Winter time is the time of year we need to put our swimming pools into “hibernation mode”. We obviously won’t be using it for many months until the temperatures rise again. We need to take certain steps and precautions to make sure our swimming pool is protected and easy to reopen once the time is right. Regular maintenance during winter is important to ensure equipment stays in good condition and water quality is preserved. If you winterize your swimming pool, you will need to take certain steps, especially to protect your pool and equipment from cold temperatures.
Should you run your pool pump in cold weather? There are several reasons to keep the pump running during winter, such as preventing equipment damage and maintaining water quality. Pump running during colder months helps circulate the water, reduces the risk of freezing, and supports ongoing maintenance.
Winterizing a Swimming Pool
Did you know that water expands as it freezes? This obviously poses a danger to your equipment and your swimming pool plumbing, including pipes and return lines. If you are not storing your pool equipment, you’ll want to make sure the freeze setting is programmed on your pump. This way, as the water gets towards freezing, it will automatically come on to prevent any damage by keeping water circulating through the pipes and return lines.
When one is going to winterize their pools, it takes just a few easy steps. Remember, we are trying not only to survive the winter, but make the opening season a breeze as well. First, remove all of the accessories out of the pool. This includes any toys, floats and removable lounge chairs and umbrellas.
You will want to do a good ol’ deep cleaning. This means netting, skimming and brushing like your life depends on it. Be sure to clean the pool floor thoroughly and remove leaves and other debris to prevent algae buildup. Also, check and clean the skimmer baskets as part of the winterizing process. Then test and adjust your water chemistry as needed, adding chemicals as necessary and following detailed instructions to ensure proper dispersion throughout the pool water. You do not have to worry about the chlorine level as we will get to that in a bit. Lower the water level if storing your equipment. Then drain the equipment. Remove and store if desired.
If leaving plumbed in, again, make sure your pump is set to freeze mode. So the answer to the question of “Can I run my pool pump in cold weather?”, the answer is yes. Keeping the water circulating helps maintain pool water quality and prevents stagnation. Next we want to shock our pool and add a preventative algaecide. This helps prevent algae growth, algae buildup, and other issues by maintaining proper chemical balance. The final step is to cover the pool. Make sure you have a good cover pump to remove the water off of your swimming pool cover.
For salt water pools, be sure to clean the salt cell and use chemicals specifically designed for salt water pools during winterizing.
If you live somewhere like I do in California, we do not winterize our pools. We just program the pump to run for fewer hours and many choose to still cover the pool. Let’s talk about that.
Following these tips will help you maintain your pool and prevent problems during the off season.
Why Cover a Swimming Pool?
The simple answer is to keep dirt and debris out of the swimming pool. It also prevents the pool from overflowing if you get a lot of rain or snow. Depending on region, people will use a solar blanket, a mesh swimming pool cover, a winter cover, or for true coverage, a plastic or vinyl cover. When choosing a cover type, consider factors such as climate, debris load, and ease of use to ensure sufficient protection for your pool. When we use a solid cover, it will naturally build up water on the surface. At the point when water starts to accumulate, it is important to remove it promptly to prevent sagging, pitting, or tearing. It also makes it difficult to remove the cover come Spring, when you are preparing for the pool season. Stagnant water on top of your swimming pool cover can also pose a drowning risk. The water can get yucky and draw mosquitos that could possibly carry West Nile and other viruses. This is why I suggest investing in a good cover pump.
The proper way to operate a pool cover pump is explained in this article.
What is a Cover Pump? Are they Expensive?
Cover pumps are submersible pumps that sit on your swimming pool cover and remove the excess water. Most come with a cord that will plug into any standard GFCI protected 110v outlet. There are two types of cover pumps: manual and automatic. The “automatic” refers to turning on and off the cover pump. If you are a meticulous backyard chore guru, then manual would suit you just fine. The American-made, household loved name of BLACK + DECKER have lended their genius and quality to the swimming pool industry. They make a manual pump you can check out here.
If you are more like me and want to set and forget, then you would probably be better off with an automatic cover pump. BLACK + DECKER makes a great one with an extra long discharge hose. Always make sure you are aiming the hose,and therefore the water, away from your home. Check out this beauty at 1,500 GPH AND automatic.
So whether you winterize your pool or just tone things down, you can absolutely run your swimming pool pump in the Winter. The optimal pump run time during winter is typically 4-6 hours per day, which is enough to keep the water circulating and prevent algae. To determine the best run time for your pool, calculate the total gallons of water in your pool and divide by your pump’s flow rate (gallons per hour or GPH) to find out how many hours are needed for a full turnover. You don’t need to keep the pump running long in one stretch—splitting the run time into intervals with rest periods is effective and helps maintain a pool clean throughout the winter. Proper run time not only keeps your pool clean but also helps prevent algae and debris buildup.
Hopefully you have invested in an Energy Stat Rated Variable Speed Pool Pump by now so it won’t cost you as much to run. Optimizing your pump’s run time can significantly reduce energy costs and lower your electric bill. Still have the old technology of a single speed swimming pool pump? Take a few minutes to take a look at what BLACK + DECKER has for VSPs (Variable Speed Pumps). They are high quality and won’t break the bank. In fact, you may even qualify for a rebate from your utility company for making the switch. See you poolside come Summer!
Pool Equipment Protection
Protecting your pool equipment is essential for every swimming pool owner, especially as the colder months approach. Many pool owners underestimate just how damaging freezing temperatures can be to pool pumps, filters, and other vital equipment. When water left inside your pool equipment freezes, it expands, which can crack pumps, damage filters, and ruin heaters—leading to costly repairs or replacements.
To avoid these headaches, it’s crucial to follow proper winterizing steps. Start by draining all water from your pool pumps, filter system, and heater. Make sure to remove any drain plugs and store them in a safe place so you don’t lose them over the off season. Once drained, store your equipment in a dry, protected area where it won’t be exposed to freezing temperatures. This simple precaution helps ensure your pool equipment stays in top shape and is ready to go when swim season returns.
Taking the time to properly winterize and protect your pool equipment not only saves you money but also extends the life of your pumps and other components. By making equipment protection a priority, you’ll keep your pool running smoothly year after year, no matter how cold the winter gets.
Related articles:
Should You Run a Pool Pump 24 Hours a Day?
Ideal Schedule for Your Variable Speed Pool Pump
How Long to Run Your Pool Pump Every Day—And Cut Costs
