While winter means you’ve closed up your pool for the year, it doesn’t mean you can forget about it. That is especially true when it comes to safety. With all kinds of wet weather on the way, keeping your pool safe and secure takes a few additional steps. Here, we’ll explore how to properly secure your pool for winter, including accessories, fencing, and maintenance measures.
Risks of Unsecured Pools in Winter
Having an improperly secured pool can be dangerous at any time of year. But in winter, there are new risks to contend with. Here are some of the biggest concerns about leaving your pool unsecured in the colder months:
- Freezing and thawing water can damage components and ruin the pool lining.
- Accumulation of dirt and debris from snow and surrounding trees.
- Uncovered still water can accumulate algae growth, requiring a deep cleaning in springtime.
Beyond potentially damaging the pool, leaving what is effectively an open pit of water unsecured in the winter poses risks to your pets and family members. If ice forms on the pool deck or snow covers the interior, someone could fall into the freezing cold water.
What Happens If You Don’t Cover Your Pool In The Winter?
First, it’s not mandatory to cover your pool every winter. However, a cover can help prevent algae growth and your pool water from turning green from leaves or dirt accumulating from falling snow or rain. Closing your pool in the fall requires multiple steps to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Preventing Winter Damage
When it comes to any type of pool maintenance, it’s best to plan ahead for the season. Preventing winter damage starts with properly draining the water to 1” below the return line, scrubbing the tiles and lining, and balancing the chemicals. This should all be done before November.
Do I Need to Drain My Pool Before Winter?
You do not need to empty your pool. Properly draining your pool means securing your pool, which involves lowering the pool water by 1-2 inches below the lowest return line. In doing so, the water in your pipes and filters may freeze and, when the thaw comes, can crack these components. When water freezes, it expands, which may also damage more of your pool parts.
Should I Use Professional Pool Winterization Services?
That’s totally up to you. If you aren’t sure about all the steps involved in closing your pool, our experts are happy to lend a hand. We offer:
- Pump and filter maintenance consists of draining all pool equipment.
- System blowouts, which clears all pool lines.
- Chemical winterizing, including algaecide and chlorine levels.
- Surface scrubbing and debris removal.
After you, or the professionals, have winterized your pool for the year, it’s time to put on the appropriate pool cover for the winter season.
Different Types of Pool Covers
Pool covers are a paramount part of pool winterization. You will need to ensure you get the right pool cover that can support the weight of your child or pet should they fall or slip on the surface during the colder months.
Some pool covers, like solar or leaf net covers, are not strong enough to prevent accidents. That’s why it’s essential to research the right cover for your pool type. Let’s take a look at the options available:
Safety Covers
These pool covers are ideal for in-ground pools because they work to prevent any accidents. This cover is anchored to your pool and designed to support maximum weight. Safety covers provide plenty of peace of mind, whether you have pets or kids running around in your backyard in the snow.
Tarp Covers
Although not as secure as a safety cover, tarp covers can still be helpful. Namely, they can prevent accidents and keep leaves or debris from falling into your pool.
Leaf-Net Covers
Typically, you wouldn’t want to apply this type of cover alone. It’s best to install it as an extra cover over another, such as a tarp cover. The leaf-net cover doubles down on keeping leaves and dirt out of the pool. However, you wouldn’t want to keep this cover on too long. You should only apply the leaf-net cover before the leaves fall and remove it before snowfall and freezing temperatures, around the end of October and beginning of November.
Are you curious about other pool covers or want to do more research? Our guide to the Different Types of Pool Covers provides key details to help you make the best decision to secure your pool area.
Year-round Safety Measures: Installing a Fence
Installing a pool fence is one of the most effective strategies for keeping kids or pets safely away from the pool during winter. A well-designed pool fence acts as a secure barrier, restricting access to the pool area and providing much-needed peace of mind for families.
Pool fences come in various styles and materials, allowing you to choose one that complements your backyard aesthetic while prioritizing safety. From sturdy wrought iron to modern mesh designs, these fences are built to withstand the elements, ensuring long-term durability. Many pool fences also feature self-closing and self-latching gates, adding an extra layer of security.
In Ottawa, pool owners are required to adhere to specific bylaws designed to enhance safety and prevent unauthorized access to swimming pools, as set by Pool Enclosure By-law No. 2013-39. One main stipulation is that pool fences must be at least 5 feet high.
Conclusion
Owning a pool in Ottawa comes with its fair share of responsibilities, especially when it comes to ensuring safety and maintenance throughout the year. For families with kids or pets, it is essential to keep a close eye on the pool. Keeping on top of seasonal maintenance—like keeping leaves and dirt out or preparing the pool for winter—protects your investment and prolongs its lifespan.
At Benson Pools, we make pool maintenance easy. When spring rolls around, our skilled technicians can help you get your pool set up, filled, and ready for the warmer months—quickly and hassle-free.
Contact us today to schedule professional pool winterization services and ensure your pool is safe, clean, and ready to shine next summer!
