At Revival Concrete Coatings, our technicians answer many questions from business owners and residents about maintaining a concrete pool deck, water spa, and hot tub area during the winter months.
Renovation and remodeling costs of water fixtures can amount to thousands of dollars, so keeping pipes, spouts, and filters from freezing during winter is essential. We work on thousands of properties with above-ground pools, saunas, and outdoor shower and bath areas. Our contractors knowledgeably safeguard all surfaces from the long-term effects of below-zero temperatures.
In this guide, our licensed pool deck maintenance experts outline how to keep your swimming pools and concrete decks from winter destruction. We will also show you how to stop tough stains, discoloration, and other blemishes from forming in your pool area from adverse weather events.
What Is Pool Deck Winterization?
Pool deck winterization refers to expert-recommended procedures that pool owners can follow to protect their water fixtures from weather-related damage. These instructions can involve keeping chlorine and pH levels stable to stop microbial colonies from forming. They can also apply to outdoor baths and showers, which do not feature the same components for chlorination.
At Revival Concrete Coatings, we serve numerous areas in Iowa where winter temperatures can drop to below ten degrees Celsius. Your pool piping, equipment, and concrete surfaces will not last very long if you do not winterize them during milder climates.
Above-ground pools are more susceptible to damage than fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl-liner models. The rocks, cables, and pipes beneath them are more vulnerable to breaking under adverse weather.
How to Winterize an In-Ground Pool Deck
Getting a Base Layer of Protection
The secret to maintaining a concrete pool deck for decades without needing concrete resurfacing is to form an excellent foundation of protection.
Our experts at Revival Concrete Coatings make winterization a breeze for thousands of business owners and residents across Iowa. We coat their pool decks in polyurea and polyaspartic. These resinous concrete protectants shield many drive-throughs, shopping center floors, and airports from severe weather events, falling objects, and heavy foot and vehicle traffic.
These coatings are UV-stable, so they will not lose their color and luster from direct sunlight. They also carry a 15-year manufacturer warranty against peeling and chipping.
Closing Your Swimming Pool for the Winter
The goal of winterization is to stop the water in your compressor, pipes, and swimming pool from freezing. Most people would prefer that the water in their pools remain completely ice-free, but that idea is not always practical. You can protect your pool concrete by adding a shock treatment to balance the pH and chlorination of your pool water.
Any home improvement store will offer a pool shock treatment. This product breaks down the decomposing remnants of leaves, fungi, debris, dirt, and even the sebum from your skin. Ingredients like potassium peroxymonosulfate, calcium hypochlorite, and dichloroisocyanuric acid can prevent bacteria, algae, and microbes from forming colonies in your pool after months of dormancy.
After applying your pool shock treatment, take these steps:
- Reduce your water level to several inches below the skimmer to avoid frost damage to your pool filters.
- Use a compressor or blower to clear your drainages and pipes, then apply a glycol-based pool antifreeze before plugging them up.
- Install a skimmer plug, like a Gizzmo, which will absorb the force of water expansion inside your skimmer as it turns into ice.
- Cover your pool with a tarp or safety cover and connect it to the water tubes.
If your area experiences several meters of snow, a pool cover pump will prevent water from accumulating on your tarp.
How to Winterize an Above-Ground Pool Deck
Above-ground pool decks frequently cause water to overflow on nearby concrete surfaces, necessitating a polyurea or polyaspartic coating under all types of weather. Winterize your above-ground pool by adding shock treatment to balance pH levels, then drain the water below the recommended line. We do not recommend draining it completely.
After draining the water, do the following:
- Remove the pool pump.
- Insulate and clear the connected pipes with a pressure washer.
- Install your pool cover and air pillow while removing all forms of in-line equipment.
Let the Experts Winterize Your Pool Deck
Get professional help when maintaining your concrete pool deck through harsh Iowa winters. Call Revival Concrete Coatings today at (515) 850-7192 for a free consultation and quote. We service many areas, including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City, IA.