Gone is the crisp air of fall. Winter weather is here to keep us huddled inside and freeze all the water it can. Most homeowners know to turn off their outdoor faucets and disconnect their hoses, but pool owners have more than just their home’s pipes to worry about. Thanks to unpredictable Maryland freeze-thaw cycles, winter pool maintenance can be tricky.
We’ve seen firsthand how a little preparation can go quite a long way towards saving headaches and wallets. That’s why pool equipment freeze protection and other tricks are so vital during this time. With some guidance, that tricky winter pool maintenance suddenly seems a lot more manageable!
Why Proper Winter Pool Maintenance Matters in Frederick’s Climate
As we’ve already complained about said, Maryland weather does whatever it pleases. You can wake up to a frozen wasteland in the morning and take a leisurely stroll wearing only one layer by lunchtime. This ping-ponging of the needle to either side of the 32º marker causes a freeze-thaw cycle that can wreak havoc on your pool and its equipment, if you aren’t careful.
Repeated expansion and contraction in metal, plastic, and rubber components can take its toll, with snow and ice compounding the challenge. Without proper pool equipment freeze protection, any water that’s become trapped in pumps, filters, and other components can freeze and literally split things apart. Before we dive into what can be done about it, let’s go over the equipment that you should give extra attention to.
Pool Equipment That Needs Special Attention During Winter
Some components of your pool system bear the brunt of cold weather more than others:
Mechanical Equipment
- Pumps, filters, and heaters: When winterizing, be sure to drain all the water from these components. Even a small leftover amount could spell trouble for internal parts.
- Salt systems and chlorinators: These parts have delicate electronics within them that won’t stand a chance against freeze-hazards; corrosion or cracking is likely to occur if you aren’t diligent.
Removable Components
- Ladders, handrails, diving boards, pool cleaners, fittings, and hoses: These are made of metal and plastic that can rust, bend, or degrade over time if you leave them out in the cold.
Pool Covers and Accessories
We can’t stress enough how invaluable a quality winter cover is for your pool. Make sure all covers, anchors, and other hardware are checked and cleaned properly before you close your pool (we realize it’s a bit late for this step this year, but keep the tip in your back pocket for next winter).
Best Practices for Storing Pool Equipment During the Winter
Drain Everything Completely
Hold up! Before you store your pumps, filters, heaters, and other equipment away, make sure it’s completely empty of water. Residual water can freeze, expand, and wreak havoc.
Clean & Dry
It’s good to clean all your equipment thoroughly and let it dry before storing it away (see tip directly above). Give particular care to things like vacuum hoses, skimmer baskets, and cleaner heads. Otherwise, leftover mold could slowly corrode the equipment while it’s stored away for the winter.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage
If possible, store your delicate equipment—pumps, electronics, and accessories—in a garage or shed. If you don’t have a good indoor space for storage, protect your things with a pool equipment enclosure or weather-resistant cover; doing so keeps equipment from resting directly on the ground and in this way prolongs its life.
Common Winter Equipment Storage Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving water in lines and gear: We’ve harped on this a lot, we know, but it’s a really important one. Freeze damage from this is one of the most common issues we see each spring when it’s time to open pools.
- Storing dirty or damp equipment: This accelerates deterioration and allows mold to grow.
- Improper pool cover handling: Folds and tears caused by careless storage can compromise coverage throughout the winter.
- Skipping inspections: Cracked seals, loose fittings, and worn O-rings will only get worse as the cold months drag on.
Aquatic Solutions Is Here to Help With Winter Pool Maintenance
Winter and worry don’t have to go hand-in-hand. When you know what precautions to take and who to call when you need professional services, your pool and equipment will last years! With us at your back, you get:
- Detailed inspections from experts with decades of collective experience
- Professional winterization services that keep your equipment safe
- Opening and closing services to prepare for hot and cold months alike
With these winter pool maintenance services and a proper pool equipment enclosure, your valuable pool components will be taken care of for years to come. Get in touch for professional services that prioritize you!
Still prefer to take a dip even in the cold months? Check out a recent blog that’s all about hot tubs!