Is it OK for above ground pool to freeze?

Author: Marilou Hammes  |  Last update: Thursday, March 31, 2022

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.

What happens if your above-ground pool freezes?

Winter Damage On Above Ground Pools can happen without proper preparation. The top level of the water freezes and forms a sheet of ice on the top layer. If there is a leak in the liner, or too much weight on top of the cover the ice sheet can fall down further into the pool, scraping and ripping the liner.

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

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 a pool to 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.

How cold does it have to be for a pool to freeze?

What temperature does a pool freeze? A chlorinated swimming pool freezes at around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the same temperature as non-chlorinated water.

Above Ground Pool Winter Damage, what can be done to prevent damage!

Should I heat pool during freeze?

DO NOT use heater during extreme cold unless it has been constantly running prior to the drop in temperature. Manufacturers state heaters should not be run at temperatures 68 and below. Adjust pool and spa jets upwards to reduce surface freezing.

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 pool pipes freeze at 32 degrees?

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.

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.

Does chlorine keep pool from freezing?

At what temperature does a pool freeze? Chlorinated and non-chlorinated pools freeze at the same temperature. However, salt water pools will freeze at a slightly lower temperature. It should also be noted that above-ground pools will generally freeze at a higher temperature than inground pools.

Is it OK to leave a pool uncovered in winter?

People often avoid covering their pool for the winter because pool covers are an additional cost. However, an uncovered pool will cost you far more over the span of a few short years than a simple pool cover. For one thing, an uncovered pool will become a catch-all for leaves and debris.

Will pipes freeze at 31 degrees?

Pipes can freeze at 32 degrees or below, but it will take a sustained period of time for this to happen. In other words, a pipe needs to be at freezing temperatures for at least half a day before homeowners have to worry about any freezing occurring.

How do you build a pool for freezing weather?

How to protect your pool against freezing temps
  1. Make certain the main pool pump is running continuously while the temperature is below freezing. ...
  2. Make sure the pool is clean. ...
  3. Maintain the proper water level. ...
  4. Remove the drain plug or open the hose bib on the backwash line.

Will pipes always burst if frozen?

A: Frozen pipes do not always burst, if the expanding ice can push water out through an open faucet. However, pipes freeze quite quickly, so the time between freezing and bursting can be very short.

What happens if you don't winterize your above ground pool?

Your Pool Could Crack

If you don't, you could experience cracks. Surface cracks are very common in pools that don't get winterized. Harsh conditions can lead to cracks as well as any water that is left inside the pool. That water will likely freeze and could lead to surface cracks.

Should I keep my pool pump running in winter?

The point of running your pool pump in the winter is to keep your water moving, which prevents it from freezing should temperatures get too low. So ideally, run your pump (and keep it running) whenever temperatures start getting close to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the freezing point of water.

Do I need to run water during freeze?

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Should you drip faucets in cold weather?

Yes, You Should Drip Your Faucet in Cold Weather

Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing." And while that may cause concern for those of you who like to keep your water bills low each month, letting your faucet drip may save you a bigger bill for repairing your pipes.

Should I leave all faucets dripping?

should you leave a faucet dripping? Yes, it's recommended you leave a faucet on with water at a drip to keep pipes from freezing. If you know where the water comes into your house, turn on a faucet at the opposite end to keep the water circulating.

Can I close my pool while its green?

If your pool has been green all season you're probably super excited to close it. While it seems like the easiest option – it's not! It's much smarter to close your pool as clean as possible. Algae can grow in water as cold as 50 degrees.

How do I store my above-ground pool for the winter?

If possible, store at room temperature, and keep it away from any nesting mice, birds, or other critters that may chew holes through the vinyl. A large, clean, new trash can placed in the basement or garage may be an ideal location for winter storage.

Do I have to cover my above-ground pool for the winter?

Must You Use a Winter Pool Cover? 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.

Do you take 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.

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