Best Type of Pool if You Live in Cold Climate

In some northern states, people regularly ice skate on their inground pool during the winter. This is a great way to get in on the cold weather and avoid getting stuck inside.

What type of pool should you use for cold weather? Can fiberglass pools withstand the freezing conditions?

Inground pools can be very costly to maintain. We want to make sure that you are aware of all the various factors that can affect their operation.

Gunite Pools

Gunite or concrete pools are the most common type of pool in the country. They are made up of various materials such as concrete, steel, and plaster. These pools are very costly to maintain.

Most pool contractors will build a pool in cold areas with additional support to help keep it warm. However, if you have a concrete pool that's been built to withstand freezing conditions, you might still experience issues.

Problems with Gunite Pools

Cold weather can cause structural cracks in concrete pool decks. These issues can lead to pool repairs that are costly and require extensive work.

Does Plaster Crack in Cold Weather?

Structural issues are the most common concern for concrete inground pools, they can also be caused by pool plaster. This type of surface can crack due to the freezing and thawing.

Fiberglass Pools

Although fiberglass pools are generally considered to be good for cold climates, they are not very common in many areas.

Fiberglass swimming pools can tolerate cold temperatures, they usually require special materials to make them work properly. These include various resins and fiberglass structures. A frozen and thawing pool will not crack or strain your pool like a concrete one.

Problems with Fiberglass Pools

After pouring concrete around the pool shell, builders add more concrete under the steps and around the pool. Colder weather can cause concrete pool patio and pool components to crack. However, these issues are not expected to damage the pool and its surface.

Vinyl Liner Pools

Vinyl Liner pools are typically budget-friendly, and these are often found in colder areas as well. Due to their versatility, vinyl liner pools are also popular. The structure is built with poured concrete, and the walls are made of either metal or plastic. Although they’re not as durable as fiberglass, they can still be repaired in cold weather.

Problems with Vinyl Liner Pools

The liner material of a vinyl pool is very fragile and can crack under extreme temperatures. This can cause the pool liner to form cracks and tears, which can also lead to leaks.

If your pool has a leak during the winter, you may want to wait for the warmer weather to repair it before putting it back in. This will leave it open to more damage in the following months.

The vinyl liner of a pool can crack and tear when it gets too cold.

So What is the Best Type of Pool for Cold Conditions?

Fiberglass swimming pool materials are more durable than other types of pool components. This is due to their flexible surface and structure.

While vinyl pool liners can prevent pool cracks from forming, concrete pool plaster can crack due to the freezing conditions.

This post was originally published on RiverPools

If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!