How do I stop my above-ground pool from freezing?

Author: Arden Jast  |  Last update: Saturday, July 2, 2022

Preventing Ice & Snow Damage
  1. Always use an Air Pillow under winter pool covers.
  2. If the pool leaks during winter, release the pool cover.
  3. Remove snow buildup on top of the pool – carefully.
  4. Use skimmer closures like Skimmer Plug, to protect your skimmer, and wall.
  5. Use a good Pool Cover Pump to keep the ice sheet thin.

How do I keep my above-ground pool from freezing in the winter?

Place a pool pillow on the surface of your pool to keep the water from freezing. Visit your local pool supply shop for a pool pillow, or inflatable pillow that rests in the center of the pool. Always put this down before the cover, as the pillow will help your pool cover to hold up thin layers of snow and ice.

Is it OK for above-ground pool to freeze?

No! All pool types (in-ground, above ground, on-ground) need to keep water in the pool during winter, do not drain your pool to avoid the ice! In ground pools can pop out of the ground, and above ground pools can collapse inward, and the liner will shrink and discolor.

At what temp will pool pump freeze?

If you have an above ground pool with the pool filter system and plumbing above ground (like nearly all above ground pools), pipes and pumps can freeze up in less than an hour of minus 32 degrees. The same is true for inground pool equipment that is not running when temperatures are below freezing.

Will pool freeze if pump is running?

Helpful tips to keep your pool and its equipment safe during freezing temperatures. Run your pool pump continuously when temperatures are near or below freezing. You don't need to run your heater, moving water likely will not freeze. Disconnect any aerators and lines to slides.

Quick Freeze Protection Tips For Your Pool that Will Save You Costly Repair Bills

Should I heat pool during freeze?

PRO TIP: For short-term cold spells with temperatures between 0°F and 32°F, you can run your pool heater, as long as you started before freezing conditions began, and as long as you run your pump continuously. However, prolonged heater operation with water temperatures below 50° is not recommended.

What happens if pool freezes over?

Mild climate pools often freeze across the surface overnight. However, if the ice sheet becomes thicker than ¼” to ½”, it will put pressure on your pool tile and skimmers as the ice expands. Most pool tile is frost-free, but you should keep the water under the perimeter pool tile band to be safe.

How do you melt ice on pool cover?

Use a leaf blower on light, powdery snow to blow the snow off the cover. Wait for frozen snow and ice to melt on its own if it is a solid sheet on the cover. If you have a cover pump and it is buried under ice, pour a few gallons of hot water into one spot on the cover to let the device do its job.

How do I protect my above ground pool?

Keep Your Above Ground Pool Safe
  1. Install fencing around the pool. ...
  2. Use only safety type ladders with a locking gate or ladder.
  3. If there is a deck around the pool or to it, use self-closing, self-latching gates.
  4. If you have doors leading to pool decks, add a door alarm.
  5. Teach babies and young children to swim.

What chemicals do I need to winterize my above-ground pool?

What chemicals do I need to close my pool?
  • Chlorine.
  • Pool Shock.
  • Soda Ash.
  • Baking Soda.
  • Muriatic Acid.
  • Winter Algaecide.
  • Pool Antifreeze.
  • Stain and Scale Prevention.

What is pool antifreeze?

Swimming pool antifreeze, also called non-toxic antifreeze, is the same stuff that RV owners can use in their motor home water systems. For swimming pool use, it can protect swimming pool pipes down to -40°, when added in correct proportion. Here's some Q&A regarding the use of pool plumbing antifreeze.

What chemicals do you put in an above-ground pool?

Oxidizers/ Calcium Hypochlorite/ Chlorine-Fee Shock: These are also sanitizers used to kill bacteria and algae. PH Increaser/Soda Ash: this increases the PH level. PH Reducer/Dry Acid: This will reduce the PH level. Alkalinity Increaser/ Sodium Bicarbonate: This will increase the total alkalinity.

Can ice rip pool liner?

When the ice sheet thaws very slightly, it will fall and possibly sharp edges could rip the pool liner. Check your pool during the winter for leaks by walking around the outside of the pool, looking for spongy spots, and pulling the pool cover back, and checking the water level in the pool.

Is it bad to have ice on your pool cover?

As the ice melts and refreezes over the course of the week, the edges of the ice can become sharp and actually puncture your pool cover, damaging it or rendering it useless. If you have an aboveground pool, snow and ice can hurt your pool from the top of the pool cover and underneath your pool.

Why do above ground pools collapse?

Pool Collapse – An above ground pool collapse is often caused by the results of ice damage, but it can also happen when there is too much snow accumulated on top of the pool and the frame cannot handle the weight.

Does a winterized 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.

Can above-ground pools survive winter?

It's possible to leave your above-ground pool up all winter with the water in it, since draining it completely may cause it to collapse. However, several steps and precautions are necessary to keep your pool safe through the winter.

Does an above-ground pool have to be drained for winter?

You'll need to keep draining water off the cover with a pump or siphon to protect it from damage. Important: Never drain an above ground pool completely when winterizing. Your vinyl liner can dry out, shortening its life considerably.

How soon after filling a pool Can you swim?

Chlorine/non-chlorine chemicals – When adding chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals to “shock” your pool after a fill-up, wait about 24 hours or until levels are approximately 5 ppm. If you'll only be adding liquid chlorine, it's generally safe to swim after about 4 hours or until levels are 5 ppm or lower.

How often should I shock my above ground pool?

It's often recommended to shock your pool once a week. If you don't do it every week, you should at least do it every other week. This is necessary to maintain your pool's water chemistry.

Do small above ground pools need chemicals?

Do Inflatable Pools Need Chemicals? No, inflatable pools do not need chemicals to stay clean and safe to swim in. However many larger inflatable pools will use chlorine to kill harmful bacteria.

How many gallons of pool antifreeze should I use?

you will need one gallon of non-toxic swimming pool antifreeze for each 25 feet of underground line to and from the pool (including all skimmer lines, all returns, and the main drain).

How much shock Do I need to winterize my pool?

The Proper Chemicals: -Add 1 lb Granular Shock OR 1 gal. Liquid Shock per 5,000 gallons of pool water. -Add an appropriate sized "Winter Chemical Kit" or the proper amount of Algaecide/Winterizer. (If adding our famous "Winter Pill," add this pill right before you put on your cover--read directions on the Winter Pill.)

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