Protecting your pool from freezing during winter

Winter can be harsh depending on the region, with freezing nights followed by milder days, causing freeze-thaw cycles that can damage your pool. As the first cold spells are already here, here are some practical tips to protect your pool from frost during the winter season.

Differences between passive and active winterizing

There are two types of winterizing, and you will need to choose based on the usual severity of your winters.

If you live in a region where frost is frequent, you should choose total winterizing, also known as passive winterizing. On the other hand, if frost is rare and limited to a few cold mornings, you can opt for active winterizing or partial winterizing.

In the first case, the pool’s operation is completely stopped, with preventive measures put in place to protect it from freezing. In the second case, the pool continues to operate, but at a reduced rate. As the risk of freezing is lower, the protection measures applied are also less intensive.

In all cases, it is essential not to completely drain your pool: this helps preserve essential elements, such as the liner, against potential damage.

Frost protection for total winterizing

If you opt for total winterizing, start by draining all filtration devices and protecting them from frost. If water remains inside your equipment and freezes, the pressure exerted by the ice could damage or even break the pumps and other devices. Also, remember to plug the suction points, return inlets, and main drains.

Ensure also that ice does not cause damage within the pool basin. To do this, start by slightly lowering the water level and install winterizing floats. Protect your skimmers with gizmos as well. Since ice occupies more volume than water for the same weight, it will exert pressure that could crack your skimmers or deform the walls of your pool.Winterizing floats and gizmos are essential to protect a pool from frost.

Contrary to popular belief, a winterizing product is not an anti-freeze. Furthermore, a winter cover alone is not enough to heat the water and prevent freezing.

Preventing frost in active winterizing

The precautions to follow are much less strict if you live in a more temperate region, requiring only active winterizing. While you should add a winterizing product and we recommend covering your pool with a winter cover, general maintenance remains similar to the summer season, but at a reduced pace.

Water filtration runs for about two hours a day, thanks to a frost protection device that triggers it based on the temperature.

To prevent frost formation, the essential step is to maintain water movement, particularly by running the pump regularly.

Whether you choose active or passive winterizing, monitor your pool regularly to avoid unpleasant surprises. Protected from frost, your pool will offer you wonderful swims as soon as the warm weather returns!