Top 3 Winter Pool Care Options for for the Denton Area

As pool temperatures continue to cool down, the swim season is over for most in the DFW area—the exception being those who have a pool heater and a few brutes who exist (we have a couple of clients still swimming).

Although we haven’t had our first freeze yet, it is likely just around the corner: our average first freeze is November 22^nd, but our earliest freeze ever was on October 22^nd (occurred in 1898).

With that being said, we have had quite a few pool owners ask about winter pool care. Depending on several variables (number of trees surrounding the pool, pool location, whether you heat the pool in the winter, etc.), there are basically three options for DFW area winter pool care, which are:

1. Continue to operate the pool – For the past 15-20 years, this has been the most popular option in the Denton area. One of the main reasons is that pools have become more aesthetic and most pools are the focal point of the backyard. If this is the option that you choose, be sure that the pumps are operating when the air temperature is freezing. This will prevent freeze damage to the plumbing and the filtration system. If you have waterfall pumps or other pumps, the pump must either be drained or operating (if they are drained, be sure that they remain off and that they are not programmed to come on during a freeze). Booster pumps for automatic cleaners do not have to be operating, since water circulates thru them when the main pump is operating. If you decide to continue operating your pool and you really enjoy swimming, you might consider having a pool heater installed. Pool heaters allow you to swim at least 9-10 months out of the year, as opposed to approximately 6-7 months without a heater.

2. Cover your pool using a mesh cover – Due to the number of trees (especially oak trees) that much of the north Texas area has, mesh covers have become increasingly popular in recent years. Mesh covers allow water to get through but they catch the leaves. Basically, it allows you to keep the leaves and other debris out of the pool, but since the cover allows the rainwater to pass through, you will still need to run the pump periodically and also add chemicals as needed. A properly installed mesh cover (which resembles a trampoline-look over your pool) sometimes even allows you to blow the leaves off of the cover.

3. Cover your pool using a solid cover – While a very popular option in the past, this method is being used far less often in recent years. It is a good method to use if trying to avoid utility or chemical costs over the winter, as the filtration equipment is drained and turned off for the winter.

North Texas area pool owners have used all of these winter pool care options, but the best method is the one that fits you and your pool. If you want to discuss what option would best fit your situation of if you have any question about any of the above information, give us a call at (940)384-7665.