Master the art of winterizing your pool with expert insights to protect your aquatic investment and ensure a splash-ready spring.
Story by Ann Butenas | Intro photo courtesy of Aqua Blue Pools
Winterizing a fiberglass pool is an essential process to protect your investment during the colder months. Unlike concrete or vinyl pools, fiberglass pools have unique requirements for winter maintenance. To gain expert insight into this process, we spoke with Ramon Vazquez of Aqua Blue Pools, a Kansas City-based premier installer of fiberglass pools and spas. Vazquez shared valuable information about the key aspects of winterizing fiberglass pools, from maintaining proper water levels to balancing chemical composition. Whether you’re a new fiberglass pool owner or looking to refine your winterization routine, the following information will provide you with expert-backed advice to safeguard your aquatic oasis during the off-season.
KCH&S: What are the essential steps for winterizing a fiberglass pool, and how does it differ from other pool types?
Aqua Blue Pools: Clean the pool thoroughly and balance the water chemistry. Unlike other pools, fiberglass pools don’t require draining or special chemicals for winterization. Use risers for return lines if necessary.
KCH&S: What’s the ideal water level for a fiberglass pool in winter, and why is it important?
Aqua Blue Pools: Keep the water at the normal operating level, typically at the middle of the skimmer or at least above the bottom of the skimmer opening. This maintains warranty requirements and prevents hydrostatic pressure issues from groundwater. Proper surface drainage away from the pool is crucial.
KCH&S: What type of winter cover is recommended for fiberglass pools?
Aqua Blue Pools: Both mesh safety covers and automatic covers are effective. Mesh covers provide safety and allow water to pass through, while keeping debris out. Automatic covers offer better protection against light, dust, and algae growth, and are easier to operate.
KCH&S: How should the pump and filter system be managed during winter, and what’s involved in spring reopening?
Aqua Blue Pools: In areas with extreme winter weather, it’s not economical to run the filtration system. For spring reopening, remove the cover, clean any debris, brush the sides, and adjust chemicals as needed. If winterized correctly, the water chemistry should be close to ideal.
KCH&S: Are there any special considerations for saltwater fiberglass pools or concerns about freeze-thaw damage?
Aqua Blue Pools: Saltwater pools need to maintain the correct salt level. Fiberglass pools are not susceptible to freeze-thaw damage due to their flexibility. The material is flexible enough to handle the expansion and contraction of the pool water. Regular checks during winter should ensure the pool remains full of water and the sump line isn’t half-full.
