Chilling Out the Right Way: Protect Your Features This Winter
Love the soothing sound of flowing water in your backyard, but wondering what happens when winter rolls in?
Curious how to keep your pool, waterfall, and other features safe from freezing temps and costly repairs?
In this guide, you will learn how to winterize pool waterfalls, bubblers, fountains, deck jets, and other water features the right way.
By the end, you will know the exact steps to protect your equipment, avoid winter damage, and make spring startup easy.
If you are planning a new vinyl liner pool installation with water features or want expert guidance on designing the perfect backyard setup, call Prestige Pools of NC or fill out our contact form.
We build stunning vinyl liner pools designed to shine in every season!
How to Care for Pool Water Features in Winter
As temperatures drop, proper winterization protects each pool water feature from frozen water, cracks, and clogs.
The goal is to remove water, clean parts, and store equipment so the entire system is safe until spring, just like you would when you winterize your vinyl liner pool.
This helps keep your backyard in top condition and avoids expensive repairs when opening season returns, especially when you know how to open a pool after winter.
- Drain water from features and plumbing
- Remove and store pumps indoors
- Blow out lines to stop freezing water and pressure damage
- Clean to remove algae and dirt
- Cover and protect surfaces from snow and ice
- Turn off power to specialty features
Taking time now makes it easier to enjoy your water feature year round once warm days return.
Water Features That Need Winterizing
Above-Water Features
Above-water designs sit in the air and experience direct cold weather exposure, so water freezing can cause potential damage if they are not drained and covered.
- Waterfalls
- Cascades
- Water bowls
- Laminar jets
These features also add beauty to your outdoor space in the summer months, so protecting them keeps them ready for next season.
At-Water-Level or Underwater Features
These pool features sit near the water level and can hold frozen water if not fully drained.
- Deck jets
- Fountains
- Bubblers
- Slides with water lines
If water freezes inside these lines, cracks can occur easily, especially in colder months.
Combination Features
Some water features mix fire, lighting, and flowing water, so they need extra protection.
- Fire and water bowls
- Features with LED lighting
- Any plumbing line that pushes water outside the pool
These outdoor water features use multiple materials and electrical elements, so turning off power and draining lines is essential.
Step-By-Step Winterizing Process for Pool Water Features
Clean the Pool and Features First
Cleaning is the first step because debris and algae left on the surface can stain during winter.
- Use a net to clear leaves and debris
- Brush away dirt and algae
This keeps buildup from becoming harder to remove after winter.
Drain All Water from Lines and Features
Draining stops freezing damage and prevents ice expansion.
- Drain and blow out lines
- Lower the water level if needed for shallow bubblers
- Open drains and valves while draining
Without draining, frozen water can expand and crack pipes or the water feature itself.
Remove and Store Pumps and Components
Water pumps can be harmed by freezing, so storing them indoors helps extend their life.
- Remove pumps and tubing
- Clean with mild soap, rinse, and dry
- Store in dry storage space until spring
This protects mechanical parts from air exposure and cold damage.
Shut Valves and Lines
Closing valves prevents water from entering lines during winterizing.
- Close lines that feed fountains or jets
- Shut off supply to each feature
This simple step lowers risk during freezing temperatures.
Turn Off Power Where Needed
Power should be off for features that mix water and electricity.
- Turn off LED lighting systems
- Remove nicheless lights if possible
- Cap each line after removal
This protects wiring and stops leaks when water freezes.
Deep-Clean Water Features
Winter is the ideal time to deep clean features because they are not running.
- Scrub surfaces and bowls
- Remove algae and dirt
- Rinse thoroughly
Clean features help you maintain long-term beauty in your pool landscape.
Cover Features for Winter Protection
Covers help block snow, ice, and falling debris.
- Use waterproof covers made for outdoor fountains and waterfalls
- Secure covers so wind and snow do not loosen them
Covers offer extra protection and make spring opening easier.
Special Instructions by Feature Type
Waterfalls
Waterfalls drain naturally, but some extra steps help protect them.
- Let gravity drain most water
- Blow out the rest
- Use a lip protector if available
- Turn off lighting power
Deck Jets and Laminars
Water sitting in deck jets can freeze fast.
- Blow out plumbing
- Plug jets to stop water entry
- Keep deck area free of standing water
Bubblers and Shallow Features
Bubblers freeze faster because they sit close to the pool surface.
- Lower water level below bubblers
- Blow and plug each line
Fountains
Outdoor fountains need full draining so ice does not form inside.
- Drain bowls and lines
- Remove pumps and store indoors
- Scrub surfaces clean
If the fountain remains outdoors, make sure it is fully covered so ice and snow don’t collect on it during those frosty mornings that sweep through Clayton.
Fire and Water Bowls
These features combine water and flame elements.
- Drain all water
- Cover burners and bowls
- Shut off gas if not using during winter
LED Lighting
Some lights should be removed for cold weather.
- Remove nicheless lights
- Drain line behind the fixture
- Cap conduit and store indoors
Optional Winter Steps
Pool Cover vs. Uncovered
Covering the pool can make a lot of sense in winter.
- A covered pool reduces debris
- An uncovered pool may need frequent cleaning
Some homeowners leave pools uncovered to enjoy the view of their outdoor space, but it requires more attention when maintaining your pool during the winter months without closing it.
Partial Winter Use
Some climates allow short-term use in winter.
- Only run water features when no freezing temperatures are expected
- Turn them off when temperatures drop again
This protects each feature while letting you enjoy the beauty of moving water when the weather cooperates.
Winter Water Feature Success Starts Here With Prestige Pools of NC
Now you know how to protect every water feature through freezing temperatures, stop frozen water from damaging pumps and lines, and keep your backyard looking great until spring.
With careful draining, cleaning, and covering, you can rest easy knowing your pool features are ready to shine again when warm weather returns.
If you want a vinyl liner pool designed with durable, low-maintenance water features that look amazing in every season, the pool water feature experts at Prestige Pools of NC can install the perfect backyard retreat.
Reach out today to start planning your custom pool and enjoy beautiful water features year after year.
