Draining your pool in the winter here in New York may seem like the right move, but it can actually cause more harm than good. Without water, your pool loses the structural support it needs, making it more prone to shifting, cracking, or surface damage. Instead of draining it completely, the water level should only be lowered. Keeping some water in the pool helps maintain stability, while lowering it protects areas like the skimmer and tile line from freeze damage. This balance reduces the risk of costly cracks, plumbing problems, and equipment issues caused by ice expansion. To make sure your pool is winter-ready, it’s best to hire professionals for the closing process. They’ll set the water at the proper height, prepare your plumbing and equipment, balance the water chemistry, and secure the pool so it stays protected all winter long.

Why shouldn't you completely drain your pool in the winter?

Draining your pool completely in the winter may seem like a good idea, but it can actually cause serious damage. Without the weight and support of the water, the pool structure is left vulnerable. Concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl pools all rely on the water inside to balance pressure from the surrounding soil, and without it, the walls and floor can crack, bow, or shift. In areas with high groundwater levels, an empty pool can even “pop” out of the ground, causing catastrophic structural damage. Beyond structural concerns, draining exposes the pool’s interior surface directly to freezing temperatures, wind, and debris. This exposure can lead to fading, peeling, or cracking of liners and plaster, which are costly to repair. What might seem like a protective step often leaves pools at greater risk of long-term, expensive damage.

How does lowering the water level help protect your pool during the winter?

When you lower the pool water below the skimmer or tile line, you reduce the risk of freeze damage in vulnerable areas. This protects the skimmer, plumbing, and equipment from expanding ice while still keeping enough water in the pool to support the structure. Lowering the water level is just one part of the winterization process, which also includes adding chemicals to balance the water and blowing out the lines.

Lowering the water level in your pool before winter can prevent water from freezing in vulnerable areas and causing damage to it!

Hire professionals to close your pool for the winter.

Pool with cover that's closed for the winter on a property in Bridgehampton, NY.

To ensure that your pool is properly prepared for the winter, you should hire professionals to close your pool. Professionals will ensure that your pool is at the proper water height to avoid any issues, plus perform other essential tasks to prepare your pool for the winter. They will ensure that your pool is properly winterized, which means that it is properly protected from the elements and any potential damage. Additionally, professionals will ensure that your pool is properly balanced and that all equipment is properly maintained. By hiring professionals to close your pool, you can ensure that your pool is properly prepared for the winter and that it will be ready to use when the weather warms up again.

Call us today to schedule our pool closing service.

At Elite Pools, we offer a pool closing service that involves preparing your pool for the winter. We will lower the water level and perform other essential tasks to ensure your pool is ready for the winter. We will also ensure that your pool is properly balanced and that all equipment is maintained correctly. Our pool closing service is offered to homeowners in Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, NY, and surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (631) 537-5055 to schedule our pool closing service and ensure your pool is ready for the winter!