Cold Weather Pool Care

Winter months come with a few advantages for pool maintenance:

1. Low Usage: During this season, most people pay little attention to their pools. Keeping them reasonably clean is often sufficient.

2. Early Nights: The early sunsets mean many homeowners forget about their backyards altogether.

3. Reduced Chemical Use: Cold water lowers chemical demand, allowing you to save on costs. Typically, 1 gallon of liquid chlorine and 1 three-inch chlorine tablet per month is enough for most pools.

The Challenges of Winter Pool Maintenance

1. Cold Temperatures

• Your truck heater becomes your best friend during the chilly mornings.

• Invest in proper gloves like the Atlas 772 Nitrile Coated Gloves (25 inches long). These gloves shield your hands from cold water when emptying skimmer baskets and cleaning the pool. Without them, your fingers can go numb, making mornings miserable. 

o Recommended gloves: Coldwater gloves on Amazon

2. Automated Systems & Freeze Mode

• Automated systems or variable-speed (VS) pumps may activate during freezing conditions. When temperatures drop below 37°F, the pump turns on to prevent pipes from freezing.

• In areas without freezing weather, this feature can be more of a nuisance than a necessity.

• Solution: Adjust your pool’s schedule to run during the coldest hours, typically midnight to 8 a.m. This prevents the pump from running excessively at unscheduled times.

3. Weather Hazards

• Wind & Rain:

o High winds, such as the Santa Ana Winds (October to February), can create havoc with gusts up to 60 mph. Leaves and debris can clog skimmers and pump baskets, causing the pump to function poorly—or even burn out due to insufficient water flow.

o Action: Regularly empty skimmer and pump baskets and clear leaves from the pool to avoid damage.

• Dirt & Staining:

o Dirt blown into the pool can lead to stains if left unattended. Metal particles in soil may discolor the pool surface.

o Solution: Use an automatic cleaner or manually vacuum the pool regularly.

4. Excessive Rain

• Heavy rainfall might cause pool overflow. In most cases, proper deck drainage handles the excess water. However, if the overflow threatens property damage (e.g., flooding into your home), you’ll need a sump pump to drain the excess water.

Bottom Line

Even though the pool may go unused in winter, maintenance is essential. The colder months often bring more debris, dirt, and challenges than summer. By staying proactive, you can protect your pool from damage and save on costly repairs in the long run.