Leaving Pool Open with Spa

[monkeypunch]

Hey all! Thanks for all the great info the past few months. TFP made maintaining our new to us pool/house clear all summer.

I am stuck on what to do this winter. I would like to leave it open, and had plans to, but am concerned with the spa, and the water flowing out of it into the pool. I live in Tulsa, OK. Some years its freaking cold for weeks, other years it barely drops below freezing. I am also obviously worried about ice storms and the loss of power. I would love to leave it open so we can use the spa. The previous owners left no cover nor instructions, manuals or advice (they only lived there 6 months). Anyone else keep their spa/pool connected combo open year round? Thanks!

 

[pooldv]

Welcome to TFP!

Most folks around here don't close their pools and don't cover them during winter. It takes a long time below freezing to freeze plumbing or a pool. Like days below freezing. It has only happened once in the last 5 years for us. It is forecasted to be a mild winter this year so it'll give you a good practice run. I let FC drop down to 8ish, test and adjust PH and raise it back up to 12ish. It usually takes a few weeks to drop. FC consumption is very low when the water temp is below 55-60 or so.