Pool water level / winter cover question

[Rick H]

Hi, I just had a fiberglass pool installed this past summer, and this is my first winter with it. I had the winter safety cover installed about a month and a half ago when the pool was closed. Since its a fiberglass pool, it was recommended not to drain the level down during the winter months. I have noticed that with the rain we have already gotten, the water level in the pool is only about 2 inches below the coping. (usually there is about a 5-6 inch space from water level to coping) The winter cover is tight across the top of the pool, but touches the water in the center. I live in Upstate NY, and we will be getting freezing temps and snow anytime now.... My question is, should I drain a few inches out of the pool now or just let it be? I am assuming there will be more rain and snow melt adding to the water level of the pool. The pool is 13' x 33', and the upper levels of water will surely be frozen during the winter.
Thanks!!!
Rick

[aylad]

Hi Rick,

I don't know the answer to your question, since I don't contend with the kind of winter climate you have. Unfortunately, forum traffic is WAYYYY slow this time of year since most folks have already closed up for the winter. You still may get some responses, but you may have to be patient. In the meantime, though, you can LOG OUT, go to the main forum page, and look for any post by me, Watermom, or Pooldoc, and use the google search feature linked in our sigs to search the entire forum and archives for other similare posts, and you may find your answer there.

Welcome to the forum!

[PoolDoc]

You can drain water levels to normal pool operating levels.

The reasons safety covers tell you not to drain is that snow will load the cover to the point of destroying it, if the water level is not high enough to 'float' the snow, without damaging the cover. With all spring attached covers I'm familiar with, any normal water level (even 'low normal') is high enough to float the snow before the cover is damaged.

[Rick H]

Got it!! Thanks. I guess I was not thinking of floating the snow, but that makes sense. I appreciate it!!! I am sure I will be back with more questions for everyone as spring approaches!!!! Thanks again.

[PoolDoc]

Glad it helped!