Now that it is pretty frigid in the Northeast, it is inevitable that the winter snow and ice will be part of our lives for quite some time.
For many, the topic revolves around shoveling and salting the ground, but for pool owners, the winter weather here in New Jersey can be even greater cause for concern.
While keeping the pool equipment safe is extremely important, there are other factors to consider. It is common for ice to form on top of the pool cover, the water inside freezing, and other unfortunate issues arising.
At Island Pool & Spa, we want to ensure our customers know the best way to deal with ice and swimming pools and want to offer the best information we can on the subject.
Below are some suggestions on how to keep your pool and equipment safe when dealing with snow and specifically ice.
Always clear off the pool cover
Your pool cover is an investment in itself and prevents the pool from getting any debris or added ice and water into it. If ice and snow break through the pool cover, you will have three issues at hand. These include the possibility of a broken pool cover which will mean a costly replacement; new ice and snow in the pool–which can cause the water to overflow and refreeze–and dealing with debris that can harm any mechanical parts of your pool, such as the filter.
Taking the time to keep your pool cover clear of snow and ice is a simple solution to what can be a costly problem to fix.
Check the water inside and run the filter to keep water circulating
The water inside the pool will remain in there for the winter. This is why water circulation is so important–running the filter every so often will keep the water from being stagnant and potentially freezing. The movement of the water during the offseason will also ensure that bacteria does not form or that any other debris gets trapped in the pool.
When ice forms inside the pool, it can cause the structure of the pool to expand and crack–both for in-ground and above-ground pools.
Clear off pool equipment that is out in the elements
Melting snow can refreeze if the temperature does not rise above freezing. While this is an issue for the pool itself, it is also an issue for any mechanical pieces to the pool as well.
If you have any pumps or filters, the ice can drip off of the equipment, forming icicles, and causing more weight to be placed on the equipment. These things can lead to costly damage that you want to avoid, so ensuring no snow sits on these pieces of equipment is an easy fix.
Do weekly check-ins during the brutal cold
The best way to keep your pool safe from any damage due to ice is to continue doing weekly check-ins. During mild, snow-free winters you can cut down a bit on the frequency of your check-ins, but once the snow has fallen, you want to ensure the pool is not accumulating ice under or above the cover.
The irony is that ice is just frozen water which is what a pool holds, but ice is one of the most common culprits when it comes to pool damage from winter. The sheer weight and size of ice chunks when they freeze and refreeze can cause cracks and broken equipment. Keeping an eye on your pool and continuously checking in is the simplest way to avoid any damage.
The good thing about the Northeast United States is that although it can get cold, it will also get warm again. Here at Island Pool and Spa, we want to ensure that during the cold season, your pool is kept safe. We realize that any damage to your pool can be costly, so our associates are here to answer your questions and concerns about keeping your pool safe from ice during the winter season.