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5 Things You Should NOT Do To Your Pool In Winter

Winter care is about prevention. A few smart steps now can save you from cracked pipes, stained surfaces, green water, and even denied insurance claims later. Here are five common “don’ts” (and what to do instead) for a smoother, cheaper spring opening.

1) Don’t ignore water chemistry just because you’re not swimming

Cold water slows problems, it doesn’t stop them. Off-balance water over winter can etch plaster, stain liners, corrode metal parts, and feed spring algae. Test and balance at closing and at least monthly through winter (more often after heavy rain or wind). Keep pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer within standard ranges used by pool professionals and public-health guidance.

At-a-glance winter water targets (residential pools)

Parameter Typical Range Why it matters in winter
pH 7.2–7.8 (aim ~7.4–7.6) Protects surfaces and helps sanitizer work effectively.
Total Alkalinity 80–120 ppm (most chlorine pools) Buffers pH swings caused by storms, debris, and chemical additions.
Calcium Hardness 200–400 ppm (plaster often toward higher end) Too low can etch plaster; too high can scale when temperatures fluctuate.
Free Chlorine (or bromine) Maintain a residual per your sanitizer and CYA level Prevents algae and bacterial growth under the cover.
  • Top up sanitizer and algaecide as labeled; sunlight and organic load still consume sanitizer in winter.
  • Use a reliable kit (e.g., FAS-DPD) and replace reagents yearly for accuracy.

2) Don’t shut the pump and filter down without a freeze plan

Turning everything completely off invites freeze damage and spring algae if you’re not fully winterized. In freezing regions, enable your automation’s freeze-protection mode so the pump runs when air or water temperatures drop. In milder climates, a short daily circulation window helps distribute chemicals and prevents stagnation. Follow the manuals for variable-speed pumps, heaters, and salt systems.

3) Don’t neglect the cover

A good cover blocks debris and sunlight; a neglected one can rip, overload anchors, and dump dirty water into the pool when it fails.

  • Routinely remove leaves and pump off standing water.
  • Inspect straps, springs, anchors, seams, and wear pads; repair or replace if needed.
  • If you need a safety cover, look for documentation that it meets ASTM F1346. Not all covers are safety rated.
  • Non-safety/solid covers are not safe to walk on; keep children and pets off.

4) Don’t let the water level drift to the wrong place

The “right” winter level depends on your climate, cover type, and pool design:

  • Freezing & snow regions (safety covers): Lower slightly below the skimmer to protect it, while keeping enough water beneath the cover for support. Too low can stress the cover and anchors; too high can flood the deck.
  • Mild climates (mesh or solid covers): Keep near normal operating level to support the cover and allow occasional circulation if you run the pump.

Always follow your builder’s and cover manufacturer’s guidance for your specific pool.

5) Don’t “dump and hope” with chemicals

Pouring large, undissolved amounts of winter chemicals can bleach liners, pit plaster, and cause new imbalances.

  • Pre-dissolve when labels require it; circulate after additions and space out incompatible products (for example, shock and algaecide).
  • Dose for your exact pool volume. Over-chlorinating right before covering can spike pH and cause scaling; under-treating invites algae.
  • Handle chemicals safely and store them away from moisture and metals.

Extra winter tips that pay off in spring

  • Saltwater systems: Follow the cell maker’s winter procedure; many recommend shutting down and winterizing the cell so plates don’t sit in cold, stagnant brine.
  • Heaters: Drain heat exchangers and manifolds per the manual before hard freezes.
  • Plumbing protection: In hard-freeze areas, blow out lines and use pool-safe (propylene glycol) antifreeze if your builder recommends it.
  • After storms: Re-test chemistry, remove debris, and pump off cover water to keep loads and staining in check.

Why this matters for homeowners

Good winterization keeps opening costs low and reduces the chance of damage or liability. Homeowners insurance often covers sudden water damage from a burst frozen pipe when you’ve taken reasonable steps to prevent freezing; gradual damage and poor maintenance are commonly excluded. Keeping barriers, covers, and chemistry in order also lowers liability risk—important for families, guests, and neighbors—and can help avoid coverage disputes if something goes wrong.

Sources and Further Reading