Keep It Open or Close It?

Should you keep it open or close it?

In this article, we look at the pros and cons of both closing your pool and leaving it open for the winter.
As the colder months approach, many swimming pool owners in the greater Little Rock area face a decision: should you close your pool for winter, or leave it open?

Depending on the climate, equipment, and how much time you have for maintenance, both options are viable in our area. Below, we walk you through the pros and cons of each, so you can make the best choice for your pool!

What Does “Closing” vs. “Leaving Open” Mean

Closing means winterizing your pool. For example, you blow out the lines, add winterizing chemicals, cover the pool (safety or solid cover), shut off or protect equipment from freeze damage, etc.

Leaving open means continuing basic operations, such as keeping the water circulating and maintaining the chemical balance.

Pros of Closing Your Pool for the Winter

Protection from Freeze Damage

Once temperatures regularly drop below freezing, the water in your pipes, pumps, filters, and other equipment is at risk. Closing the pool and properly winterizing lines can prevent cracks, breaks, and costly repairs in the spring.

Lower Operating Costs

With the pool shut down, you’ll likely spend less on electricity, pump and filter wear, chemistry, and water evaporation. You can significantly reduce those ongoing monthly costs.

Less Debris and Clean‐Up

With a good cover and closed pool, there’s much less debris (leaves, dirt, twigs), algae growth, and general mess to deal with. Spring startup is cleaner and less work.

Safety & Liability

If you have a safety cover, securing your pool for the winter reduces the risk of accidental falls, especially in homes with children or pets. It also helps prevent unwanted wildlife or critters from getting in.

Chemical Stability

Winterizing chemicals can help maintain water balance during cold months, reducing staining, algae, and scaling that may occur if water remains untreated and idle.

Cons of Closing Your Pool for Winter

Cost of Winterization & Re-Opening

There are labor costs (or your time) involved in properly closing the pool. Then in spring, there’s the cost and effort of opening the pool and removing covers, refilling, re-balancing water, restarting equipment, cleaning filters, etc.

Potential Equipment Stress at Start-Up

If not done correctly, winter shutdown and startup can stress filters, pumps, or heaters. Ice, trapped water, or debris can damage parts if overlooked.

Inaccessibility

If you like to use your pool even in cooler weather (say in milder climates, or with heated pools), closing means you can’t use it until it is fully reopened.

Plus, many people like the ambiance of an open pool all year long. Our own David and Jessica Townley leave their pools open all year.

Cover Maintenance

Covers need care, too. You need to keep the debris off, ensuring the cover is secure, and preventing water or snow accumulation that could damage the cover or allow unwanted water intrusion.

Pros of Leaving Your Pool Open Over Winter

Extended Enjoyment

If your climate allows (milder winters), you can still use the pool with a heater or partial cover for longer. Even if no one is swimming, enjoying the pool area visually or for gatherings can add value to your life and time spent outdoors.

Gradual Maintenance

Rather than a large shutdown, followed by a startup, maintenance is more spread out.

You keep chemicals balanced, run equipment intermittently, and deal with debris as it comes. For some, that can feel less overwhelming.

Avoid Some Re-Opening Costs

Your startup work is greatly reduced if you never fully shut down.

Prevent Full Freeze Risks (If Adequately Protected)

With proper precautions, such as installing freeze alarms and maintaining water circulation, freeze damage can be mitigated without full closure.

Cons of Leaving Your Pool Open Over Winter

Risk of Freeze Damage

Even with precautions, unexpected freezing can cause serious damage to plumbing, heaters, pumps, etc. If your area sees hard freezes, it’s a risk.

Higher Operating & Chemical Costs

You’ll incur more in electricity, heating (if heating), chemical balancing, and cleaning. Debris and algae tend to build up if the cover is not perfect or if water circulation is limited.

More Frequent Maintenance

With leaves, twigs, runoff, and storms, you’ll be cleaning and testing more often. It may require more vigilant monitoring of water chemistry and equipment.

Aesthetic & Safety Concerns

Water that sits unused can look dirty, have surface algae, and debris. So, you need to continue with your maintenance.

How to Choose What’s Best for Your Pool

At Townley Pool & Spa, we always tell our customers that there isn’t one “right” answer for everyone. We can help talk you through your options very specifically to help you make your decision.

Everyone’s situation (pool, equipment, lifestyle) is different, so it’s best to stop by, call, or text, and we can work through the decision to close or not to close!

You do need to consider these things:

• Equipment and pool type
• How much maintenance are you willing to do?
• Are you in town over the winter in case there’s a freeze?
• The overall cost of either closing the pool or using chemicals year-round.
• If you’ll use the pool and or enjoy the visual of it being open.

At Townley Pool & Spa, we’re here to help you through every step, whichever route you choose! Drop by our showroom, call us, or shoot us a message. We love working with pool owners to find what works best for you. Because no matter what, we want your outdoor living experience to be relaxing, beautiful, and worry-free all year long.