Article Summary:

  • Proper winter maintenance keeps your pool clean, healthy, and ready for spring.
  • Pre-season cleaning ensures optimal performance during the colder months.
  • Even if your pool isn’t in use, regular care prevents costly repairs and delayed openings.
  • Professional maintenance offers worry-free, efficient, and cost-saving solutions.

Are you looking to avoid costly repairs and ensure your pool is ready for the spring? Winter-related damages are among the most expensive fixes for pool owners, making proper winter maintenance a critical investment.

Even seemingly small issues, like unbalanced pH or alkalinity, can lead to serious damage, including surface corrosion, scale buildup, and freeze-related cracks.

The Hamptons’ frigid temperatures, salty coastal air, and high winter winds present unique challenges that require a proactive approach. Read on to discover how to keep your pool in top condition through the colder months!

How To Perform Winter Maintenance To Pools In The Hamptons 

1. Thoroughly Clean Your Pool and Test the Water

The autumn months often leave pools covered with leaves, twigs, and organic debris, which can clog filters, pumps, and skimmers. As this debris decays, it forms a fibrous pulp that stains surfaces, disrupts water chemistry, and promotes algae growth.

To avoid these issues, give your pool a deep clean. Scrub the walls and floors, paying special attention to corners, steps, and the waterline, where grime tends to accumulate. Don’t forget to clean skimmer baskets, pump baskets, and filters to ensure your systems remain fully functional. Finally, test your water chemistry to keep levels balanced: aim for a pH between 7.2 and 7.6, chlorine levels of 1–3 ppm, and alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm.

Pro Tip: Professional cleaning services can save you time while ensuring your pool’s materials and systems receive specialized care.

2. Lower the Water Level

Lowering your pool’s water level is crucial during winter to prevent freeze-related damage. When water freezes, it expands, increasing pressure on the pool’s walls, tiles, coping, and surrounding structures. Excess pressure can lead to cracks or structural damage, especially in vinyl pools. Additionally, lowering the water level safeguards your skimmers, pumps, and filters by reducing ice formation in critical areas, preventing cracks and pipe bursts.

To safely lower your pool’s water level, use a submersible pump or your pool’s filtration system to remove the excess water. Aim to lower the water 4–6 inches below the skimmer opening or tile line for in-ground pools and just below the skimmer opening for above-ground pools. Be careful not to over-drain, as excessive water removal can cause in-ground pools to “float” or shift due to hydrostatic pressure. Always direct drained water away from the pool and follow local drainage regulations.

Pro Tip: In areas with high groundwater, avoid lowering the water level too much to prevent structural damage from hydrostatic pressure. Consulting a professional ensures you drain the right amount for your pool type and location.

3. Protect and Winterize Pool Equipment

Properly winterizing your pool’s equipment prevents costly freeze-related damage. Frozen water in pipes is a common cause of expensive repairs, making thorough drainage essential.

Start by draining your pump and cleaning it before storing it in a frost-free indoor location. Similarly, drain filters completely, clean them, and set multiport valves to “winterize” or a neutral position between two settings if no winterize option exists. Store filters and tanks indoors to protect them from frost, and cover them to prevent dust accumulation. Don’t forget to remove ladders, pool toys, and other accessories, storing them in a dry, protected space.

Pro Tip: Use weatherproof covers that allow for ventilation to prevent trapped moisture, which can lead to rust or mold.

4. Add Antifreeze To Components & Cover Your Pool

Applying antifreeze to your pool’s plumbing adds an extra layer of protection against freezing. Use non-toxic, biodegradable antifreeze in your skimmer lines, return lines, drain lines, and pump systems. Avoid traditional antifreeze containing ethylene glycol, which is harmful to humans, pets, and the environment. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure proper dosage for each system.

Once antifreeze is added, seal the lines with water plugs to prevent water from re-entering. Finally, cover your pool with a high-quality winter cover to prevent debris accumulation, heat loss, and algae growth. For detailed advice on selecting the right cover, check out our article How A Pool Cover Can Save You Money.

Pro Tip: Ensure the pool cover is secured tightly and inspect it regularly throughout the winter to prevent sagging from snow or debris.

5. Perform Routine Winter Inspections

Even during winter, routine inspections are necessary to ensure your pool remains in good condition. Monitor the water chemistry regularly, as unbalanced levels can lead to algae growth, scaling, or erosion. Keep an eye on calcium hardness, as low levels can cause plaster erosion, while high levels may result in scale buildup.

Additionally, inspect the pool surface for cracks that could store frozen water and expand, causing further damage. Check the pool cover for tears or sagging, and remove any accumulated debris or snow to prevent stress on the cover. Sticking to a regular inspection schedule will save you time and effort when opening your pool in the spring.

Pro Tip: Consistent winter maintenance reduces the risk of damage and ensures a smooth spring opening with minimal hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my pool from freezing in the winter?

Lower the water level below the skimmer, add antifreeze to the plumbing, install winter plugs, and use a pool cover to reduce heat loss. For extreme cold snaps, running a pool heater or circulation pump can help prevent freezing.

Do I need to lower the water level in my pool for winter?

Yes, lowering the water level 4–6 inches below the skimmer prevents freezing in the skimmer and plumbing, reducing the risk of cracks or other damage.

Should I keep my pool cover on all winter?

Yes, a winter pool cover helps keep debris out, reduces algae growth, and protects the pool from harsh weather. Consider a safety cover if you’re concerned about snow or falling debris.

How do I keep debris out of my pool during winter?

Use a solid or mesh winter cover that fits tightly over the pool. Regularly check the cover and remove accumulated debris to prevent sagging or damage.

What should I do if snow or ice accumulates on my pool cover?

Gently remove snow using a broom or pool brush. Avoid using sharp objects to chip away ice, as this can tear the cover. Let ice melt naturally, as most covers are designed to handle the weight.

How often should I check my pool during winter?

Inspect your pool every few weeks. Look for:

  • Tears or sagging in the pool cover.
  • Debris buildup on or around the cover.
  • Proper water levels and balanced chemistry (if not fully winterized).

What happens if I don’t winterize my pool?

Not winterizing can lead to frozen pipes, damaged equipment, algae growth, surface staining, and costly repairs come spring.

Do I need professional help winterizing my pool?

While it’s possible to winterize your pool yourself, hiring a professional ensures thorough preparation and reduces the risk of missed steps. This is especially important for complex pools with features like spas or waterfalls.

Conclusion

Proper winter maintenance is essential for keeping your pool in top condition and avoiding costly repairs. With regular cleaning, balanced chemistry, and equipment care, you’ll be ready for a smooth spring opening.

For Hamptons homeowners, Tortorella’s winter maintenance packages provide comprehensive, hassle-free solutions tailored to your needs. With over 40 years of experience, we ensure your pool stays protected year-round.

Contact us today for a custom quote and experience the Tortorella difference!