Protecting Pool Surfaces From Ice Damage

Worried about your pool cracking or peeling after a cold winter? Ice can damage pool surfaces fast, especially during freezing temperatures. This blog will show you easy ways to protect your pool and keep it looking good.

Key Takeaways

• Ice can crack pool surfaces, pop tiles, and tear liners during winter. It puts pressure on the pool’s walls and floor.
• Simple steps like using a pool cover, air pillow, lowering water levels below skimmers, and insulating pipes help prevent ice damage.
• Regularly remove snow or ice from the cover with a soft tool to lower heavy buildup risk.
• Good winterization saves money on repairs and keeps your pool safe all winter long.

How Ice Damages Pool Surfaces

Freezing temperatures cause pool water to expand and contract. This freeze-thaw cycle puts pressure on pool surfaces, cracks form in concrete, tiles pop off, and liners tear. Ice sheets push against the walls and floor of your pool.

Surface integrity suffers most if trapped water seeps into small gaps before freezing. Expanding ice widens these cracks with every cold snap. Even skimmers can crack from ice pressure; repair costs spike fast if left unchecked.

Strategies to Prevent Ice Damage

Ice can harm pool surfaces during cold months. To stop this, you need a good plan. Here’s how:

1. Use a pool cover. It keeps out snow, ice, and debris.
2. Add an air pillow under the cover. This stops ice from pushing on the walls.
3. Lower the water level below the skimmer. It prevents ice from damaging it.
4. Insulate pipes and the pump to stop them from freezing.
5. Keep chemicals balanced to protect the surface.
6. Install a thermal blanket for extra insulation.
7. Check for leaks before winter. Water expansion from freezing can make leaks worse.
8. Use a skimmer cover plate for added protection.
9. Drain all equipment that holds water, like filters and heaters, to avoid ice damage.
10. Regularly remove snow and ice from on top of the pool cover with a soft tool to prevent buildup.

These steps help keep your pool safe in winter and save money on repairs come springtime.

Benefits of ecoFINISH for Ice Protection

ecoFINISH is an ideal pool finish for winter protection. Its polymer-based formula creates a non-porous, durable surface that resists cracking, chipping, and peeling. Unlike traditional plaster, which can absorb water and expand when frozen, ecoFINISH helps maintain surface integrity, reducing the risk of costly repairs in the spring. Its smooth, seamless surface prevents water from seeping into small cracks where ice could form, further protecting the structure of your pool. For homeowners in colder climates, ecoFINISH offers peace of mind.

Conclusion

Winter can be tough on pools, with ice, freezing temperatures, and snow putting stress on surfaces and equipment. While proper winterization steps—like covers, air pillows, lowered water levels, and pipe insulation—are essential, the choice of pool finish plays a huge role in long-term protection.

ecoFINISH stands out as the ultimate solution for cold climates. Its durable, non-porous, and flexible surface resists cracking, peeling, and water infiltration caused by ice expansion. Pools finished with ecoFINISH are better equipped to survive harsh winters with minimal maintenance and fewer repair costs in the spring.