Summer in Cairns is beautiful, but for a pool owner, it’s the ultimate “stress test.” With water temperatures often hitting 30°C and the tropical sun beating down, your pool equipment and chemistry are working overtime.
At Allan’s Pool Shop, we see the same issues crop up every December through March. Here are the top three problems Cairns residents face and how to get ahead of them.
1. Rapid Chlorine “Burn-Off”
The UV index in Cairns is some of the highest in the world. Without the right protection, the sun can destroy up to 90% of your pool’s chlorine in just two hours.
- The Problem: You’re adding chlorine, but the levels won’t stay up.
- The Fix: You need Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer). Think of it as “sunscreen for your chlorine.” We recommend keeping your stabilizer levels between 30-50 ppm to ensure your chlorine actually stays in the water long enough to kill bacteria.
2. Overworked & Overheating Pumps
Cairns’ humidity is brutal on electrical components. During summer, pool pumps often run for 8-10 hours a day to keep up with the heat.
- The Problem: Your pump is making a high-pitched “screaming” noise or cutting out frequently.
- The Fix: This often indicates bearing failure or an overheating motor. Don’t wait for it to seize completely—it could be a fire hazard. Is your pool equipment struggling with the heat? Don’t get caught with a broken pump on a 35-degree day. Visit Allan’s Pool Shop at Manunda or Edmonton for an equipment health check today.
3. Mysterious Water Loss (Evaporation vs. Leak)
It’s normal for a Cairns pool to lose 5mm–10mm of water a day to evaporation in the summer heat.
- The Problem: You’re topping up the pool every few days, but it feels like too much.
- The Fix: Perform the “Bucket Test” to see if it’s evaporation or a leak. If you suspect a leak, don’t let your water bill skyrocket. Allan’s Pool Shop specializes in expert leak detection across Cairns, using specialized tech to find the hole without digging up your yard.
A Cairns summer doesn’t have to mean constant pool problems. Most seasonal issues—chlorine loss, pump failures, and unexpected water loss—can be avoided with the right knowledge and proactive maintenance. The key is identifying small warning signs early, before they turn into expensive repairs or unsafe swimming conditions.
If you’re unsure whether your pool is coping with the heat, a professional check can save you time, money, and stress. At Allan’s Pool Shop, we help Cairns pool owners stay swim-ready all summer long with expert advice, reliable repairs, and tailored solutions designed for tropical conditions. Drop in, give us a call, or book a service—so you can spend less time troubleshooting your pool and more time enjoying it.
