What Happens to Your Pool in Winter?

Care & Tips to Keep It in Great Shape

When temperatures start to drop, many pool owners wonder what to do with their pool during the winter.
Should you close it completely? Cover it? Or just reduce maintenance?

The answer depends on your local climate. But in most cases — especially in mild-weather states like Florida — fully closing your pool isn’t necessary.
Instead, it’s about adjusting your maintenance routine for the cooler months.

In this article, we’ll explain what happens to pools in winter, the basic care steps you should follow, and how to protect your investment without overspending.

What Happens to Pools in Winter

Even if the water doesn’t freeze, winter does bring changes that affect your pool’s balance and performance.
Here are the most common effects:

🌬️ Less evaporation: You’ll notice less water loss — but if the level drops too much, it may indicate a leak.

🍂 More debris: Seasonal winds blow in leaves, dust, and branches that dirty the water and clog the filters.

🧪 Lower chlorine efficiency: Cold water slows down chemical reactions, making it easier for algae to grow.

⚙️ Reduced circulation: Without regular filtration, water can stagnate and create sediment.

Even if you’re not swimming, keeping your pool active during winter helps prevent bigger issues in spring.

How to Take Care of Your Pool in Winter

Maintenance and leak detection experts recommend these simple steps to keep your pool in top shape:

1. Check the water level and look for leaks

Evaporation is minimal in cold months. If the water level drops noticeably, there may be a hidden leak.
Do a visual check or schedule a professional leak detection to prevent structural damage.

2. Give your pool a deep clean

Before the weather gets colder, remove leaves, branches, and debris from the bottom and filters.
A thorough cleaning helps prevent algae growth and stains.

3. Balance the water chemistry

Check and balance pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels.
Use products designed for cooler or low-activity seasons to keep the water clear and clean.

4. Reduce filtration time

You don’t need to run the pump all day.
Filtering the water 2 to 4 hours daily is enough to keep it moving and avoid stagnation.

5. Cover the pool if you won’t be using it

A protective cover keeps it clean, reduces evaporation, and shields it from UV rays.
It also cuts down on cleaning and chemical use.

Extra Care: Check the Structure and Equipment

Even in mild climates like Florida, winter is a great time for preventive maintenance.
Small temperature shifts can enlarge microcracks or wear out hydraulic seals.

305 Pool Leak Services recommends taking advantage of the season to:

• Inspect the finish, joints, and tiles

• Check for leaks in pipes and connections

• Schedule a professional leak inspection to prevent costly repairs later

Mild Winter Climates: Florida as an Example

In states like Florida, Texas, and Southern California, winters are cooler but not freezing.
That means you don’t need to drain or fully close your pool.

Instead, the focus should be on:

• Reducing (not stopping) maintenance

• Keeping minimum daily filtration

• Taking advantage of mild weather to repair, paint, or renovate without interrupting pool use

Winter Isn’t for Closing — It’s for Maintaining

Whether you live in a cold or mild climate, winter shouldn’t mean abandoning your pool. Taking care of it during these months ensures that by spring, it’s ready to enjoy — leak-free, clean, and trouble-free.