While our January nights average just below 40°F, it’s not unheard of to dip below freezing here or there. Those rare nights have the potential to damage your pool equipment, so yes, we recommend a basic winterizing for your Texas pool.
Do you have to close your pool in Texas?
Due to these spikes in temperatures and short winters, it is NOT recommended to close pools in Texas. Instead, it is recommended to install proper freeze protections and manage proper water chemistry throughout the winter.
Are pools open year round in Texas?
While pool season in Texas runs from around March through November, the chillier months are the ideal time to complete upgrades or maintenance.
How do you close a pool for winter in Texas?
Winterizing an Inground Pool
- Clean the Pool. Brush and vacuum your pool thoroughly.
- Test the Water. Check alkalinity, pH, calcium, and chlorine.
- Add Winterizing Chemicals.
- Lower the Water Level.
- Clean the Filtration System and Pump.
- Clear the Lines.
- Install a Winter Cover.
How do you winterize a above ground pool in Texas?
Do You Have To Winterize a Pool in Texas?
- Shock. Several days before closing the pool, shock the pool, and make sure the PH is at the right level.
- Clean the Pool Surface and Structure. Cleaning your pool is vital.
- Lower Water Level.
- Drain and Remove All Equipment.
- Clear Water Lines.
- Add Winterizing Chemicals.
- Cover The Pool.
Is it OK to leave a pool uncovered in winter?
In short, no you don’t. Your pool won’t be damaged beyond repair or needing a major cleanup if you choose to go without a winter cover. But winter swimming pool covers protect your pool against an array of problems that you likely don’t want to deal with come pool opening season.
Can I keep my pool open all winter?
Yes! You don’t have to close the pool, and you can keep it open year ’round, with or without a pool heater. Or for those in very cold climates, you could also consider a very late closing and early opening, winterizing and closing the pool for just 3 or 4 months, instead of the normal 6 or 7 months.
Is it warm enough to swim in Texas in March?
Usually mid March is warm enough for daytime outdoor swimming in central Texas.
Is it warm enough to swim in Texas in April?
Most people will find the ocean off Texas warm enough to enjoy swimming from April to October. That’s when the water temperature is usually over 70 °F (21 °C) at any of the state’s coastal beaches.
Is it warm enough to swim in Texas?
Average Water Temperatures in Galveston, TX
According to the World Health Organization, water temperatures between 78 and 86 ° F are generally comfortable and safe for swimming.
What month should I close my pool?
Freezing temperatures
September and October are a good time to close the pool because the weather is ideal. It’s still warm to be outside, enjoying the sun, even if you hate to say goodbye to summer. But once those temperatures start dropping significantly, you’re going to kick yourself for not closing the pool sooner.
At what temperature will inground pool pipes freeze?
minus 32 degrees
If you have an above ground pool with the pool filter system and plumbing above ground (like nearly all above ground pools), pipes and pumps can freeze up in less than an hour of minus 32 degrees. The same is true for inground pool equipment that is not running when temperatures are below freezing.
Will my pool freeze?
Yes, they can freeze solid. If temperatures reach below zero, swimming pools that are not circulating can freeze solid within a few days. If those low temperatures continue for several days, the ice sheet can increase in thickness by up to ¼” per day.
How far down do you drain your above-ground pool for winter?
Adjust Water Levels
In most cases, you will want to drain the pool to be at least 4 to 6 inches below the top of the skimmer. This allows adequate space for expansion of the water throughout the winter without risking damage to the pool.
Does an above-ground pool freeze solid?
The presence of an Air Pillow prevents ice from freezing under the air pillow, which stops solid ice sheets across the top of the aboveground pool. The unfrozen area under the Air Pillows allows room for ice to expand into, instead of expanding in an outward direction against the walls.
Do I have to drain my above-ground pool for winter?
A: It’s not a good idea to drain an above ground pool for winter. Snow, ice, extreme cold and errant debris will likely cause significant damage to a pool sitting out exposed to the elements. It’s also expensive and time consuming to refill and chemically balance a new pool full of water in the spring.
What happens if I dont close my pool?
But let’s continue with the assumption that you aren’t closing your pool. In this scenario, the unprotected water in your pool will freeze when the temperatures drop. The resulting ice and freezing temperatures will either rip open new tears or expand previously existing ones.
What happens if a pool is not winterized?
Without winterizing your pool, the water could turn green with algae. If the chlorine system stops functioning, you’ll say adieu to the beautiful blue pool you know and love. Come spring, your pool will be a homely sight and cause a real dent in your wallet. Bacteria that feed on algae could even cause health risks.
Should you shock pool before closing?
Shock and Chlorinate Your Pool
Shocking kills any bacteria that might linger in your pool during the winter. We recommend shocking a few days before you close the pool. If that is not possible, make sure to shock the pool the night before you close it for winter.
What temperature should I keep my pool at in the winter?
between 78°F and 82°F
Set your pool heater’s thermostat to a temperature between 78°F and 82°F (26°C and 28°C) to keep the majority of swimmers comfortable. Maybe a little cooler if you’re in an area with very hot summers, or a little warmer if you live in a milder climate.
Can you run the pump with the winter cover on?
Absolutely! A cover does nothing to interfere with the water circulating through your system. It doesn’t touch your pump or any other piece of equipment you have. When your pool is covered during these winter months, you can run it less, thus protecting the pump from premature aging.