Prevent Pool Damage in NEPA’s Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Owning a pool in Northeastern Pennsylvania is a ticket to creating cherished summer memories. But as the leaves turn and the air chills, a unique regional challenge emerges: the freeze-thaw cycle. This relentless pattern of freezing and melting can wreak havoc on pool structures, leading to costly repairs. Proper winterization isn’t just a seasonal chore; it’s a critical step in protecting your investment.

At Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas, we’ve seen firsthand the damage that an unprepared pool can sustain over a harsh NEPA winter. From cracked tiles to burst pipes, the consequences of improper closing can be severe. 

Our team will walk you through the essential steps for pool damage prevention, ensuring your backyard oasis is safe, secure, and ready for another season of fun when the warm weather returns.

Understanding Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Freeze-Thaw Cycle

The term “freeze-thaw cycle” describes the natural process where temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing (32°F). In Northeastern Pennsylvania, this isn’t a rare event; it’s a defining feature of our late fall, winter, and early spring seasons. One day might bring a hard freeze, while the next brings a slight thaw, only for temperatures to plummet again overnight.

This cycle is particularly destructive because of a fundamental property of water: it expands by about 9% when it freezes. This expansion exerts immense pressure on anything containing it. For a swimming pool, this means the water trapped in your plumbing, skimmer, and filter, as well as the moisture saturating the surrounding soil and pool structure, becomes a powerful force.

Types of Pool Damage

Common types of pool damage from freeze-thaw cycles include:

• Structural Cracks: Concrete, gunite, and fiberglass pools can develop cracks in the walls and floor as the expanding ice puts stress on the shell.
• Tile and Coping Damage: Water seeping behind tiles and coping can freeze, pop them off, and cause significant cosmetic and structural issues.
• Plumbing Leaks: Water left in pipes, pumps, and filters can freeze, causing pipes to burst and equipment housings to crack.
• Liner Damage: For vinyl-liner pools, ice can cause the liner to stretch, tear, or pull away from the walls.

Effective pool damage prevention is all about interrupting this destructive process before it can begin.

Preparing Your Pool for Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Properly closing your pool when temperatures consistently dip below 65°F is the most effective way to prevent pool damage. Follow this comprehensive checklist for winterizing your in-ground pool.

Step 1: Clean and Balance the Water

Before you cover your pool for the season, you need to ensure the water is clean and chemically balanced. This prevents algae growth and staining during the dormant months.

• Clean Thoroughly: Skim all leaves and debris from the surface, brush the walls and floor, and give the pool a final, thorough vacuuming.
• Test and Balance: Adjust your pool’s chemistry to the ideal winter levels. Aim for a pH between 7.2 and 7.6, total alkalinity between 80-120 ppm, and appropriate calcium hardness.
• Shock the Pool: Add a high dose of chlorine shock to eliminate any lingering bacteria, algae, and other contaminants.
• Add Winter Chemicals: Wait at least 24 hours for the chlorine level to drop, then add a winter algaecide to prevent algae from blooming under the cover. If you have high metal content in your water, add a metal sequestrant to prevent staining.

Step 2: Lower the Water Level

Draining some water from the pool is crucial to protect plumbing and tiles from expanding ice.

• Tiled Pools: Lower the water level so it sits below the skimmer opening and any return jets. This prevents water from entering the plumbing lines and protects the tile line from ice pressure.
• Vinyl-Liner Pools: The water level should still be lowered below the skimmer, but never drain the pool completely. The water’s weight is needed to hold the liner in place and prevent it from shrinking or pulling away.

Step 3: Clear, Plug, and Protect Your Plumbing

This is perhaps the most critical step to prevent burst pipes and damaged equipment.

• Blow Out the Lines: Use an air compressor or a powerful blower to force all water out of the skimmer lines, return jets, and main drain lines. You should see bubbles emerge from the jets and drain until only air is coming out.
• Add Antifreeze: Pour pool-specific antifreeze into the lines through the skimmer and return for an extra layer of protection against any residual water freezing. Never use automotive antifreeze or any other non-suggested type, as they are toxic and can damage your pool equipment.
• Plug All Lines: Insert expansion plugs (also known as winter plugs) securely into the return jet openings and skimmer to seal them off.

Step 4: Winterize Your Equipment

Your expensive pool equipment needs to be completely drained and protected.

• Cut the Power: Turn off all power to the pool equipment at the circuit breaker.
• Drain Everything: Remove the drain plugs from the pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator to let all water escape. Store the plugs in the pump basket so you can easily find them in the spring.
• Store Components: If you have a saltwater system, remove, clean, and store the salt cell indoors. Do the same for any other removable components.

Step 5: Install the Pool Cover

A high-quality cover is your pool’s final line of defense against winter weather.

• Use an Air Pillow: Place one or more air pillows in the center of the pool before putting on the cover. These pillows absorb the pressure from expanding ice, directing the force upwards instead of outwards against your pool walls.
• Secure the Cover: Install a durable winter cover, ensuring it is secured tightly. For solid covers, use water tubes or blocks to hold them down. For mesh safety covers, ensure all springs and anchors are correctly engaged.

Let the Experts Handle Your Pool Closing

Ready to ensure your pool is fully protected for the winter? Let the experienced team at Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas put together everything you need. With over 60 years of experience serving Northeastern Pennsylvania, we provide professional pool winterization services to give you complete confidence.

Visit us at our locations in Wilkes-Barre, Dickson City/Scranton, or Tannersville to discuss your needs. We proudly serve homeowners throughout NEPA, Allentown, Doylestown, and the surrounding areas.

Contact us today to schedule your pool closing service and “soak in the memories” without the winter worries.

Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools