Above ground pools are an exciting addition to a yard. They are easy to set up, clean, and remove when it’s time for something new. If you live somewhere cold, it’s reasonable to worry about how your pool will fare in the colder parts of the year.
An above ground pool will freeze if the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time, for example, in the winter. In colder areas it’s not uncommon for an above ground pool to freeze into a giant block of ice.
If you’re interested in learning more about the potential for an above ground pool to freeze, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about how to keep your swimming area from freezing, what happens if you don’t winterize your pool, how cold it must be for this item to freeze, and everything else you should know about the chilly parts of the year.
How Do I Keep My Above Ground Pool From Freezing?
Will your above ground pool freeze? What should you look for that would indicate freezing?
Here are a few things you should watch for to check if your above ground pool is freezing:
- An iceberg in the center of your pool
- A buckled skimmer wall
- Wall collapse
- Sheet of ice over the pool
- Structure damage
If your pool freezes, it’s possible it could fall apart. And then, when the warmer months come around, your pool will be useless.
Luckily, you can stop this from happening if you:
- Keep excess water off your pool cover
- Remove leaves and other debris from the surface
- Remove snow on the pool, scooping it off as it builds up
- Watch for rapidly receding water levels and fill if necessary
- Fix pool bucking as soon as it appears, restructuring walls and providing support when necessary
It’s best to establish a daily or weekly routine with your pool to ensure you catch issues before it’s too late. If you know anyone with an above ground pool, you can ask for advice on freezing prevention.
Here’s a link to some Pool Accessories from Amazon and the highly recommended Sand Filter Pump to upgrade any above ground pool setup.
What Happens If You Don’t Winterize Your Above Ground Pool?
Winterizing your pool is a part of the upkeep process. It will keep the water in good shape and ensure your pool lasts in the freezing months. Although it might seem like a pain to go through the process, a few unfortunate things will occur if you don’t.
If you don’t winterize your pool, here are a few things that could happen when the temperature drops:
- Excessive growth of algae in locations where water drains bu moisture remains
- Collapsing walls and other destruction, often leading to a complete replacement of the unit
- Frozen and burst pipelines, leading to expensive and extensive repairs and replacements
- Damaged filters, broken and damaged by ice and other debris
Nobody wants these things to occur in their pool! If you want your pool to last a long time, it’s necessary to winterize the system. It takes extra work, but it’s worth it at the end of the day. Winterizing will save you money and ensure your pool is around for the long haul.
How Cold Does It Have To Be For A Pool To Freeze Over?
Many people assume a pool must be much harder to freeze because it is chlorinated. However, that isn’t the case. A chlorinated pool will freeze at thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit, the same as a body of water without chlorine. Your pool is not better protected due to the chemical content inside.
If it’s snowing outside, there is a chance your pool will freeze. It will take longer, as a pool is a larger body of water than raindrops or puddles. However, in time, it will develop a layer of ice on the top or even, if left untouched, freeze all the way through. Keep an eye on the temperature if you want to stop this! Don’t let your pool get too cold in the winter.
How Much Water Should I Leave In My Above Ground Pool In The Winter?
It’s ideal to drain the pool until it’s about four to six inches below the level of the skimmer. When water gets cold, it expands. Leaving this much room will ensure the water has room to move without risking severe damage along the way.
Once the weather warms up, you can replace the missing water in your pool. Repeat this process every year to ensure the pool stays in quality shape for as long as possible.
Does Pool Water Freeze Under The Cover?
Pool covers are excellent ways to keep debris and other items out of the pool. They will also serve as a form of protection from the elements. However, in time, water will freeze under the pool cover. It may cause damage to the structure of the pool if left alone for too long.
It’s critical to continue circulating water through the pool, whether that means removing the cover and mixing it or using a machine to move the water around while it is cold outside. The more your water moves, the less likely it will be to freeze under the cover.
If the water does freeze under the cover, you should remove the cover and break up the ice. Once this layer dissolves, invest in a new cover for the top of your pool. Keep an eye on this one to ensure the freezing process does not occur again. The fewer replacement necessary, the happier your wallet will be.
Here’s a link to some Pool Accessories from Amazon and the highly recommended Sand Filter Pump to upgrade any above ground pool setup.
Final Thoughts
If you live in a location with freezing winters and own an above ground pool, it may freeze when the temperatures drop.
Buckled skimmers walls, wall collapses, structure damage, and a sheet of ice over the pool are all signs of freezing above ground pool. Take action ahead of time and during the winter to prevent severe damage.
We hope this information was helpful! The more you know about the freezing process of an above ground pool, the easier it will be to keep it in proper shape when the weather conditions drop. Above ground pools are cheaper than the traditional in-ground options, but not if you have to replace them due to damage.