The cold winter is usually not a time to use the pool. However, the winter freezes the pool, but you can swim if you have a heater and proper chemical balance. But you can still swim in it if you need to get wet. Here are a few ways to maintain the pool so you can use it during the winter.
How to Keep a Pool in Use All Winter
- Install a Freeze Sensor: if you want to use your pool during the winter, you need to install a sensor in the pool’s control system. The sensor helps regulate the on and off of the pumps. In addition, you can set a timer for it. You can buy a water temperature sensor, air temperature sensor, or both. There are many devices, and you can go for the PE-153 Digital Time Clock, 178PA28A Freeze Sensor, or the Pentair IntelliFlo Vs.
- Winterize Water Features: most home pools have deck jets, cascades, waterfalls, and wall fountains. Before the winter, you can winterize the pumps and pipes to keep them operational in the winter. In addition, you may have to leave the deck jets or spraying fountain running all night and during windy periods to avoid water loss.
- Keep all Valves Open: every pool has complicated components, but the idea is to leave an opening that helps distribute water to all the pipes and valves. If your pool has a spa or spa combos, leaving the drain closed during the summer is ideal. However, it should remain slightly open in the winter to allow water movement. In essence, open vacuum lines, cleaner lines, skimmers, waterlines, and returns.
- Keep the Pumps Running: allowing your pump to run 247 won’t give it a chance to freeze, but your pool surface may freeze. As earlier stated, leaving the pipes or valve partially open at a temperature of 32° F will help. You don’t have to heat it but ensure the water keeps flowing. For instance, some water pumps, like Polaris booster pumps, don’t need water to flow through them constantly, but they need a constant water supply. In addition, you can also uninstall the cleaner to mitigate pressure and create space for more water flow. However, you can switch off waterfall pumps and other features not relevant to the operation to reduce constant pressure on them.
- Keep the Pool Clean: pool maintenance is needed even during the winter. Winter requires less pool maintenance, especially for those in the arid region or with fewer trees. However, you still need to clean an uncovered pool in the winter. You have to vacuum and brush the walls and floors to remove organic debris. Your pool may stain from fewer use and shorter filter runs.
- Keep the Water Balanced: if you intend to use your pool during the winter, you must maintain the water level. This means using less chlorine and ensuring balanced pH, calcium, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid. You also need to cover your pool to avoid absorbing the atmosphere, changing the water chemistry, and leading to scaling and poor water quality.
Here are some of the best methods to keep a pool from freezing:
- Maintaining proper water levels: Keeping the water level in the pool at the recommended level can help prevent freezing, as it allows for the proper circulation of water through the pool’s pump and filter system.
- Running the pump and filter: Running the pool’s pump and filter system regularly can help prevent freezing by circulating the water and keeping it from becoming stagnant. This can be especially important in colder climates where temperatures can drop significantly.
- Using a pool cover: A pool cover can help prevent heat loss from the pool and protect it from falling debris and other potential sources of damage. A cover also helps to reduce evaporation, which can reduce heat loss and prevent freezing.
- Installing a pool heater: A pool heater can help keep the water temperature at a consistent and warm level, even in colder temperatures. This can be especially important in areas where the temperature drops below freezing for extended periods of time.
- Adding antifreeze: Antifreeze can be added to the pool’s water to help lower the freezing point and prevent freezing. However, it’s important to choose an antifreeze that is safe for use in pools and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
It’s also important to regularly check the temperature of the pool’s water and to take appropriate action if the temperature drops too low. By taking these steps, you can help prevent your pool from freezing and protect it from damage during the winter months.
For more information on pool maintenance and to schedule servicing your pool, contact us, we would love to assist in keeping your pool water clean.
More Information on Pool Maintenance:
How to clean poop out of the pool
Uncharted waters – new pool owner responsibilities
Pool Service and cleaning for Lake Havasu City
Black Algae and Your Lake Havasu Pool
Does Chlorine make your eyes sting?