Winter Pool Care in Ormond Beach: Do You Really Need Service When It’s Cold?

It’s December in Ormond Beach. The air is crisp (well, for Florida), the heater is finally on in the house, and your pool looks like a lonely blue rectangle in the backyard. You might be thinking, "Nobody is swimming. Can't I just turn off the pump and save some money until March?"

We hear this question every year. And every March, we get frantic calls from homeowners whose "money-saving" strategy turned their pool into a green, mosquito-infested swamp.

Here is the truth: Florida pools never truly sleep. Unlike up north, where pools are winterized and covered, our mild winters mean algae and bacteria are always lurking. Here is why keeping your service active now saves you a fortune later.

1. Algae Loves a "False Spring"

You know the drill: it’s 50°F on Tuesday and 82°F on Friday. These temperature swings are a nightmare for pool chemistry. When the water warms up, dormant algae spores wake up and multiply. If your chlorine levels have dropped because you stopped service, you can go from clear to green in 48 hours.

The Fix: We adjust your chemical balance specifically for cooler water, ensuring sanitizer stays active without damaging your surfaces.

2. Stagnant Water = Broken Equipment

Your pool pump is the heart of your system. It needs to circulate water to keep seals lubricated and prevent parts from seizing up. If you turn it off for weeks, you risk:

• Dried out seals that leak when you restart.
• Stained plaster from debris settling on the bottom.
• Frozen pipes (yes, it happens!) during those rare freeze warnings. Moving water doesn't freeze easily.

3. The "Green-to-Clean" Bill is Expensive

Let’s do the math. Skipping 3 months of service might save you a few hundred dollars. But reviving a swampy pool in spring requires:

• Multiple heavy chemical treatments (shock, algaecide, phosphate remover).
• Repeated filter cleanings (or a full cartridge replacement).
• Labor costs for multiple visits.

The Reality: A single "Green-to-Clean" service often costs more than the monthly maintenance you tried to save.

Our Winter Care Checklist

At Float On Pools, we don't just "skim and leave" in winter. We actively protect your investment:

• Heater Tune-Ups: We check your heater before you need it for that holiday party.
• Freeze Guard Checks: We ensure your automation system will automatically turn on pumps when temps drop.
• LSI Balancing: Cold water is aggressive and can eat away at your pool surface. We balance the LSI (Langelier Saturation Index) to protect your finish.