October 21, 2025
We’re excited to launch our new blog — a space to share insights from across our company and the pool industry. For over 31 years, Jameson Pool & Spa has specialized in pool design and construction, renovations, service, and retail. Here, we’ll highlight our experience, share what we’ve learned along the way, and offer seasonal tips, product knowledge, and company updates throughout the year.
To start, we’re focusing on how to care for your closed pool during the winter. Ontario winters can be tough on pools, but a few simple checks through the colder months can make a big difference when spring returns. Here’s how to keep your pool and hot tub protected all winter long.
Monitor & Maintain Your Sump Well
If your pool has a sump well, make sure to monitor it throughout the winter — especially after heavy rain or a snow melt. The water level should stay no more than 12 inches deep to help relieve groundwater pressure, which can build up over time.
For vinyl pools, keeping the sump well maintained helps prevent groundwater from causing the liner to shift or wrinkle. A well-built vinyl pool stays flexible and durable through Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles — one of the reasons it remains a preferred choice in our climate.
For fiberglass pools, this step is even more critical — if groundwater pressure builds up, the rigid shell can actually lift or crack.
Watch our YouTube video for a quick walkthrough on how to empty your sump well.
Monitor Your Pool Water Level
Throughout the winter, keep an eye on your pool’s water level to make sure it isn’t dropping. A lowering water level could mean there’s a leak.
If you notice the level going down, give us a call right away— and safely pull back your cover to add water back to the normal winter level.
📞 Call 905-828-7011 ext. 816
Keep Your Cover Clear
If you have a water bag or clip-in style cover, remove leaves and debris from the top periodically. Not only is a messy cover not great to look at, but the buildup can become heavy, making it harder to clean and more work to remove in spring.
Keeping your cover clean also helps prevent dirty water and decomposing leaves from draining into the pool when it’s removed — making for a cleaner, easier opening.
Keep a few extra water bags on hand so you can replace them right away if needed — available at both of our retail stores.
Clean Your Filter
Once your pool is closed, it’s a good time to clean your filter — whether it’s sand or cartridge. Filters collect oils and debris all season, and if left dirty, that buildup can harden and be tough to remove in spring. Cleaning now extends your filter’s life and makes next year’s opening easier. Bring your cartridges to our Mississauga store for professional cleaning, or pick up what you need for at-home sand or cartridge filter care.
Store Your Winterized Items
After your pool is closed, make sure all the parts that were removed for winter are packaged and stored safely. Keeping everything organized and dry prevents damage or loss over the winter and helps make your spring opening simple and stress-free.
Keep an Eye on Your Hot Tub
If you’re running your hot tub through winter, check it regularly to make sure it’s heating and circulating properly. Keep an eye on the temperature, water chemistry, and power — it’s the best way to prevent freezing and avoid costly repairs. We’re open year-round — visit our Mississauga store for free bi-weekly water testing.
