Wondering how to protect pool equipment from harsh weather? Here are tips and products that will make life easier.
Pool floats shaped like a donut and a pineapple and a beach ball floating in a backyard pool
Pool season in Canada is a great time to relax, enjoy the company of friends and family, and get outside to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. It’s easy to see how people tend to romanticize the experience. But the reality is that living in Canada means dealing with harsh weather, which is an even greater hassle for pool owners.
The good news?
There are plenty of ways to protect your pool equipment without spending a lot of money. Pool pumps, covers, UV-protection, and more all make it easy to extend the life of your pool and its equipment without a lot of headaches or expense.
Owning a Pool in Canada
Pool owners in Canada face challenges not found in other parts of the world due to the environment. Temperature extremes are common, as summers are hot and winters drop well below freezing.
This means pools must be equipped to handle a wide range of situations. Your pool needs to be protected from snow, ice, and heavy rain, as well as year-round harsh UV rays from the sun. It’s enough to make your head spin when you’re trying to protect your investment and still enjoy your pool.
Understanding what you need to do and the products that make caring for your pool easier is the best way to make the most of your swimming pool.
Protection from Freezing Temperatures
First up?
Protecting your pool during the bitter cold of Canadian winters.
There are several things pool owners should do at the end of the season to prep their pools for winter. For example:
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Drain water from pumps, heaters, and filters before closing the pool
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Use an air blower to clear the lines and prevent cracking
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Add antifreeze to your pool
Remember, anywhere there’s water, especially if there isn’t a substantial amount, there’s a risk of freezing.
Another great addition to help winterize your pool is winter covers designed to keep snow and ice at bay. We offer several options that provide peace of mind for an affordable price.
Protecting Your Pool from Rain and Snow
Freezing equipment isn’t the only threat posed to your pool by water. Rain and snow are also problematic. The good news is that there are several upgrades you can make that reduce the risk.
Elevating your pool pump and electrical systems means they won’t be in danger if and when there is flooding from heavy rainfall. It also helps to install proper drainage around the pool so the water runs off. If there are areas where water cannot be elevated or drained away from the equipment, consider investing in protective coverings to prevent melting snow or rain from reaching the equipment.
Shielding Against UV Damage and Heat
When you think about protecting your pool, you’ll likely consider the winter risks like snow and ice first. But your pool faces year-round challenges posed by the sun’s UV rays.
Pool covers are great for offering protection and reducing evaporation. They not only protect your pool, but they also make heating the water more efficient. And when it's time to pack the cover away for the winter? We’re fans of the 18' Ft. Winter Jacket for Solar Blanket & Reel. It’s affordable and gets the job done.
Quality pool equipment also helps with protection. Durable, UV-stabilized hoses and fittings reduce the risk of degradation, even when exposed to high temperatures and the sun all summer long.
Overall Protection
In addition to the pool equipment, you’ll also want to consider protecting the areas around your pool. Pool decks are at risk of cracking from exposure to Canada’s extreme freeze-thaw cycles. When building or upgrading the area around your pool, opt for weather-resistant tiles, coping, and pool liners that are made to stand up to harsh weather.
Cleaning and maintaining your pool also reduces your risk of weather-related problems. Cleaning ensures that your pool stays clear of debris, ice, and salt, so you don’t need to worry about winter-related problems when you re-open your pool as temperatures rise.
We like the Aqua Genie Skimmer Winter Kit (HO3116) for keeping your pool clean.
Overall, you’ll want to look for products that feature stainless steel components, reinforced PVC, and UV-stabilized plastics. It’s worth investing in items that offer heavy-duty protection, as this can save you money in the long run by extending the life of your equipment.
Professional Guidance
If you’re unsure where to start protecting your pool from the weather year-round, we can help. We can offer guidance for end-of-summer and winterizing prep, as well as a checklist for your spring opening. This means you’ll have all of your bases covered when it comes to dealing with the weather.
If you’re ready to talk with an expert, we’re here to help.