Can I use pool in winter?

Author: Sonia Ratke MD  |  Last update: Monday, May 2, 2022

Yes! You don't have to close the pool, and you can keep it open year 'round, with or without a pool heater. Or for those in very cold climates, you could also consider a very late closing and early opening, winterizing and closing the pool for just 3 or 4 months, instead of the normal 6 or 7 months.

How do you use an outdoor pool in the winter?

How To Keep Your Pool Open During The Winter
  1. Step 1.) Keep your pump running 12-24 hours a day. ...
  2. Step 2.) Install an automatic timer with freeze protection. ...
  3. Step 3.) Keep your water warm and above freezing temperatures. ...
  4. Step 4.) ...
  5. Step 5.) ...
  6. Step 6.) ...
  7. Step 6a) Turn off the salt generator, and switch to regular chlorine. ...
  8. Step 7.)

What do you do with your pool in the winter?

How To Winterize Your Pool in 8 Easy Steps
  1. Clean the pool.
  2. Balance the water.
  3. Remove pool accessories.
  4. Clean and backwash the filter.
  5. Lower the water level.
  6. Drain your pump, filters, heaters, and chlorinating equipment.
  7. Empty your chemical feeder.
  8. Cover your pool.

How long should I run pool in winter?

Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend the pump run 8-10 hours per day during the hottest summer months and at least 6 hours per day during the winter months.

Can I run my pool pump all winter?

Your pump should be running for between eight to ten hours per day anytime the temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. As such, you will likely be at full operation for a few weeks before and after the swimming season, as well as during any particularly warm winter days.

How To Keep Your POOL Open All WINTER (Follow These Safety Measures!) | Swim University

Do I need to cover pool pump in winter?

Yes. The best way to remove ice and water from the swimming pool cover is to use a cover pump. Either before the water freezes or when the ice melts use the pump to remove the ice/water from the cover.

Can I leave my pool pump off for a week?

Yes you can turn your pool pump off for a week. You can turn it off for a month, but there are consequences. The pool will get dirty—no pump, no filtering. The chemicals will not circulate and the water could start turning a nice shade of green as algae forms.

Does a winterized pool freeze?

Do NOT let your pool freeze.

While a thin layer of ice is unlikely to damage your pool, if you live in an area with continuous below-freezing temperatures, we highly recommend you winterize and close your pool at the end of swimming season. Keeping your pool open all year long is also an option.

Will my pool freeze?

Yes, they can freeze solid. If temperatures reach below zero, swimming pools that are not circulating can freeze solid within a few days. If those low temperatures continue for several days, the ice sheet can increase in thickness by up to ¼” per day.

Can I leave my Intex pool up all winter?

In warmer climates, Intex advises to keep your pool up, if you prefer. However, you must winterize the pool when keeping it full throughout the winter. If your area maintains tropical climates all year long, you may not need to winterize your pool at all, especially if you use your pool on a regular basis.

Do I need to add chlorine to my pool in the winter?

During the winter months, the amount of chlorine needed from your salt cell to keep the pool clean is reduced. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for bacteria to grow in cold temperatures.

Should I remove my above-ground pool for the winter?

Pools very rarely need to be drained completely. If you have a vinyl-lined above-ground pool, leaving it full for the winter will protect the vinyl liner from shrinkage and other damage. Since these pools are above ground level, keeping them full ensures that the wind will not damage the walls, liner, or frame.

How can I use my pool year round?

Swim Whenever You Want

There's no better way to escape the wintertime blues than swimming in a nice, warm pool. Most people who leave the pool open all winter also install a gas heater or a heat pump to allow for comfortable swimming year-round.

Can I use my pool in winter for cold plunge?

If you do choose to keep your pool open all year round, you can use your pool like a cold water plunge–or even a cold water swim if you so choose. If you have a heated pool, it's easy to also enjoy your pool during the winter.

What happens if you don't winterize pool?

The harsh weather conditions throughout the winter season can create potential damage to more than just the pipes. What happens when you don't winterize your pool is that the water could turn green with algae. If the chlorine system stops functioning, you'll say adieu to the beautiful blue pool you know and love.

Should I break the ice in my pool?

If the pool is already frozen more than 1/2″ thick, wait for a bit of a thaw before lowering, or break up the ice first before and while lowering the water level. For safety pool covers, be careful not to lower the pool more than 12″ below the tile line.

Should I run my pool heater in the winter?

However, since weather can be unpredictable, if you plan to keep your pool open during the colder months, you must keep your water heated well above freezing temperatures. Don't run the risk of ruptured pipes or allowing the cold to cause more expensive damage.

What happens when pool water freezes?

Pool pipes that are located above-ground can crack if the pump is not kept running when temperatures reach below 32°. If PVC pipes freeze, the ice will expand and can crack pipes, pumps, valves, filters, and heaters.

How do I protect my pool in the winter?

Skim out floating debris and vacuum the pool thoroughly. Add an algaecide to prevent algae from forming before the water has frozen. Follow your pool manufacturer's directions for lowering your water level. Only a few type of pools need to be completely drained during the winter.

Can you leave above ground pool up all year?

A common question asked is, “Can above ground pools stay up year round?” And although the easy answer is that “Yes, they can,” whether you want to leave them up year-round really depends on the type of pool you have. Dismantling some above ground pools for the winter may be more hassle than it's worth.

Is it better to run pool pump at night?

Running the pump at night should only be when you are doing a major chemical treatment such as algae clean-up. Your pool is more vulnerable during the day, plants don't grow at night the way they do during the day–that's true of ALL plants including Algae.

Why did my pool turn green overnight?

Pool water turns green because of algae in the water. Algae can grow rapidly, particularly when it's warm like Summer, which is why it can surprise you overnight. This generally comes down to an imbalance or lack of chlorine in the water.

How long can pool water sit untreated?

I think the answer to your question is about 3-6 days. The problem is that the chlorine that you need to keep the bacteria in check is used up more quickly as the temperature rises, the activity increases, and as sweat and other body stuff is put into the pool.

Can I leave my inground pool uncovered in winter?

No, but winter covers protect your pool from stains, algae growth and poor water balance that could damage pool surfaces. ... It is recommended to use a winter cover, and 99% of pool owners who have their pool winterized do cover the pool for winter.

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