Winter-Proof Your Endless™ Pool
Expert Tips for Cold-Weather Care
As winter approaches, will your modular pool be ready to withstand whatever the season brings? If your pool is installed indoors or you live in a warm climate, the answer is simple. You can continue swimming, exercising, and enjoying your favorite aquatic activities year-round without worrying about winterizing your pool.
However, if you live in a region that experiences freezing temperatures or if you plan to spend the winter months away, you’ll want to prepare your pool for what’s to come. When outdoor temperatures drop below 65°F regularly, or if your pool will not be used for four weeks or more, winterizing will help protect it against damage from freezing and keep it in peak condition. By taking the steps to winterize your pool, you can make sure that your investment is protected, no matter how harsh the weather gets.
We want to help you understand the facts about when, how, and why to winterize your pool, so we asked our experts to weigh in on some commonly asked questions. Here’s what they had to say:
What does “winterization” mean, and when should I consider it?
Winterization is the process of preparing your pool to withstand the colder months, especially if you live in an area where temperatures regularly dip below freezing. It involves securing and protecting the pool equipment from harsh weather, preserving the water quality, and reducing maintenance needs while the pool isn’t in use. Winterizing ensures that your Endless Pool will remain safe, secure, and ready to enjoy when the weather warms up.
When should I start the winterization process?
The best time to consider winterizing is when outdoor temperatures in your area consistently fall around 65°F or lower. As you approach this seasonal change, plan to take a few days to gather the necessary supplies and schedule time for a thorough winterization process. Taking these steps in advance will help protect your pool, even through the coldest months.
What supplies will I need to winterize my pool?
Before you begin the winterization process, you’ll want to read the Winterization Instructions for your Endless Pool and gather the essential tools and supplies. To help you prepare, here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
This kit includes specialized chemicals designed to keep your water in good condition all winter. The Stain and Scale Control protects your pool surfaces from staining and scaling, while the Algaecide (non-foaming and non-metallic) prevents algae growth. The non-chlorine floater slowly dissolves a winterizing oxidizer, preserving your water during the offseason.
Wet/Dry Vac
Useful for removing water from plumbing lines and other small areas.
Submersible Pump
Ideal for lowering the water level as needed.
Air Pillows or Exercise Balls
Placed under the pool cover, these help to absorb pressure from ice, protecting the pool structure.
Plugs for Plumbing Lines
Plugs are used for closing off any plumbing lines to prevent water from freezing within them.
1.5” Threaded Plug: Specifically for standard 1.5" thru-wall fittings in your water quality system.
#10 Rubber Plug: Fits certain water quality systems and hydrotherapy jet suctions to protect them over the winter.
#11 Rubber Plug: Useful for optional hydrotherapy jet bulkheads to seal and safeguard them in colder weather.
If I live in a warm climate, do I still need to winterize before closing my pool?
Yes, even if freezing temperatures aren’t a concern, it’s still wise to winterize your Endless Pool if you plan to leave it unused for more than four weeks. Winterizing in warmer climates includes isolating the pool water from external plumbing systems and fully draining the lines. This prevents the build-up of stagnant water, which can quickly become a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. By closing the pool properly, you’ll avoid murky water or unpleasant surprises when you reopen it, ensuring your pool stays clean, healthy, and ready for future use.
Can I keep my pool open year-round if I want to? What factors do I need to consider?
Endless Pools are designed to be used year-round, in any climate, thanks to their temperature control capabilities. However, if you live in a colder climate where freezing temperatures are a concern, keeping your pool open will require a few additional considerations:
Pool Operating Expenses: As outdoor temperatures drop, the pool heater must work harder to maintain your desired water temperature, which can lead to higher energy costs. Factoring in this increased operating expense is essential if you plan to keep the pool open and heated through the winter months.
Equipment Monitoring: Cold weather can put stress on pool equipment, so it’s important to check on your equipment more frequently. Regular monitoring allows you to catch and address any equipment issues—like a pump or heater failure—before they result in freeze damage, which could lead to costly repairs.
24-Hour Circulation for Freeze Protection: To prevent freeze damage, set your water quality circulation pump to run continuously, 24 hours a day, to ensure that water is moving and not left stagnant in the plumbing. This simple step helps safeguard your equipment in cold weather.
When should I begin the winterization process?
For most outdoor Endless Pools, late September through mid-October is the ideal window for winterizing. Of course, your specific timing will depend on your local climate. If you don’t plan to keep your pool heated and running all year, be aware that when temperatures consistently dip to around 65°F, it’s time to close your pool for the season. By planning your winterization in advance, you’ll ensure that your pool is safely secured and ready to face the colder months.
What should I be aware of when I reopen my pool next year?
Re-opening your Endless Pool for the season should be a straightforward process with just a few key steps. First, remove any plugs or protective coverings and reconnect all plumbing lines. Top off the water level to the proper operating level. Finally, test and balance the water chemistry to get it back to safe and comfortable levels for swimming. Once you’ve completed simple actions, your pool will be fresh, clean, and ready to enjoy when the new season begins.
Top Tips for Winterizing Your Endless Pool
Start Before Freezing Temperatures Arrive: Don’t wait until temperatures reach freezing to begin the winterization process. Ideally, start when temperatures consistently drop to 65°F or lower. Winter weather can be unpredictable, and waiting too long can lead to unexpected freeze damage if a sudden cold snap occurs. Taking early action ensures that all water is safely removed from the plumbing lines, preventing costly repairs and making the entire process smoother.
Isolate Pool Water from Plumbing and Drain Lines Completely: The primary purpose of winterizing is to protect your pool’s plumbing lines and equipment from freezing. This involves isolating the pool water from all external plumbing and thoroughly draining each line. Even a small amount of water left in pipes or equipment can expand and cause cracks during freezing temperatures. By removing all water from the system, you can confidently secure your pool’s components and prevent damage.
Add a Non-Chlorine Winterization Kit: Adding a non-chlorine winterization chemical kit is crucial to maintaining water quality while the pool sits unused. These kits typically include stain and scale inhibitors to prevent mineral build-up, algaecide to combat algae growth, and a non-chlorine floater to maintain a low level of sanitization. This way, when spring arrives, you’ll open your pool to clear, clean water with minimal additional treatment needed.
Choose the Right Pool Cover: A high-quality pool cover is your best defense against winter elements, but it requires a few precautions to perform effectively:
Use Air Pillows or Exercise Balls for Support: When lowering the water level for winterization, air pillows or exercise balls placed beneath a manual retractable cover help distribute weight and reduce strain. These support items prevent the cover from sagging or being damaged by the weight of heavy snow or ice.
Regularly Remove Snow and Water Accumulation: Even the best pool cover can suffer damage from accumulated snow or water. Make it a habit to monitor your cover and clear off any build-up. A pool brush or broom can help gently remove snow, while a pump can remove standing water, ensuring the cover stays in good condition throughout the winter.
When winter comes, you’ll rest easy knowing that you’ve taken all the right steps to prepare your Endless Pool. Winterization safeguards your pool and equipment from the cold, maintaining water quality and preventing damage from freezing. And when the weather warms up, reopening will be quick and hassle-free, so you can plunge right back into the aquatic activities you love.
For more information on winterizing your Endless Pool, please contact Customer Service.