Our guide to winter pool maintenance will help you plan out the steps over the cold season to ensure a smooth spring opening.
When temperatures drop, your swimming pool enters its most vulnerable time of year. Freezing conditions, debris buildup, unbalanced water, and neglected equipment can cause expensive damage that’s entirely preventable with proper winter pool maintenance. Whether you have an inground gunite pool, a vinyl-liner pool, or a fiberglass design, preparing it for the cold season is one of the smartest ways to protect your investment and ensure a smooth opening next spring. That’s why we have a comprehensive guide on the steps every pool owner should take during the winter months.
Balance Your Water Chemistry
Before closing your pool or covering it for winter, it’s critical to ensure the water is properly balanced. Adjust the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to recommended levels to prevent staining, scaling, and corrosion. Balanced water also helps your winterizing chemicals work more effectively, reducing algae growth in the early spring.
Shock and Sanitize the Pool
Adding a shock treatment and winter algaecide helps maintain clean, healthy water all season long. Shock eliminates organic contaminants, while algaecide inhibits growth—especially important in milder winters when temperatures may fluctuate. Proper sanitization is a core element of winter pool maintenance because it prolongs water clarity and protects your pool surfaces.
Lower the Water Level
If you have a freeze-prone climate, lowering the water level is essential. The correct amount varies based on pool type:
- Gunite/Concrete Pools: Usually a few inches below the tile line
- Vinyl-Liner Pools: Generally just below the skimmer
- Fiberglass Pools: Enough to avoid overflow but not so much that the structure loses support
Ensuring the water level is correct reduces pressure on the pool during freeze-thaw cycles and protects the skimmer from cracking.
Winterize the Plumbing Lines
Frozen pipes are one of the most common—and costly—problems resulting from improper winterizing. Use an air compressor or blower to remove water from the return lines, skimmer lines, and main drain. Then plug the lines and add pool-grade antifreeze (if recommended for your system). This single step can save you thousands in potential repairs.
Clean the Pool Thoroughly
Leaves, branches, and organic debris can stain the pool surface and disrupt water chemistry during the winter months. Before covering the pool, vacuum it thoroughly, brush the walls, and empty all baskets. Clean water going into winter equals a much easier opening when warm weather returns.
Inspect and Store Pool Equipment
Pool accessories can crack or warp in extremely cold weather. Remove ladders, handrails, skimmer baskets, and detachable fittings. Inspect your pump, heater, and filter for any signs of wear. For cartridge and DE filters, deep-clean the elements before storing them for winter. Taking the time now prevents mid-season surprises—or costly replacements.
Secure a Durable Winter Cover
A high-quality winter cover or safety cover keeps your pool protected from debris and sunlight. Make sure it’s tightly fitted with no sagging areas where water and debris can accumulate. Throughout the season, check for damage or loose straps so your cover continues doing its job effectively.
Check on Your Pool Throughout the Winter
Even after everything is winterized, occasional check-ins are still part of proper winter pool maintenance. After major storms or wind events, ensure the cover is secure and that water levels are stable. Regular monitoring helps you catch small issues before they become big ones.
Why Hiring Professionals for Winter Pool Maintenance Makes a Difference
While many homeowners can handle basic winter tasks, hiring a professional pool company provides several advantages:
- Expert Protection: Professionals know exactly how to winterize every type of pool and equipment system, reducing risk of frozen pipes, surface damage, or chemical issues.
- Time Savings: Winterizing can be time-consuming and physically demanding—especially during cold weather.
- Preventative Guidance: A trained technician may spot developing problems that homeowners overlook, saving you significant money in the long run.
- Effortless Spring Opening: With proper winter prep, your pool is cleaner, healthier, and easier to reopen when warm weather arrives.
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At Honeysuckle Nursery and Design, you will get construction and maintenance crews on site who have a minimum of 10 years of experience in all types of landscaping and hardscaping. Our designers will work closely with you to understand how you want to use your space so that we can make the most of your entire site. We are committed to providing complete customer satisfaction and will work with you along every step of the way to be sure that you are happy with your new trees. Please be sure to visit our gallery page for unique, creative designs and inspiration!
Whether you live in Anne Arundel or Howard Counties, we can help you experience your dream space in Annapolis, Davidsonville, Millersville, Ellicott City, Clarksville, Columbia, and surrounding areas. We specialize in Landscape Design & Maintenance, Swimming Pools, Hardscape, and Natural Stone, Water Features, Outdoor Living Spaces, and more! Dream, Create, Experience with Honeysuckle Nursery & Design by calling 410-849-5119 or email us to schedule your free no-obligation estimate today.