When temperatures drop in Georgia, pool winterization becomes one of the most important steps a homeowner can take. For pool owners in Canton, freezing temperatures can cause serious damage if a pool is not properly closed and protected before winter sets in.
While mild winters are common in the South, occasional freezes are enough to crack pipes, damage pool equipment, and leave you facing costly repairs in spring. That’s why winterizing your pool the right way matters, and why local expertise from RCS can make all the difference.
What Is Pool Antifreeze and When Should You Use It?
Pool antifreeze is a non-toxic product designed to prevent the water in your pool plumbing lines from freezing and expanding during cold weather. It is not the same as automotive antifreeze and is formulated specifically for use in pools.
Pool antifreeze is typically used in:
- Return lines
- Skimmer lines
- Main drains (if not fully blown out)
It’s a safety layer that helps avoid burst pipes and cracked fittings, especially in areas that may not be fully cleared of water during winterization.
RCS uses pool antifreeze selectively based on your pool’s plumbing layout, type of equipment, and how easily we can evacuate water from the lines. Not every pool requires it, but when it does, it can prevent hundreds or even thousands of dollars in freeze damage.
WATCH the video below to learn more about freeze protection & pool winterization.
Why Pool Winterization Matters
Skipping pool winterization or handling it incorrectly leaves your pool vulnerable to serious problems, including:
- Frozen plumbing lines and cracked pipes
- Damaged filters, pumps, or heaters
- Stained or degraded plaster
- Contaminated water and algae growth during the off-season
Even if the water doesn’t freeze solid, brief cold snaps can cause just enough expansion in your plumbing to cause leaks or cracks. And if your pool isn’t properly balanced and covered, the winter months can take a toll on its water chemistry, structure, and finish.
RCS helps Canton homeowners protect their pools during colder months by using a tested, step-by-step approach that ensures every component is secure and ready for the off-season.
Risks of Improper or Skipped Winter Prep
When pools are closed incorrectly, or not at all, homeowners often face these challenges:
- Spring surprises like green, cloudy water
- Equipment failure due to freeze-damaged pumps or cracked valves
- Structural issues from neglected surfaces or overflowing water
- Costly repairs that could have been avoided with professional prep
That’s why winter pool care is not just about aesthetics or convenience, it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your pool lasts for years to come.
How Professionals Approach Cold Weather Pool Protection
Professional cold weather pool protection involves more than draining the water and covering the pool. At RCS, we follow a detailed process that includes:
- Water Chemistry Balancing: Ensuring the water is properly sanitized, with adjusted pH and alkalinity levels to prevent corrosion or scale buildup.
- Thorough Cleaning: Removing leaves, debris, and sediment from the pool and filters to avoid staining and algae blooms.
- Lowering the Water Level: Carefully lowering the water below the skimmer without exposing surfaces unnecessarily.
- Blowing Out Lines: Using specialized equipment to remove all water from plumbing lines, followed by selective use of pool antifreeze where needed.
- Winterizing Equipment: Draining pumps, filters, and heaters, and securing them from exposure.
- Covering the Pool: Installing a secure, debris-blocking cover that keeps contaminants out and helps retain water quality.
This professional method of winterizing a pool ensures that nothing is left to chance, and it prepares your pool for a smoother, faster reopening in the spring.
Why Work with RCS?
With over 1,000 projects completed in the North Atlanta area, RCS Pool & Spa is trusted for our expertise, care, and long-term commitment to pool health. Our team understands the unique needs of pool winterization in Canton, and we tailor every service to your pool’s layout, materials, and systems.
We believe that preventative care is always better than reactive repairs, and we treat your pool as if it were our own.
Stay Ahead of Winter with the Right Pool Prep
There’s still time to protect your pool from the risks of cold weather. If you haven’t scheduled pool winterization or you’re unsure whether your system has been fully prepared, our team can inspect, advise, and winterize your pool the right way.
Explore our project image gallery to see the quality and detail we bring to every pool. Or learn how other Canton homeowners are protecting their investment with expert pool care.
Request a Winterization Check Today
Schedule a winter prep visit with RCS Pool & Spa to make sure your pool is protected and ready for colder months. We’ll help you take care of your pool now, so you can enjoy it worry-free come spring.
