Cover or Drain: The Winter Care Dilemma for Above-Ground Swimming Pools
Dealing with an above-ground swimming pool during the winter months can be a challenging task. Should you cover your pool or drain it completely? The choice depends on several factors, including the climate and local guidelines. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of each method and provide best practices for winterizing your pool.
Why Covering is Typically Recommended
Protection from Debris: Covering your pool during the winter months helps keep leaves, dirt, and other debris out. This makes spring cleanup significantly easier, as you won't have to spend precious time and energy removing fallen leaves and other debris that can accumulate over the winter.
Water Level Maintenance: Keeping some water in the pool helps support the walls and prevents them from collapsing under the pressure of ice and snow. Maintaining the proper water level is crucial for the structural integrity of the pool. If the water level is too low, the pool could lose its structural stability and potentially collapse, causing significant damage and repair costs.
Chemical Balance: Leaving some water in the pool allows you to maintain a proper chemical balance. This is important for preventing algae growth during the off-season. Proper chemical balance ensures that the pool water remains safe and clean, which is crucial for a smooth opening in the spring.
When to Consider Draining Your Pool
If You Live in Harsh Winter Climates: In areas with extremely cold winters, draining the pool can be necessary to prevent water damage. However, it's usually recommended to leave at least a small amount of water in the pool to avoid structural issues that can arise when the pool is completely empty.
Risks of Draining Your Above-Ground Pool
Wall Collapse: Draining the pool can lead to issues like wall collapse or damage from ground pressure if the pool is not properly supported. The absence of water can weaken the walls and make them more susceptible to collapsing under the weight of ice and snow.
Expanding Ice: If you live in a northern climate where extreme cold is common, it's not advisable to drain the pool. Instead, consider adding some good-sized logs to the pool. These logs will freeze into the ice, allowing for expansion and preventing the pool from busting due to the tremendous outward pressure created by expanding ice. Northern lakes often form pressure ridges and reefs due to this phenomenon, which demonstrates the effectiveness of this method.
Best Practices for Covering Your Above-Ground Pool
Lowering the Water Level: Before the onset of winter, lower the water level to about 4-6 inches below the skimmer. This helps to minimize the risk of damage from ice and snow.
Investing in a Quality Cover: Invest in a good quality winter cover that is secure and can withstand snow and ice pressure. A well-fitted cover will protect the pool from debris and help maintain the proper chemical balance.
Adding Winterizing Chemicals: Consider adding winterizing chemicals to the water to prevent algae and bacteria growth. This is essential for maintaining the pool's cleanliness and ensuring a smooth opening in the spring.
Checking Local Guidelines
Local Regulations and Guidelines: Always check local regulations or guidelines for winterizing pools, as some areas may have specific recommendations. Local guidelines can provide valuable information on best practices and local best options for winterizing your pool.
The Dangers of Draining and Refilling
Spring Flooding Risks: If you drain the pool and heavy rains come in the spring, the empty pool can become a boat. The sudden influx of water can cause the pool to pop out of the ground, leading to serious damage. This is an issue known as the Archimedes principle, where the pool overbalances and sits several feet above its intended level.
The Hidden Consequences: This incident is not rare, and it often goes unreported. People often realize the mistake too late and may attribute it to unforeseen circumstances. However, draining the pool increases the risk of such incidents, which can cause significant property damage and financial loss.
In conclusion, covering your above-ground swimming pool during the winter months is typically the best approach. This method provides protection from debris, maintains the proper water level for structural integrity, and helps preserve the chemical balance of the water. Proper winterization, such as lowering the water level, investing in a quality cover, and adding winterizing chemicals, can help ensure a smooth opening in the spring.
If you live in a northern climate with harsh winters, consider using logs to prevent expansion damage. For all pool owners, checking local guidelines and taking the appropriate steps to protect your pool during the winter can save you time, money, and heartache in the long run.