Leaving empty pool over winter

[Mike518]

I have a 50yr old concrete pool with fiberglass walls that a contractor was refinishing for but seems to have run out of time it has sat empty all summer. We live in Winnipeg and the temp can fall to -35C during the winter. Is it safe to leave it empty? Someone mention putting antifreeze into the main drain.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mdragger88]

You would certainly want to winterize all the plumbing & equipment to prevent any damage. Not sure about the shell itself.
@Newdude

 

[Newdude]

I'd plug the drain after blowing the lines. The pool will fill at least a little of the way before it freezes and antifreeze will ooze out into the puddle.

Your main concern with the empty pool is a flash flood either floating the floor or collapsing a wall. The 50 year old fiber walls probably aren't as structural as they once were, and they always needed the water to help hold the earth back. Once the ground freezes, it's probably not going anywhere IMO and it's not a concern again until the thaw and spring rains.

We've seen several unable to find help with their hybrid pool (search for that in the upper right corner of the page) and usually recommend converting to a vinly liner. The pool can be fixed and full in 2 days at substantial savings.

 

[Mdragger88]

Ahh yes, the liner option! Several threads here about it- one guy has done it to multiple of his own pools. Great catch