Don’t Let Winter Damage Your Investment

When temperatures drop and swimming season fades, it’s tempting to cover the pool and forget about it until spring. But neglecting your pool over the colder months can lead to expensive repairs, damaged surfaces, and unhealthy water conditions. Proper pool care during winter not only protects your investment but also makes opening in spring smooth and stress-free. Whether you have a custom in-ground pool or a renovated backyard oasis, consistent winter maintenance ensures your system stays clean, balanced, and ready to enjoy the moment warmer weather arrives.

North Carolina’s winters may be milder than northern climates, but fluctuating temperatures and freezing nights still pose risks for pools. Sudden drops in temperature can freeze pipes, crack tiles, and damage equipment if water isn’t properly balanced and circulated. Even in covered pools, debris buildup and unbalanced chemistry can stain finishes or corrode metal fixtures.
Keeping up with light but consistent maintenance now helps prevent:

• Freeze damage to plumbing and pumps

• Surface staining or scaling caused by neglected water chemistry

• Filter and skimmer issues from trapped debris or ice formation

A few hours of care each month can save thousands in repairs — and keep your backyard looking beautiful year-round.

Taking care of your pool during the off-season doesn’t require a full-time effort, just regular attention. Follow these steps to protect your pool through the colder months:

• Monitor water levels: Keep the water just below the skimmer opening to prevent overflow or freezing damage.

• Check and balance chemicals: Maintain proper pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels to prevent algae and corrosion.

• Run the pump occasionally: Circulating water on mild days prevents stagnation and freezing in the lines.

• Keep the cover clean: Remove leaves, branches, and standing water to avoid tearing or stretching the cover.

• Inspect after storms: Winter weather in North Carolina can be unpredictable. A quick post-storm check helps catch issues early.

Staying consistent keeps your pool equipment in good shape and minimizes heavy lifting come spring.

Think of winter upkeep as an investment in a hassle-free spring. By maintaining clean, balanced water and keeping the system protected, you’ll skip the shock treatments, deep cleaning, and lengthy filter runs that come from months of neglect.
When you follow through with pool care during winter, your spring opening checklist becomes shorter:

• No algae blooms to scrub away

• No cracked tiles or burst pipes to replace

• No heavy chemical rebalancing
  Instead, you’ll uncover a pool that’s already clean, balanced, and nearly ready to dive into once the weather warms up. For homeowners who enjoy hosting early spring gatherings, this proactive care means your outdoor space will be ready long before your neighbors’ pools even clear.

Even the most diligent pool owners can benefit from expert help through the winter months. At North Carolina Custom Pools, our team understands how regional weather patterns affect pool systems. We offer seasonal maintenance plans, winterization services, and post-storm inspections to keep your investment protected and performing at its best.
From checking water chemistry and inspecting liners to winterizing pumps and heaters, we make sure your pool stays healthy and worry-free — all year long.

If you’ve been covering your pool and hoping for the best, it’s time for a smarter approach. Let’s make sure your pool is ready for next season before it even starts.

Ready to prepare your pool for winter?
Visit North Carolina Custom Pools to schedule your winter maintenance service today.