Last Updated on December 3, 2024 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
When winter sets in, maintaining your pool might not be the first thing on your mind.
However, proper winter care ensures that your pool remains in good condition and that you are ready to open it for the warmer months without hassle.
Cold temperatures, snow, and rain can all harm your pool if left unchecked.
With the right strategies and tools, you can protect your pool from winter damage and minimize the effort required when the season ends.
Here are essential winter pool maintenance tips every homeowner should know.
Before closing your pool for the winter, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly.
Remove debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, from the pool surface and floor.
A skimmer net and a pool vacuum can help remove visible debris and any leftover grime that could turn into algae during the off-season.
Be sure to clean the pool walls as well, brushing off any buildup to prevent the growth of algae or bacteria.
Once you’ve removed debris from the pool, it’s time to check and clean your pool filters.
Dirty filters won’t be as effective at keeping the water clear throughout winter, so thoroughly clean or replace them as needed.
In many cases, homeowners prefer to use a pool cover or winterizing net to catch any falling debris while the pool is in use during colder weather.
Balancing your pool water chemistry is critical for maintaining pool health through the winter.
Imbalanced water can cause staining, scale buildup, or corrosion, which could result in costly repairs when the pool is opened again.
Start by testing the pool water’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels.
Ensure that your pH level falls between 7.2 and 7.8. If your pool’s pH is too high or too low, it could cause the water to become cloudy or lead to the corrosion of pool equipment and surfaces.
You should also check the alkalinity levels, which should be between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million). If your pool’s alkalinity is off, use the appropriate chemicals to adjust it.
Calcium hardness levels should also be monitored, as too soft water can damage your pool’s plaster and equipment, while hard water can lead to scale buildup.
In addition, consider adding a winterizing pool chemical kit.
These kits usually include algaecides and other chemicals that help keep the water clear and prevent algae growth over the winter months.
During the winter, your pool's water level should be lower than normal, especially if you live in an area with freezing temperatures.
This prevents the water from expanding and damaging the pool structure during freezes.
Reducing the water level also makes removing debris and cleaning the pool cover easier.
It’s important to lower the water level carefully—don’t drain it completely.
A pool that’s too empty could collapse or cause damage to the lining.
Lower the water level just enough to stay below the skimmer, but be sure the pool remains partially filled to help maintain its shape.
Winter weather can be brutal on pool equipment, and it is essential to take the proper steps to protect it.
Begin by turning off the pool pump and filter system. Drain the pump, filter, and heater of any remaining water to prevent freezing and cracking.
If you live in a region with freezing temperatures, removing the pump and storing it indoors is advisable.
For above-ground pools, remove any removable equipment, such as ladders or steps, and store it in a dry, sheltered location.
If you have a robotic pool cleaner, remove it and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing it.
To prevent ice or debris buildup, cover the pool heater and other essential equipment for in-ground pools with a tarp or protective cover.
Consider using a pool cover pump to remove any water that might accumulate on the cover, preventing it from becoming too heavy.
Covering your pool is one of the most critical steps in winter pool maintenance.
A pool cover acts as a protective barrier, keeping debris out of the pool while maintaining water temperature and preventing heat loss.
Several types of pool covers are available, and each offers different benefits.
A solid pool cover completely seals the pool, preventing debris, rain, or snow from entering.
It’s ideal for areas with heavy snowfall or high wind. Mesh pool covers allow water to pass through but still keep debris out.
These covers are great for areas with milder winters, as they prevent debris buildup while allowing rainwater to drain off.
When installing a pool cover, ensure it is tightly secured to prevent it from shifting or blowing away during a storm.
Ensure the cover is placed correctly and avoid any sagging areas that could cause damage or collect rainwater.
Another essential winter maintenance task is winterizing your pool plumbing.
Water left in the plumbing pipes can freeze and cause them to crack, leading to expensive repairs.
To prevent this, drain all water from the pipes and lines, including those for the heater, filter, and pump.
For pool owners who are not familiar with the winterizing process, special pool blowers force air through the plumbing to remove any remaining water.
After blowing out the lines, plug the skimmer and return lines to keep any residual water from collecting in the pipes.
This step is essential for those in colder climates where freezing temperatures are expected.
Even though your pool may not be in use during the winter, it’s essential to monitor it regularly.
Check the pool cover for any signs of wear or damage and replace or repair it as needed. Inspect the water level periodically to ensure it doesn’t drop too low, and watch the weather.
If a snowstorm or heavy rain is forecasted, make sure the cover is secure and remove any excess water from the top of the cover.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of your winter pool maintenance routine, it’s always best to consult a professional pool technician.
They can provide advice specific to your pool type and climate, ensuring that your pool remains in top condition year after year.
Maintaining your pool during winter is essential for keeping it in excellent shape and ready for use when the weather warms up.
By following these tips—cleaning the pool, checking water chemistry, lowering the water level, protecting your equipment, installing a pool cover, winterizing the plumbing, and regularly monitoring your pool—you can prevent damage and reduce maintenance costs.
With extra care and attention, your pool will be in perfect condition for the next swimming season.
