Owning a swimming pool allows you to enjoy your outdoor living spaces and improve your property value, but it also means you’ll have to perform some basic swimming pool maintenance to keep it protected. This is particularly true during the winter months when the harsh weather and freezing temperatures wreak havoc on your pool. To avoid costly repairs, keep an eye out for these common signs of winter damage.

What Are Some Common Winter Pool Damages?

1. Plumbing Issues

If there is any moisture remaining in the water pipes connected to your swimming pool, it can freeze in low temperatures. This freezing causes it to expand, which can damage the interior of the pipes and lead to cracking over time. You’ll know you have broken or leaking pipes if the water level drops more than three-quarters of an inch in a week, or you find dirt accumulations at the bottom of the pool.

2. Out of Balance Chemistry

Even if you’re not using it during the winter months, it’s still important to make sure the water has the correct level of chemicals in it to avoid algae and bacteria growth. Check the pH balance every two months during the offseason to ensure the levels are in the safe range and use an enzyme product that breaks down contamination to prevent a waterline ring from forming around the perimeter of its interior.

3. Too Much Weight on the Cover

The cover keeps contaminants out of the water, but it’s also at risk in the winter. If too much rain or snow accumulates on top of the cover, it can become weighed down to the point where the straps snap off which renders the cover useless. If you ever notice any debris or water building up on the cover, remove it as soon as possible to prevent this issue.

4. Cracked Liners

Like the plumbing, the pool liner can also be damaged by the freeze and thaw cycle. If there’s any moisture left on the interior walls, it could freeze in the cold temperatures and crack the liner.

The best way to minimize this damage is to perform regular inspections looking for signs of damage, but you can also monitor the water levels as well. If you’re having to refill the swimming pool constantly because of water loss, it could be a cracked liner.

 

If you spot any of these signs of winter damage to your swimming pool, contact the experts at Distinctive Swimming Pools in Washington, CT. For more than 75 years, this family-owned and -operated swimming pool company has been providing local homeowners with a variety of pool cleaning and maintenance services. They’ll work with you to diagnose the issue, get it fixed, and help protect you from future problems with preventative measures. Schedule a consultation by calling (860) 868-3622 or learn more about their services online.