Winters in Louisiana may not bring snow or freezing weeks like up north, but they still matter when you’re talking about pool care. Damp days, chilly nights, and longer stretches without swimming all change how we look after a pool in the colder months.

Even without daily use, the water doesn’t just sit still. Without attention, small problems in winter can turn into big ones by spring. That’s why pool maintenance in Louisiana during cold weather is more than just a quick check; it’s about protecting your backyard investment so it’s ready when warmer days roll back around.

Keep Your Pool Clean Even When It’s Not in Use

Skipping a week of cleaning in winter sounds easy. No one’s swimming, the weather’s cooler, and everything looks still. But the truth is, the outside doesn’t stop moving just because the pool does.

• Leaves blow in even if the trees look bare, and those bits of debris collect fast in baskets and filters.

• Trash and bugs that fall in can lead to algae buildup, even in cooler water.

• Dirty pool surfaces or murky water can sneak up if we’re not checking once in a while.

Even with the pool cover on, keeping up with skimming, brushing, and filter checks can make a huge difference. A few minutes here and there saves hours of cleaning down the line.

Watch Water Levels and Weather Swings

One thing about winter in Louisiana: rain shows up often and sometimes without a lot of warning. That water can raise pool levels quickly and throw things off balance.

• Too much rain can cause overflow, especially if drains are clogged or ground runoff flows into the pool.

• If there’s not enough use, evaporation might lower water levels more slowly, but sudden drops can still leave the skimmers pulling dry air.

• Water that’s too high or too low makes keeping steady chemistry tougher, and that can have bigger effects later.

On top of that, we sometimes get freezing nights. Even if they’re brief, a snap of cold can crack surfaces or shift water levels just enough to cause problems. The more we stay ahead of weather swings, the better care we can give all season long.

Check Equipment and Run Your Pool System

It’s easy to forget about pool equipment when the days are shorter and there’s no swimming happening. But running your system regularly through winter is one of the best things you can do to keep it healthy.

• Letting pumps, filters, and heaters run stops moisture from sitting too long where it can do damage.

• Equipment that gets turned on at least weekly is less likely to freeze or develop build-up.

• Pipes and pool gear can be affected by cold, especially overnight. Checking for strange noises, drops in pressure, or slow performance keeps surprises to a minimum.

The occasional power-up helps make sure things are ready when it’s time to start back up come spring. A quiet winter check is much easier than dealing with mid-March equipment breakdowns.

Don’t Skip Out on Balancing Chemistry

Winter may feel like the “off” season, but that doesn’t mean the water takes care of itself. Skipping regular testing during cold months might not seem like a big deal until cloudy water or algae shows up later.

• pH and chlorine levels tend to shift slowly in winter, but they still shift. Cold doesn’t stop chemical imbalances from happening.

• A pool that’s not being used can still grow bacteria if chlorine fades or if pH goes too high.

• What looks like a clean pool in February could actually be harboring harder-to-fix problems by April.

Ongoing water care is just as important in the cooler seasons as it is in summer, though the pace may change. Testing every few weeks and making small adjustments keeps big pool troubles from sneaking in while no one’s looking.

Plan Ahead for Spring with Off-Season Prep

Winter is a good time to slow down. It’s also the best time to take stock of things before the rush of spring arrives.

• We like to use this season for any quick repairs, like fixing loose tiles, checking lighting fixtures, or inspecting coping for cracks.

• Cooler days make the work easier while you’re not worried about interrupting swimming time.

• Getting an early eye on what might need work helps keep your pool ahead of the curve and often shortens any start-up delays when warm weather returns.

Planning doesn’t mean committing to a big renovation. Sometimes it’s just spotting the things that could become problems in a few months if no one looks now. We specialize in custom pool design, construction, and ongoing support to help your pool stay in top shape year-round, offering help with simple repairs and improvements as needed.

Stay One Step Ahead with Seasonal Pool Care

Just because the water’s not being used daily doesn’t mean it can go untouched. Winter care helps your pool stay in good shape, and that can make all the difference once temps start rising again.

By keeping up with general cleaning, water balance, and small inspections, problems stay smaller and simpler. And when summer does roll around, the prep work means you’ll be ahead instead of catching up. Cold mornings and rainy spells may change the routine, but with steady attention, your pool stays ready for whenever blue skies come back.

At Artesian Pools and Spas, we understand how essential it is to keep your outdoor space looking its best throughout the year. Staying proactive with cleaning, water balance, and seasonal adjustments protects your pool and saves you time when warmer weather arrives. Our experience with custom builds gives us unique insight into what pools in this region need to stay in great shape. Discover our approach to pool maintenance in Louisiana and let us help you move forward with confidence.