Ottawa winters don’t hold back. Between heavy snowfalls, freezing winds, and long stretches of below-zero temperatures, outdoor features like fibreglass pools take a real beating. While these pools are known for being strong and low maintenance, they’re still vulnerable to frost damage if not prepared properly before winter rolls in.
You put time and money into installing a pool, so it makes sense to protect it. October is the perfect time to get ahead of the deep freezes that come in November and last until spring. A few smart steps in the fall will go a long way toward keeping your pool in shape and avoiding bigger problems down the road.
Understanding Ottawa’s Frost Impact
Once the temperature dips low enough for the ground to freeze, any moisture that’s trapped or left in the wrong place around your fibreglass pool can cause cracks or warping. That’s because water expands when it turns to ice. If it’s stuck in underground pipes or along pool walls, it pushes outward with force. Fibreglass is durable, but repeated freeze-thaw cycles can still cause wear over time.
Here’s what commonly happens when frost hits an unprepared fibreglass pool:
– Water stuck in the plumbing can freeze, expand, and split pipes
– Pool walls can get small surface cracks from shifting soil and pressure
– Pool equipment like pumps or filters left exposed may break or lose reliability
– Debris left in the pool can decay and lead to staining or cloudy water in spring
One Ottawa homeowner shared how their pool pump cracked after they forgot to drain it. They didn’t notice until everything thawed and water started leaking all over the equipment area. Repairs weren’t cheap, and it delayed their opening the next season.
That kind of issue can be avoided with some simple prep before the deep freezes begin. Understanding the impact of frost helps you make smarter choices about what needs to happen in the fall to keep everything safe and sound.
Steps to Winterize Your Fibreglass Pool
Winterizing should be done before the first hard frost. The timing will vary slightly, but around mid to late October is usually reliable for Ottawa.
Here’s what a good winterizing routine looks like:
1. Clean the pool thoroughly
Skim out any leaves, dirt, bugs, or debris. Vacuum the bottom and brush the sides to keep stains from setting in over winter.
2. Balance the water chemistry
Test the water and adjust it so the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels are within range. Balanced water helps prevent scaling and corrosion.
3. Lower the water level
Drain the water so it’s just below the skimmer. That helps reduce pressure on the pool walls from expanding ice.
4. Blow out and plug the lines
Use a shop vac or air compressor to blow out all the water from your plumbing lines. Cap or plug the outlets to keep more water from getting in.
5. Add winter chemicals
Add a winterizing kit with algaecide and stain prevention agents to keep the water clear and protect the shell.
6. Cover the pool with a strong safety cover
Choose a cover designed to hold weight. It should be tightly secured to stop debris, snow, and ice from getting in or causing damage.
This process doesn’t just protect your pool shell. It safeguards pumps, heaters, and fittings too. Done right, it makes reopening your pool easier and cheaper in the spring.
Best Practices for Ongoing Winter Maintenance
Once your pool is properly winterized, the job isn’t over just yet. Ottawa winters hang around for months, and conditions can shift quickly from snowy to slushy to frozen and back again. Keeping an eye on your fibreglass pool through these colder months can help catch small problems before they turn into larger repairs in spring.
Start by making routine checks every two to three weeks. Walk around the pool area and look closely at the cover, any tie-downs, and the surrounding ground. It’s common for wind to loosen or shift covers, especially during strong storms.
Things to stay on top of through winter include:
– Snow buildup on the cover
Use a soft broom or roof rake to gently remove heavy snow. Don’t use anything sharp or heavy that could tear the cover.
– Water pooling on the cover
Drain standing water regularly to stop the cover from sagging or tearing.
– Shifting of safety cover anchors
If the anchor points in the deck freeze and expand, they can stick out or become loose. Tighten or inspect them when temperatures are mild enough.
– Check the water level visually under the cover
A sudden drop could mean a crack or leak, which should be addressed as soon as possible.
– Inspect the area around pipes and equipment
While they should all be winterized, occasional checks for animal activity or frost movement can help prevent surprises.
Taking the time to do these small checks can save you a lot of stress later on. If you’ve ever had to wrangle a frozen, torn cover in the middle of February with snow drifting into the pool below, you know how quickly things can go sideways when maintenance slips.
Benefits of Professional Winterizing Services
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to handle parts of winter prep yourself. Still, fibreglass pools can have unique installation features that make them tricky to fully protect without the right tools and experience.
Hiring professionals to handle the winterization offers several upsides, especially for Ottawa homeowners dealing with unpredictable freeze cycles and heavy snow load. A trained team knows how to properly remove air from lines, use the correct chemicals for the water type, and secure covers so they hold up during rough weather.
Professionals also have an eye for spotting early signs of wear or frost-related stress, whether it’s slight warping near the surface or stress on connection points. They can flag those small details that might go unnoticed otherwise and fix them before they become major problems.
You’ll also save time and effort. Instead of wrestling with hoses, pumps, and freezing fingers on your own, a team can come in, handle the task quickly, and leave the pool safely sealed until spring. If anything goes wrong over the winter, you’ve got someone to call who understands how everything was set up.
For homeowners who want peace of mind without the hassle, having help from people who know fibreglass pools inside and out can be the difference between confident winter care and a chaotic spring cleanup.
Keep Your Pool Protected Through Ottawa’s Frost
Ottawa’s winters come with more than a few curveballs. Between fast drops in temperature and heavy snow, fibreglass pools can wear down if they’re not properly taken care of through the season. But with the right prep and follow-through, your pool will come out the other side in great shape.
Start by winterizing it thoroughly before the deep cold sets in. Keep up with small checks as the winter goes on, clear off your cover regularly, and make sure nothing’s shifted underground. For anything that feels too technical or time-consuming, it’s always safer to rely on a team that knows pools well.
Think of winter pool care as one long investment in keeping things simple when warm weather returns. A bit of work now makes that first swim next year feel a whole lot better.
Considering the harsh conditions that come with Ottawa’s winters, having a reliable plan to protect your pool is key. If you’re looking for expert help to prepare and maintain your pool through the cold months, explore our trusted services for fibreglass pools in Ottawa. At Impressions Group Ottawa Inc., we’re here to make sure your pool is in excellent shape when spring rolls around.