Should you close your pool for winter in Mallorca?

On the mainland, closing the pool in November is routine. On Mallorca the question has a different answer: winters are mild, water rarely drops below 10 degrees, and most owners are better off keeping the pool open on a reduced routine. Here is how to decide, and what each option costs.
Key takeaways
- Mallorca winters are mild: active wintering beats full closure for most owners
- Reduced routine: filter 2 to 4 hours a day, low chlorine, cover on, 30 to 60 euros a month
- Never leave a concrete pool empty: ground pressure can crack it
- Badly done winterisation is what creates the April green swamp
Option 1: active wintering (what most Mallorca owners do)
Keep the pool full, run the filter two to four hours a day, keep chlorine at the low end and pH balanced, and cover the pool. Cost: roughly 30 to 60 euros a month in electricity and chemicals. The pool stays ready for warm weeks, common even in February, and spring startup is a quick clean rather than a rescue operation.
Option 2: full winterisation
Lower the water below the skimmer, blow out the lines, add winter algaecide and fit a winter cover. This suits second homes left unattended from October to May. Done properly it protects the equipment, done badly it produces the classic green swamp in April, which costs more to fix than a winter of light maintenance. Our 48-hour green pool guide exists for exactly that scenario.
What not to do: emptying the pool
An empty concrete pool on Mallorca risks cracking from ground pressure and drying liner joints, and refilling costs 100 to 150 euros in water alone, as covered in our article on filling costs. Leave it full unless a professional says otherwise for repairs.
The winter checklist
Clean the filter before slowing down, balance pH to 7.2 to 7.4, set the pump timer for the coolest hours, cover the pool, and check chemistry every two weeks. If the villa stands empty, a winter maintenance visit every one to two weeks keeps the investment safe and typically costs less than the summer service.
| Aspect | Active wintering | Full winterisation |
|---|---|---|
| Water level | Pool stays full | Lowered below the skimmer |
| Filtration | 2 to 4 hours a day | Lines blown out, pump off |
| Chemistry | Low chlorine, pH 7.2 to 7.4, check every two weeks | Winter algaecide added at closing |
| Cover | Cover on | Winter cover fitted |
| Monthly cost | Roughly 30 to 60 euros | Close to zero after closing |
| Best for | Most Mallorca owners | Long absences over the whole winter |
Should I close my pool over winter in Mallorca?
Full winterisation is rarely needed. Most owners keep the pool open with reduced filtration, two to four hours a day, and a cover. Water rarely drops below 10 degrees, so freeze damage is not the issue it is on the mainland.
What does winter pool care cost?
Running reduced filtration plus chemicals costs roughly 30 to 60 euros a month. Many services offer a winter contract at a lower rate than the summer service.
Is it cheaper to empty the pool in winter?
No. An empty concrete pool risks structural damage from ground pressure, and refilling costs 100 to 150 euros plus rebalancing. Keep it full and covered.
Conclusion
With winters this mild, most Mallorca pools are best kept open on a reduced routine for roughly 30 to 60 euros a month, while full winterisation only pays off if you are away for the whole season. Never leave a concrete pool empty, ground pressure can crack it. If your pool needs a cover, new equipment or a proper winter setup, request free quotes from vetted builders.
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