Keeping your pool in good condition and ensuring pool area safety is as essential in winter as it is in the warmer seasons. We look at general procedures to keep your pool clean, as well as important pool safety standards and features. A backyard pool brings relief on hot summer days and weeks of fun for the kids on school holidays. However, when winter rolls around, the pool is literally left out in the cold! Even though it's not being used, it's essential to keep the pool in good condition. Pool maintenance over the cooler months can prevent the growth of micro-organisms and bacteria that can cause serious illnessi. You'll be able to spot any problems when they happen, and avoid a big clean up when the hot weather returnsii. While the pool may not be in use, it's still vital to ensure that adequate safety and security measures remain in place. Swimming pools are more likely to be unattended in winter than in summer, which may increase the risk of accidental drowning (particularly for young children).

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that between 1999 and 2003, accidental drowning accounted for 19% of all injury-related child deathsii. Every pool requires maintenance, but different pools require different maintenance regimes. General cleaning: All pool equipment should be regularly cleaned and kept in good condition. Removing debris from the grout and corners will prevent algae build-up. To prevent bacteria breeding over winter, backwash the filters, ensure hair and lint is removed from pumps and baskets, and keep all O-rings in tip-top condition with a silicone-based lubricantiii. Regularly empty the skimmer basket where debris collects, and use a skimmer net or leaf rake to remove debris and bugs from the water. Run the filter regularly over winter to keep water moving and to prevent the water from becoming stagnantiii. Check that pipes, filters and motors are in good working order. All pool equipment should be serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions and any electrical repair work should be performed by a professional electricianiv.

Shock dosing: 'Shock dosing' (also known as 'superchlorination') is the process of adding a high dose of pool cleaning chemicals, usually chlorine, into the water. This process helps prevent the build-up of chloramines in a heavily used pool (which can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system)v. Remember to store all pool chemicals out of children's reach. Water properties: Regardless of whether the pool is being used, it's important to test the water to ensure chlorine, pH, and alkaline levels are within normal range. best way to clean travertine tileIn winter, it's advisable to check the water balance once every two weeks, using a reliable pool test kitvi.buy vacuum cleaner bags online nz 'Free chlorine' is the term given to indicate the amount of chlorine in the water that is effectively killing bacteria. carpet cleaning toronto prices

The free chlorine level in a pool should range between 1.0 to 3.0 mg/Lvii. The ideal pH level of the water should range between 7.0 and 7.8viii, while the total alkalinity range should be 60 to 200mg/Lviii. Cover the pool: A pool cover is a simple and effective way of keeping dirt, leaves, and debris out of the water. Over winter, it is recommended to cover your pool completelyvi. Your local pool shop professional will be able to give specific advice on what you need to do to keep your pool healthy and safe throughout the year. Australian states and territories, by law, require swimming pools and spas on private residential properties to be securely enclosed by safety barriers (fences and gates)ix-xvi. This, coupled with caution and vigilance, is the best method for preventing drowning deaths in home swimming pools. There are also various pool safety devices, such as gate and pool alarms, which can provide an additional element of safety in and around the pool. To find out more about the specific requirements in your home state or territory, contact your local council or visit the Building Commission website.

“” Our accommodation was excellent, the bed was a little soft for my liking and the pillows a bit big but no real complaints there. Paid extra to have breakfast included but I won't next time, definately below average and lets the place down. Scrambled eggs had a blue grey tinge to them, croissants rock hard on top and almost mushy... Level Contributor“” via mobileOverall, the cleanliness of the resort and cabins 9/10. Lost count of how many pools there is and one with a water slide and the rest with awesome water features. It's close to a shopping plaza like a 3 minute drive. The beach is amazing and beautiful however no life saving services but still great to swim... Level Contributor“” Aging but well priced, our bure was clean, spacious and comfortable. Location is fantastic and evening meals better than some 5* restaurants we have visited. Breakfasts were good and you cater well for celiacs!! The staff were excellent, especially Meaghan the restaurant manager. Aanuka made our stay in Coffs Harbour worth while, we will be back.

“” We had a great time with only a few little inconveniences. We arrived on the last weekend of school holidays and the resort had a wedding so there was not enough secure parking and we had to park on the street. The kids pool is great but is far away from reception so gets little to no attention, no food...Thank 318candicel Dear 318candicel, Thank you for your review. We do not guaranteed parking as stated on our website. We also do conduct regular checks on our pool areas, however if and when you do stay with us again please inform us of any safety issues by contacting our friendly reception staff. Level Contributor“” We spent 5 days at Aanuka and had a wonderful time. We stayed in one of the Paradise Spa Bure rooms. Our room was clean but a bit dated. The spa is nice and big. If you are not up to the bright sunshine first thing in the morning, then I suggest you walk in with your sunnies on, as...Thank Kim M Dear Kim M, Thank you for taking the time to write a review on our property, we really do appreciate it.

You will be pleased to hear that we are always undergoing updates within the resort. We are very glad that you had a great time during your stay and that you got to enjoy some of our great facilities.... Level Contributor“” Very comfortable, food was excellent and staff terrific. The location is fantastic, cannot fault the sunrises!!! The villa was very comfortable, everything was clean and functional although the kitchen was a little bit tired and could do with an update.Thank AsaAxel Dear AsaAxel, Thank you for your great review on our property. Great to hear that you enjoyed your stay and got to take in the beautiful sunrises that we get here on the Coffs Coast. I hope that you choose to stay with us next time you are in the area. “” Overall our stay was good for the price. The only real criticism is that there was no access for a pram to the breakfast area. We had things stolen from our front verandah (shoes) during our stay. I wasn't aware that housekeeping wasn't going to make up our room.

Also the showerhead had no pressureThank staceyb699 Dear staceyb699, We love to received great feedback from our guests as it helps to maintain the high standards that we strive for. If you do have any issues that arise during your stay please inform our friendly reception team so we can help resolve the situation. We do not do a daily service on... “” Great place to stay, close to the beach, very relaxing & quiet, with helpful, friendly staff. Our rooms were clean & roomy with comfortable beds. Shower heads need replacing & shower over spa bath dangerous.Thank 503lynf Dear 503lynf, I am glad that you enjoyed your stay, I do apologise for the shower head and we will get our maintenance team to investigate. I hope to see you back again soon. Level Contributor“” Wonderful property in all respects - Staff, Food, Accom, Pools, Locations and Gardens. We have had many family get togethers in Coffs Harbour over the years at different resorts, however there is no doubt that Aanuka is the best of them all.