When you picture yourself using your swimming pool, you probably think about taking a dip on a hot day. Not a lot of people use their pool during the winter season. In fact, it is one of the reasons why people don’t even install a swimming pool. Installing a swimming pool is considered to be a big investment and you might be hesitant making this investment if you think that you won’t be using it all year round. The truth is that there are many ways to use your pool during the winter season. Read on to learn how you can use your pool during the cold days. But, before we get into that, let’s start by why you should be using your pool during winter.
Reasons to use your pool during the winter season
When you have a swimming pool in your backyard, you have a space to exercise and throw parties. In the winter season, the swimming pool can offer certain other benefits as well:
Year-long swim season
The ability to use your pool every day is something that you will appreciate.
No winter cover
You can still use a winter cover for protecting your pool in between the swimming sessions, but buying one won’t be necessary.
No reopening
If you close your swimming pool for a while, you will have to go through a reopening process, which is a big headache.
No clean-up
By maintaining your pool during the winter season, you won’t have to do a clean-up for the spring season. However, it is still recommended that you follow through with basic pool maintenance.
Now that you know the benefits of keeping your swimming pool open during the winter season, let’s get into how you can do it:
- Keep your pump running
In order to keep your fibreglass swimming pool open during cold days, you have to ensure that it doesn’t freeze. For this, you must run your pump for as long as necessary. By keeping your pool pump running in the winter, you can ensure that the water keeps moving. So, if the temperature gets too low, the water won’t freeze. Ideally, you should run your pump when the temperature nears the freezing point of water, 0 degrees Celsius.
- Heat your pool
Taking a plunge in the cold water can be bracing and exhilarating. However, not all your winter swims have to be that. The best way to enjoy your swim in the winter is to install a heating system and warm your pool up. This way, you won’t have to deal with the cold check. Also, it is a great way to get a return on your investment as installing it will ensure that you are able to use your swimming pool throughout the year.
When you install a heating system, it also changes the pool’s dynamic to fit your seasonal requirements. In the summer months, you can go for a refreshing swim and in the winter season, you can have a warm, relaxing experience. To ensure that your heated pool stays warm for a longer period of time, you should use a cover when the pool is not in use. By doing this, you will be reducing your maintenance costs significantly.
- Create a covered enclosure
If you have the budget for it, you can develop a covered enclosure and use your swimming pool during the winter season as well. It will also keep your pool water clean. Regardless of the outdoor temperature, you will be able to stay warm and use your pool. You should opt for a clear enclosure as it allows you to enjoy the view while enjoying a dip in your pool.
- Keep the valves open
If your fibreglass pool has a lot of plumbing manifolds, including a lot of valves and pipes, you must keep them at least partially open. This way, water will be able to move through each and every leg. You might leave your spa drained, but during winter, you should crack it open slightly so that the water keeps moving. All valves, including cleaner lines, skimmers, waterfall lines, and vacuum lines should remain partially open.
- Keep your pool clean
During the winter season, you have to still follow the same maintenance standard as you have been doing for other months. The water must remain balanced and clean. You should skim the pool water 2 to 3 times every week. At least twice a week, you should brush the walls of your pool. You must also vacuum the pool once a week. It doesn’t matter if your pool remains covered or uncovered, if you follow through with the maintenance guidelines, your pool will look great.
- Use external heaters
Heating systems are not the only way to stay warm. You can also invest in external heaters installed outside your pool. This can be an outdoor heater or a fireplace or it can be simply ensuring that there are warm blankets near the pool area. Now, it is important to note that these methods won’t heat your pool directly, but instead, help in creating a warmer and cosier atmosphere. If you are planning to organise a party or barbeque around the pool during the winter season or just want to relax near your pool and enjoy the view, external heaters are crucial. This way, you won’t be worried about freezing and will be able to use your pool throughout the year.
- Retain heat by using a pool cover
Cover the pool every time you are not using it. Not only will it keep your pool clean, but it will also ensure that the heat doesn’t escape. All of this will save you a lot of money and time. You can go for a solar cover as it can be set up quickly and is lightweight and easy to remove.
Whether or not you want to keep your pool open during the winter season, having a swimming pool brings so much fun to your life. Winter can be a great time to plan your pool installation. Contact a professional and experienced Tweed Heads Pool Builder to ensure that you get the best quality fibreglass pools.
