Freeze damage is always a concern for pool owners in New Jersey and throughout the Northeast. It can destroy your pool plaster, pipes, pump, and filter, but fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage. Here's how to prevent pool freeze damage. 

How to Prevent Pool Freeze Damage

1. Keep the Pump and Heater On

With the filter pump running, water will keep moving throughout your pool system and have less opportunity to freeze. Additionally, keeping the heater on ensures the water maintains a consistently warm temperature, so it doesn't get cold enough to freeze and do damage to the pool plaster and other components. The filter should pump 24 hours a day and the heater 12 hours a day. If this is an expense or routine that you don't want, consider investing in an automatic freeze protector. This device detects the temperature of the water and automatically turns on the pump and heater when it dips below a certain point.

2. Skim the Pool Regularly

A cover is a must-have for protecting your pool over the winter, as it prevents dirt and muck from getting into the water and helps hold in the heat needed to ward off freezing. Even with a cover, a thin layer of ice can still develop on the surface of the water. You don't want the ice to damage the pool equipment or bring down the temperature of the rest of the water, so be sure to skim the pool daily throughout the winter to remove ice buildup and any wayward debris. 

3. Position Jets Upward

Water starts to freeze at the surface and moves downward. By angling your jets up toward the surface, you are sending heat toward the water at its most vulnerable point. This reduces the likelihood of freezing and can help you avoid the formation of surface ice. This simple act goes a long way in protecting your pool plaster and internal parts from the ravages of winter.

If freeze damage has affected your pool plaster or other components, Gutierrez Pool Plastering is here to help. For over 30 years, this Plainfield, NJ-based pool renovator has been serving New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. They will restore the beauty and comfort of your pool with plastering, tiles, pebbles, and other features. Call (908) 756-7585 to request a quote or schedule service.