Winterized pool approaching overflow.

[Thinkly]

We have had an unusually wet winter. For the first time ever my water level (currently 3/8” thick ice on top) is approaching my concrete pool coping.

I have never allowed my pool to get this full. What will happen if it goes over the level of the fiberglass shell and onto the concrete coping?

I’ve ordered a pump to lower the level a bit because we have more rain on the way. I’m thinking I need to let the ice thaw before lowering it?

 

[Texas Splash]

What will happen if it goes over the level of the fiberglass shell and onto the concrete coping?

I can't think of much you can do at that point. The water will build over the ice and go (flow) where it wants to go. One concern may be any cracks in the coping that may trap water and swell. But again it's tough to fight Mother Nature. When you talk about lowering the water level, are you talking about in the pool itself? Not so sure I'd do that. Once ice forms a bridge as it has already, it's quite heavy and sharp. If you lower water in the pool and that ice shelf collapses, it could scar your gelcoat. You might have to just ride this system out until it thaws and assess the situation. Others will reply though who experience heavy ice issues, so you can expect more advice soon.

 

[splashpad]

I’ve ordered a pump to lower the level a bit because we have more rain on the way. I’m thinking I need to let the ice thaw before lowering it?

I don't have specific fiberglass pool experience, so my ideas are suggestions only (we do have a vinyl pool)
I would only allow the pump to move water off the top of the ice, but definitely not from under it (TexasSplash already gave the reasons why)
Yes, definitely wait for the thaw to start, THEN start moving -top- water away from the pool area. Hope everything works out well!
For next season, I know some pool owners setup a sump pump to keep "excess/overflow" water out of the pool (before freezing), would that be a possibility?

 

[duraleigh]

3/8" ice is not thick enough to do much harm. I would get the pump in there ASAP and break up the ice so it will settle readily.

Letting the water flow behind your fiberglass shell is not a good idea. No real giant emergency but water flowing behind gunite, vinyl or fibreglass is never good.

Pump it out.

 

[todd.brock]

Check another section of your pool the water may not be frozen all the way across. I have had to lower my water level 5-6 times this winter. One time when it was frozen, it was only frozen in the shallow end. I went ahead and drained knowing the ice had room to move around. Not ideal, but it was high. I’m about done with all this rain, lol

 

[jimim]

if you lower with ice on. i would really try to get the ice away from the sides of the pool. as you lower the ice will grab and you might start to float the ice cube which is not good. you want to make sure the ice goes down wit the water level. when i broke through my ice this winter i made sure i had it off the sides. worked fine then. last year when i lowered my ice was thicker and the ice grabbed 2 of my return plugs and popped them out. i had to blow out all the lines with my builder again. like said above 3/8 inch ice is nothing.