, offers quality products to help you maintain a pristine pool all season long.

1. Prevent water quality deterioration

* In Brazil, the temperature difference between day and night in winter is relatively large, especially in the southern and southeastern regions. It's warm during the day and cool at night in Brazil's winter. This temperature difference will accelerate the reproduction of algal spores. If not disinfected and cleaned regularly, the swimming pool may turn green rapidly.

For instance, in Sao Paulo's winter, the daytime temperature can reach 25°C and drop to 10°C at night. Such fluctuations can easily lead to unstable water quality.

* Winter is the period when many trees shed their leaves (such as A. angustifolia and Jacaranda). When impurities like fallen leaves and dust enter swimming pools, it can cause an imbalance in pH value and make the water turbid.

* In most parts of Brazil, there is a dry winter, such as in the central and southeastern regions. The reduction in precipitation can cause water evaporation in swimming pools and an increase in the concentration of chemicals (such as chlorine), which may corrode equipment or irritate the skin. Conversely, in some areas of the north (such as the Amazon), it is still rainy, and it is necessary to prevent rainwater from bringing in impurities and causing acid-base imbalance.

* If left untreated, water quality problems will break out in spring, requiring water replacement and a large amount of pool chemicals for cleaning.

2. Protect pool equipment and structure

* Cold weather may damage exposed pipes or water pumps (occasionally close to 0°C in southern Brazil). Insulation measures need to be inspected to avoid an increase in maintenance costs.

* Pumps and filters that have not been maintained during the period of inactivity may be damaged due to residual impurities. Regular cleaning can prevent the filter from overloading and extend the service life of the equipment.

* If the water level is too high or the drainage system is clogged, it may cause structural damage or swelling of accumulated water due to the rainy season.

3. Prevent the breeding of mosquitoes

In winter, the frequency of using swimming pool decreases, making it easy to neglect maintenance. And stagnant water is more prone to breeding mosquitoes (such as Aedes mosquitoes that spread dengue fever) or forming biofilms (bacterial protective layers). It is recommended that even if not in use, the circulation system be kept running for several hours each week.

4. Save the time and cost in peak tourist season

* Continuous low-frequency pool maintenance in winter not only keeps the water body basically clean but also avoids service shortages or expensive repairs during peak seasons.

* In spring (September), only minor adjustments are needed when opening the pool, and there is no need for extensive cleaning, drainage or repair. The correct use of swimming pool chemicals can significantly reduce operating costs.

Weekly simple maintenance plan:

Clean the pool regularly (1-2 times a week)

• Use a net to clear away fallen leaves, insects and other debris
• Scrub the pool walls and bottom
• Use robot vacuum cleaners or manual dirt suction devices to keep the bottom of the pool clean

Maintain water quality balance (1-2 times a week)

Test water quality using swimming pool test strips:

• pH value: 7.2-7.6
• Free chlorine: 1-3 ppm
• Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
• Calcium hardness: 200-400 ppm

Adjust the chemical in the swimming pool (once a week)

• Use chlorine disinfectants to maintain the disinfection effect
• Add algicides to prevent algae
• For pH imbalance, use a pH plus or pH minus

Start the circulating pump and the filtration system (run for 1 to 2 hours per week)

• Run the filter to ensure good water circulation
• Backwash 1-2 times a month to prevent filter clogging
• Inspect the filter sand or filter element and replace it if necessary to maintain the filtration efficiency

Protect swimming pool equipment

• Check the water pump and pipes, ensuring no leakage or frost, especially in southern areas
• Cover the swimming pool to reduce evaporation, maintain water temperature and block fallen leaves.

Winter Mode (if not used for a long time)

• Lower the water level to just below the filter opening
• Empty the pipes or use antifreeze (only in extremely cold regions)

Notes:
 

• It is not recommended to completely empty the swimming pool for the winter. An empty pool may cause structural damage due to groundwater pressure.
• If you plan to shut down the swimming pool for more than two months, it is recommended that you contact a professional service team to carry out the "closing the pool" operation.

• Trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) 90% chlorine tablets: A slow-release disinfectant suitable for maintaining the residual chlorine concentration in water for a long time.
• Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (SDIC) 56% granules: Quick dissolution, suitable for regular weekly maintenance.
• pH regulator (rise/fall) : Maintain the pH value between 7.2 and 7.6 to ensure the disinfection effect.
• Algaecide: Prevents algae growth and maintains water clarity.

Choosing the right pool chemicals not only affects water quality but also relates to the health of swimmers and the lifespan of the pool.

You may like:

Why Your Pool Is Green And How To Fix It?

Why Your Pool Smells Like Chlorine?

To sum up, although the winter in Brazil is mild, the maintenance of swimming pools cannot be ignored. Maintaining good water quality not only helps with equipment maintenance and saves maintenance costs, but also reflects a sense of responsibility for the health of swimmers. As a professional supplier of pool chemicals, we recommend that customers incorporate winter maintenance as an important part of their annual pool care.

If you are looking for a high-quality wholesale supplier of pool chemicals, please feel free to contact our technical team for more assistance.