Winterization Tips

Tallman Pool’s Winterization Guide: Southeast US Edition

Welcome to our guide on partial pool winterization for Tallman Fiberglass Pool owners in the Southeastern United States. As temperatures begin to drop and the leaves start to change, it’s essential for pool owners to start thinking about preparing their pools for the colder months ahead.

Why Partially Winterize Your Pool?

Unlike other regions of the country where temperatures dip below freezing, the Southeast experiences more mild winters. This means that your pool won’t need a full winterization like those in colder climates. By partially winterizing your pool, you can save time and money while still protecting your pool from potential damage caused by freezing water.

Steps for

In the Southeast, our mild winters mean you don’t need to completely shut down your pool for the season. Instead, a “partial winterization” keeps your pool healthy, beautiful, and ready for those occasional warm days while protecting it from unexpected freezes.

Note: If you do wish to fully winterize your pool, we recommend hiring a professional pool service experienced with fiberglass pools to ensure the process is done safely and correctly.

Follow this simple guide to maintain your pool during the cooler months.

Step 1: Adjust Your Pump Schedule

Since no one is swimming and the sun isn’t burning off chlorine as quickly, you can save energy.

Reduce Runtime: Cut your pump’s daily runtime down to 6–8 hours. This is usually sufficient to turn the water over once a day.

Run at Night: If freezing temperatures are forecasted, schedule your pump to run during the coldest part of the night (usually 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM). Moving water is much harder to freeze.

Step 2: Balance the Water Chemistry

Cold water behaves differently than warm water, but balance is still key to preventing damage and algae.

• Test Regularity: Test your water once every week.
• pH Levels: Keep pH between 7.2 and 7.4. If it drifts too low (acidic), it can damage heater elements and surfaces.
• Alkalinity: Maintain total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm. This acts as a buffer for your pH.
• Sanitizer: Keep free chlorine levels steady (1.0–3.0 ppm). Even in winter, algae can grow if the water is left untreated.

Step 3: Clean and Clear Debris

Winter in the Southeast often means falling leaves and pine needles. Organic debris is the enemy of a clean pool.

• Empty Baskets: Check skimmer and pump baskets weekly. A clogged basket restricts water flow, which can strain your pump.
• Vacuum Regularly: Remove leaves from the bottom promptly. If they sit too long, they can stain the gel-coat.
• Skim the Surface: Keep the top clean to prevent debris from sinking.

Step 4: Protect Equipment from Freezes

While deep freezes are rare, overnight frosts can happen.

• Freeze Protection Sensors: If your automation system has a freeze guard, ensure it is active. It will automatically turn the pump on when the air temperature drops below 38°F.
• Insulate Pipes: For exposed plumbing, consider simple pipe insulation foam if a hard freeze is predicted.
• Don’t Drain the Heater: Since you are keeping the system running, do not drain the heater unless you plan to shut the power off completely for an extended period.

Step 5: Algae Prevention

The sun may be weaker, but algae is persistent.

• Use an Algaecide: Begin with a full dose of polymeric algaecide (Polyquat 60). If the pool remains uncovered, apply a maintenance dose every 2-4 weeks. For covered pools, a maintenance dose should be added every 6-8 weeks. *This acts as an insurance policy against green water.
• Phosphate Remover: If you have heavy leaf fall, use a phosphate remover. Decaying leaves release phosphates, which is food for algae. Starving the algae makes it harder for it to grow.

Step 6: Cover Optional

Using a Cover: If you have a cover, now is the time to use it to reduce cleaning time.

Please note that it is essential to keep the cover clean and free of water and debris. It is also imperative to continue checking the pool water level and maintaining balanced water chemistry.

Without a Cover: If you leave the pool uncovered (common in the Southeast), simply stay diligent with Step 3. An uncovered pool is beautiful to look at during winter, provided it stays clean!

Quick Tips for Freeze Warnings

If the forecast predicts temperatures below 32°F for more than 4 hours:

1. Do NOT drain the pool. The water acts as insulation for the shell.
2. Keep the pump running 24/7 until temperatures rise above freezing.
3. Break up ice on the surface if it forms, but be careful not to damage pool surface.
4. Cover exposed equipment with blankets or tarps if the temperature is expected to drop into the teens.