3. Filtration & Circulation: The Heart of Pool Health

Running your pump and filter every single day is the best thing you can do.

• 4–8 hours/day during peak use or when the sun is blazing.

• 2–4 hours/day in cooler weather.

This:

• Circulates chemicals evenly.

• Keeps water moving, so algae and mozzies don’t get comfy.

• Clears out dust, pollen, and Perth’s infamous gum leaves.

Clean your filter cartridge every 2–4 weeks (or sooner if it looks dirty).

• Rinse it with the hose.

• Soak it overnight in filter cleaner once a month during summer.

• Replace it when it looks worn or water flow slows down.

If you notice water getting cloudy:
Check the filter first. Sometimes a simple clean is all it takes.

4. Routine Cleaning (The Five-Minute Fix)

• Daily: Skim leaves, bugs, and anything the wind blows in.

• Cover your pool whenever it’s not in use—this is the #1 way to keep it clean and save on chemicals.

• Weekly: Brush the walls and bottom of your tank (use a soft brush—never metal).

• Monthly: Check for tiny rust spots, especially after storms or heavy use.

  • Treat them early—scrub with steel wool, dry, and hit it with cold galvanising spray.

5. Rust Prevention: Keep Your Tank Looking Like New

The galvanized coating on your Terra Tank pool is tough, but chlorine and WA’s salty air can still take their toll if left unchecked.

• Keep pH balanced—don’t let it dip below 7.2.

• Keep chlorine steady at 1 ppm—don’t “shock” your pool unless absolutely necessary.

• If you spot rust:

  • Scrub gently, dry, and apply cold galvanising spray (available from hardware stores).

Never:

• Let chlorine tablets touch the metal.

• Use a wire brush.

• Neglect small rust spots—they’re easy to fix early, but can spread if ignored.

6. Water Changes & Troubleshooting

No matter how good your care, sometimes your pool just needs a fresh start—especially in Perth’s long, hot summers.

• Plan to change all the water every 2–3 months (or sooner if you get persistent cloudiness or “swamp water”).

• When refilling, test your source water before adding chemicals.

• If you’re struggling with algae or green water:

  • Run your filter longer.

  • Brush and skim daily.

  • Check and correct your chemistry.

  • If all else fails, a full drain, scrub, and refill is the fastest fix.

7. Off-Season & Winter Care (WA Style)

• Warm climate (most of WA):

  • Keep the pool filled, cover when not in use, and check chemicals weekly.

  • Rainy season? Keep an eye out for overflowing or diluted chemicals.

• Cold/southern WA or frost-prone hills:

  • If a freeze is possible, drain and dry your pool completely.

  • Store your pump and filter inside to avoid winter damage.

• Storms and wind:

  • Always secure your cover before a storm.

  • Remove large debris right away after heavy winds.

8. What NOT To Do (from WA Pool Owners!)

• Don’t place chlorine tablets or powder directly on the tank floor.

• Don’t let your pH drop below 7.2.

• Don’t neglect running your filter—stagnant water = mozzies, algae, and cloudy water.

• Don’t use strong pool shock treatments in a galvanized steel pool.

Final Tips & WA Wisdom

A few minutes each week saves hours of hassle later—set a phone reminder and make it part of your routine.

Remember: Consistency is key.

• The more you stay on top of small maintenance, the less you’ll ever need to do a big clean.

• In WA’s hot, dry climate, evaporation is rapid—keep your water topped up, and always re-test after refilling.

With these simple habits, you’ll enjoy a sparkling, safe, and beautiful stock tank pool for years.

We are always here to help—reach out if you need local advice, water test kits, or troubleshooting!