Worried water level too high during winter - risk of damage due to freezing?

[bostonpool]

Hi folks:

I've got a 40 year old gunite, in ground pool. 32,000 gallons. Just finished our 3rd season in this house so still relatively a "pool newbie".

Anyway, I hired my pool company to close my pool in October as usual. They typically do a decent job. Drain the water, blow out and plug the lines, etc. (No-antifreeze but they do a great job blowing out.)

Anyway, on the pool company closing checklist they said they are supposed to drain the water down 10" below the tile, presumably to allow the pool to fill up with snow and rain over winter while still keeping it below the tile so as not to break the tile should it freeze.

I noticed they only seemed to drain it down about 6" this year. Not 10". I meant to call and complain, but got side tracked. Fast forward to January, we've had a very wet November and December and my pool is now very full. I worry that if it gets really cold again, and the water freezes, than I'm going to crack and break/lose some tile. I had that happen to a friend last year.

Anyway, how much should I worry about this? Honestly, I think in the last 2 winters my water has likely been up to the tile as well. I know water got in the skimmer, etc.

Is this a concern? Should I rent a pump and drain it down more on a mild day? What kind of pump do I need?

Thanks,
B

 

[ajw22]

Get a submersible utility pump and drain the water occasionally to keep it below the tile line. Over time the water freezing behing the tiles will eventually loosen them and pop them off.

 

[Newdude]

With either no cover or a permeable cover, you pretty much have to drain however much falls in the off season. You got a head start with the 8-10 inches at closing. Being wet this year, we are definately on pace to match last year's 36 inches of water. How often you drain the rest is up to you. 2 times a foot each, 4 times at 6 inches each, etc.

Right now i always prefer to start low. It gives me more wiggle room through the coldest part of the winter. If its close to full when it freezes, chances are you will be overflowing before it thaws. And you can't drain it frozen so you're stuck watching it and wondering if its causing any damage for the month+. Damage isnt garaunteed, but its definitely possible and its an easy fix to stay on the safe side. Even with my busted right shoulder it only took a few minutes to setup all lefty.