Does Snow Affect My Swimming Pool?

Living in the Hudson Valley region means your pool sees a lot of winter weather. When the forecast calls for a snowstorm, especially one like we saw last month, you probably wonder, “Does snow affect my swimming pool?” While snow certainly has an effect on swimming pools, there are steps that can be taken to help protect them. Here are the ways to shield your pool from the snowy weather.

Winterizing Pipes

No matter the type of pool you have, if you live in a cooler climate, you must winterize your pipes. Having the water blown out of the lines prevents the pipes from being damaged due to water freezing and expanding in them. The time for doing this step varies depending on the weather in your area. A good rule of thumb is to do this before the temperature outside reaches 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Vinyl Liner Pools

Vinyl liners can crack in the snow if not properly prepared ahead of time. The pool water level should be taken down to just below the skimmer. Then winterizing chemicals should be added to the water to help protect the liner and keep the water sanitized. Adding a secure cover that can withstand the weight of the snow is important. If the cover can’t take the pressure and caves in, it can damage the liner. Once the damage starts, there isn’t much that can be done to fix it until spring.

Concrete Pools

Snow comes and goes over the course of the winter. It’s the thawing and freezing again that can affect a concrete pool. When the frozen snow or water that’s in your pool melts, it can make its way into any pores or cracks. Then, when it freezes again, it causes damage to the concrete by expanding in the areas where there is damage. The snow also gets under the paint, causing it to crack and flake. As such, you’ll want to take the water level to just below the skimmer and add the appropriate winterizing chemicals. Then, cover it with a secure cover that can withstand the weight of the snow.

Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass pools are pretty low maintenance overall. These pools are built with layers of fiberglass, and supporting materials are put together to create the highly-durable fiberglass shell. The inside of that shell is coated in a thick and durable gel coating. The pressure from ice and snow will not damage the structure of the pool. In addition, fiberglass pools have a smooth construction with no seams or cracks, so there is nowhere for snow and ice to get in. Even pressure from the surrounding ground freezing and thawing has no real effect on this type of pool because the fiberglass shell is very flexible.

Above-Ground Pools

The weight of snow and ice can put a lot of pressure on an above-ground pool. Much like the other types of pools, above-ground pools should be cleaned and winterized with the proper chemicals. Then the pool should be securely covered. Adding a pool air pillow under your cover is a smart idea, as it takes off some of the pressure away from the sides of your above-ground pool.

Advice is at Hand

We know you have a lot of questions. We have answers for you. Our pool professionals love to help prospective and existing pool owners with the best in information and resources. With tons of experience to draw on, we are happy to share that knowledge with you. Reach out to us when you’re ready to get the conversation started concerning snow or any other issue that we can help you with. Orange County Pools & Spas is your one-stop-shop for fantastic pool ownership.