What Happens to Your Pool Water in the Winter?

What Winter Does to Your Pool Water, Explained

Owning a pool brings countless hours of enjoyment during the warmer months, but when winter rolls around, you have to decide how to close it. Understanding what happens to your pool water in colder weather is important to avoid any damage during the winter. Without proper care, your pool can sustain damage that may be costly to repair when summer returns.

Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas will explore how cold weather affects pool water and why winterizing your pool is a necessity, not an option. Winter pool maintenance is not just another chore on your to-do list; it’s essential for preserving your pool’s longevity.

What Happens to Your Pool Water in Winter?

When winter sets in, pool water can transform in unexpected ways, posing potential risks to your pool’s structure and causing damage that’s costly to repair.

• Cold temperatures can lead to frozen pool water, which expands and contracts. When this happens, it can threaten the integrity of your pool. Freezing can even crack pool tiles and exacerbate existing tears in the lining.
• Another less obvious threat is hydrostatic pressure. If your pool isn’t drained properly, the immense weight and pressure of groundwater around your pool can cause your pool to shift, crack, or even pop out of the ground entirely, though this isn’t common.
• These issues are compounded by the risk of equipment damage. When pool equipment is shut off to conserve energy, any residual water within the machines can freeze, causing leaks in pumps or damage to heaters.
• Additionally, structural damage can occur if the pool’s water level is not properly adjusted. Without the necessary water weight, the structure of your pool can be compromised, potentially leading to damaged walls, floors, or liners.
• Delamination is another concern where plaster finishes might dry out, contract, and rehydrate, leading to separation from the underlying concrete.

Winter Pool Care: Key Considerations for Draining

Successful winterization begins with proper draining. To prevent freezing damage, lower the water level to just below skimmers and jets, ensuring the pool’s plumbing and walls stay intact. Completely draining your pool is unnecessary and often discouraged as it can lead to structural instability.

It’s equally crucial to protect pool equipment by draining water from the filter and pump lines. This prevents freezing and potential breakage, ensuring your equipment remains in working order. Furthermore, adequate draining facilitates an easier reopening process in the spring, minimizing the hassle and effort required to get your pool ready for use after a long winter.

When considering how much water to drain, account for your pool type and local climate. Different climates require varying levels of drainage, and it’s better to consult with a pool professional to tailor the process to your situation. While draining, maintain vigilance over the pool’s structural concerns, as excessive draining can sometimes compromise its integrity.

Preventive Measures and Winterization Tips

Ensuring your pool survives winter unscathed involves several preventive measures. Adding freeze protection to your pool system is a crucial first step. Install a freeze protection unit that activates the pool’s pump when temperatures drop to a preset level. This circulation prevents water from freezing and causing damage.

Adjusting water levels correctly is also essential. Keep the water just below the skimmer line to prevent overflow while maintaining adequate pressure on the pool walls. Professional assistance can be invaluable in this regard.

Beyond mechanical adjustments, consider chemical treatments as part of your winterization plan. Balancing your pool water’s pH levels and adding algaecides can prevent algae growth and keep your pool clean throughout the winter months. Regular checks and adjustments are necessary to maintain the chemical balance, avoiding potential complications come spring.

Contact Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas For Help Preparing Your Pool For Winter

The importance of winter pool maintenance cannot be overstated. It protects your investment, keeps repair bills at bay, and ensures that when summer returns, your pool is ready. If you’re unsure where to start, consider consulting with a pool professional to guide you through the winterization process, so it can be tailored to your specific needs and climate conditions.

If you have trouble preparing your pool for the winter, you can contact the pool experts at Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas for help.

Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools