Just because winter in Florida and the Southeast doesn’t bring snow and ice doesn’t mean you can forget about your pool.
Sure, you can skip winterizing for freezing temperatures, but unlike in colder climates where pools are drained or covered for the season, your pool remains chemically active all year round. You won’t have to worry about freezing pipes and ice damage but appropriate winter pool maintenance is still needed to keep it clean, safe, and functioning properly.
Neglect it, and you might find your pool looking more like a swamp—cold temperatures only slow down algae growth, not kill it. A little effort now will save you from a green, murky mess and costly pool repairs come spring.
Here’s how to maintain a pool in winter and keep your backyard in top shape.
1. Balance Your Pool’s Water Chemistry
The most important goals for winter pool maintenance are keeping the chemicals balanced and the water circulating.
When your pool’s alkalinity levels are too low, the water becomes more acidic, which corrodes metal fixtures like ladders, handrails, and even your pool lights. On the other hand, if the levels are too high, calcium buildup and algae can take over.
Fortunately, cooler water slows down bacteria and algae growth, so you don’t need as much chlorine as you do in summer. Turn down your chlorinator or salt generator to prevent over-chlorination, which can cause unnecessary wear on your pool equipment.
However, your winter pool maintenance should still involve testing the pool water at least once a week to ensure your alkaline and sanitizer levels are balanced. The ideal pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6.
2. Reduce Pump Run Time
Cooler temperatures and less intense sunlight mean you can scale back on pump runtime without compromising your pool’s water quality.
If you’re not heating your pool, you can reduce your pump’s daily runtime to about four hours a day, down from the eight to 12 hours typically needed in summer.
Running your pump for fewer hours also means less energy consumption, so your winter pool maintenance will save you money on your electricity bills. No complaints here!
3. Monitor Water Levels
Florida’s winter may be mild, but it’s also the driest season in the Southeast U.S., meaning evaporation will lower your pool levels faster than you think.
Expect a decrease of about one to two inches per week, so monitor it closely. Don't let the water level fall below your skimmers as this will cause your filter to suck in more air than water, which reduces its effectiveness and causes problems down the line.
Note that this is different from winter pool maintenance in freezing climates, where lowering the water level prevents ice damage to pipes. However, although rare, icing can happen in Florida, so be prepared to lower the water level if necessary.
Covering your pool or using a pool heater is a great way to preserve heat and reduce evaporation. It also makes your pool area safer for curious pets and kids.
4. Continue Your Pool Cleaning Routine
No season is debris-free. Leaves, dirt, and other unwanted guests still find their way into your pool, so regular maintenance is key to keeping it clean and clear.
So, how to maintain a pool in winter? Fortunately, it’s not much different from any other day. Regularly skim and scoop out leaves and dirt that can clog your system, scrub the walls and pool lights, and vacuum the pool floor to prevent algae and dirt from settling.
Your winter pool maintenance should also include cleaning the filters and skimmers—a clean filter will keep water circulating efficiently, which prevents the buildup of algae, bacteria, and other unwanted things.
What To Do if There’s a Freeze Warning
Winters in the Southeast are usually mild, but an unexpected cold snap can put your pool equipment and lighting at risk of damage.
If temperatures approach freezing, take these steps to protect your system:
- Keep the pump running — Moving water is less likely to freeze, so let your pump run continuously until temperatures rise. However, if it gets too cold to pump, drain all pumping, filtering, heating, and chlorinating equipment.
- Check your freeze guard — If your system has an automated freeze guard, make sure it’s activated and functioning properly. Do this winter pool maintenance regularly, not only when there is a freeze warning.
- Insulate exposed pipes — Wrap any exposed pipes with insulation or towels to prevent freezing and damage.
- Remove accessories — Bring in any ladders, floats, chlorine dispensers, and other detachables. Also, turn off any fountains or waterfalls to prevent ice from damaging the pump.
- Cover your pool.
It’s all About Smart Adjustments
So there you have it. The best way to maintain a pool in winter is to make small changes to your regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs and keep it ready for pool season.
Another smart adjustment you can make is to swap out those old incandescent pool lights for modern, energy-efficient LED lights. They’ll last longer, save you money, and make your winter pool maintenance much easier.
Contact PoolLights.com today for a free assessment. We’ll keep your pool glowing all year round.