Thinking of using your pool during winter? This post explains everything from freeze prevention to pool heating.
Swimming during the winter season is tranquility by definition — as lightly chilled gusts of winds float across the pool surface, you lay at ease, enveloped in the soothing warm embrace of heated water. This contrast between hot and cold creates a sensation that regular summertime swims just can’t compare to. One that every pool must experience at least once.
But using your pool during winter is a little be different from using it during the rest of the year.
In order to avoid damage to your pool system and equipment, it’s important to be aware of a few major points. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using your pool during winter.
[Have a few other questions about your pool system? Check out our Pool Owner Guide]
Consider temperature
Let’s get this little bit of science out of the way bright and early:
Water has a freezing temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, what does that mean for you?
It means that you cannot allow the temperature of your water to get anywhere near that number. Why? Because the second that happens, problems like burst pipes and frozen pool equipment come into play. Neither of which spell out a good time for you or your wallet.
So how do you avoid this?
As a pool owner, you have two options:
You can winterize your pool and close it for the season , or, you can run your pump and heater accordingly to maintain adequate circulation and consistent temperature.
But…
Consider where you live
Your location is a major factor here.
If you live somewhere that experiences everything from scorching summers to snow-filled winters, then keeping you pool open during the winter involves a bit more effort (heavier pool pump and heater use).
But, if you live in a warmer state with mild, snowless winters, then keeping you pool open is much easier.
The key here is to remember that no matter where you live, at no point do you want your water or pool system freezing up. This means that a reliable pool heater is absolutely essential.
Since you’re reading this article, we’ll assume that you’ve ruled out winterizing your pool. So that leaves using your pool during winter. But it may surprise you to know that this decision comes with a few advantages.
Advantages Of Using Your Pool During Winter
- Less chemical use (last longer during colder temps)
- No need to “reopen” your pool in the spring
- Cleaner water throughout the year
- An open pool is easier to skim, vacuum, and
chemically treat when needed - No surprise algae (Pool algae problems? Here’s a post on pool algae removal)
Why automatic timers are your best friend during the winter months
If you plan on swimming during the winter, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be sitting on the edge of the pool with a thermometer in hand, checking the temperature of the water every hour. No, just the thought of that is ridiculous.
Instead, turn to the wonderful invention of the automatic timer. These special timers come equipped with internal thermostats. The thermostat provides freeze protection by monitoring external temperature, applying power to your pump and heater whenever it reaches a pre-set threshold.
You can purchase an automatic timer online or at your local pool equipment store for $100-200.
ALTERNATIVE: If an automatic timer isn’t in the cards, consider running your pump/heater throughout the night instead of the day. This allows you to more easily maintain a constant water temperature (since temperatures are usually coldest at night) while reducing the chance of freeze damage.
Reliable heating is a must
Having a pool heater is a must if you’re using your pool during winter. There’s no getting around that.
Which is why it’s important to know what kind of pool heaters are best for the winter — considering everything from heating speed to performance and temperature limits.
Pool Heat Pumps
Ah, good ole pool heat pumps. The energy efficient and eco-friendly pool heating solution that so many pool owners love.
Pool heat pumps source their heat naturally from the environment using a fan and refrigerant/compression system.
[Want to know more? Learn how pool heat pumps work]
Limit
At around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, most heat pumps will experience a dip in performance. Below this limit, the pool heat pump will no longer turn on as a freeze prevention measure.
Heating time
Depending on the size of your pool, initial heating takes anywhere from 24 – 48 hours. But once a constant temperature is set, heating cycles become much shorter.
Summary: Using a pool heat pump is ideal if you live in an area with more mild winters in 50-70 degrees range. But if you live in a colder climate, consider using a gas or electric heater as a backup to your pool heat pump. This combination allows you to swim throughout the winter while keeping your pool system safe from freeze damage.
Gas and Electric Pool Heaters
If you want speed and performance that isn’t impacted by temperature, then an electric or gas pool heater is your best option. But do keep in mind that these all weather pool heaters bring convenience that comes at a cost.
Limit
Either heater can withstand the cold temperatures of the winter season, but it’s still mindful to be important of any ice or snow buildup around your setup.
Heating time
Fast.
Summary: A backup gas or electric pool heater is pretty much required if you live in a state with freezing cold winters. The heaters provide fast, “weatherproof” heating, but that convenience does come at a premium since gas is pricey and electric heaters are “power hungry”. So use as needed and be mindful of costs.
Pool Chemicals and Maintenance
Pool maintenance during winter isn’t much different from the rest of the year. In fact, most would say that it’s easier, especially since your chemicals last twice as long without the constant heat and UV rays to burn them away.
So just stick to your normal Pool Care Schedule during the winter — you’ll be able to cut down on your maintenance duties substantially during the colder months.
And as far as pool chemicals are concerned, this post has all the answers you need: Understanding Pool Chemistry
Closing Thoughts
So now that you know everything that goes into keeping your pool open during the winter, it’s up to you to decide what the right choice is. If you live in a colder state then you’ll need to at least have a pool heat pump, but keep in mind that these heaters have limits. On days below 50, you’ll need a gas or electric heater as backup. And of course, running your pool pump on a schedule is a must, but an automatic timer makes that a breeze.
