If you’ve been wondering “do you need to winterize your pool in Las Vegas?” let me put your mind at ease—you don’t. Unlike other parts of the country where pool owners have to drain their lines, cover their pools, and basically say goodbye to swimming for months, we get to enjoy our pools, or at least look at them, year-round.
But just because we don’t need full winterization doesn’t mean you can ignore your pool all winter. Neglecting it for months during the winter can set you up for nasty surprises in the spring. So, here are some tips on how to maintain your pool through the off-season.
You Don’t Need to Winterize Your Pool in Las Vegas… But Here’s What You Should Do Instead
1. Cut Down on Pump Run Time, But Don’t Shut It Off
In the summer, you’re probably running your pump 8–12 hours a day to keep up with the heat and heavy use. But in winter, you can dial that back to about 4–6 hours a day. Water temperatures drop, algae growth slows, and evaporation isn’t as extreme.
Important: Turning your pump off entirely is a bad idea. Stagnant water leads to all sorts of problems—cloudiness, bacteria, even equipment damage.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Chemical Balance
Even though your pool isn’t getting as much action in the winter, the water still needs to be balanced. That means testing your pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels at least once a week.
Since the sun isn’t burning off chlorine as fast in winter, you might find that your pool needs less frequent shock treatments. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore it completely—if we get a warm streak, algae can still creep in.
3. Skim & Brush Occasionally
You might not have as many leaves falling into your pool in the winter, but dirt, dust, and other debris still make their way in. Give it a quick skim and a light brushing once a week to prevent buildup on the walls and steps.
Weekly pool cleaning keeps your pool from looking neglected—even if no one’s jumping in just yet.
4. Keep the Water Level Up
As you know, Las Vegas is dry—really dry. That means even in the winter, evaporation can drop your water level faster than you might expect.
If your pool gets too low, your pump and skimmer won’t work properly, and that can lead to costly repairs. Keep an eye on the water level and top it off as needed.
5. Watch for the Occasional Freeze Warning
I know, I know—Las Vegas isn’t exactly known for ice and snow, but we do get the occasional freeze warning. If temps drop to around 32°F or below, it’s a good idea to run your pool pump continuously overnight. Moving water won’t freeze, and this simple step can prevent expensive damage to your pipes and equipment.
Some pools even have freeze protection sensors that automatically turn on the pump when the temperature gets too low. If you don’t have one, just keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to let your pump run when needed.
6. Keep Your Pool Cover Optional
A pool cover can help reduce evaporation and keep debris out, but in Las Vegas, you don’t necessarily need to keep it on for winter. If you like the look of your pool and want easy access to it for cleaning, skip the cover. On the other hand, if you’d rather deal with less skimming, a lightweight cover can cut down on maintenance. It’s really up to you.
A pool cover helps by:
- Reducing evaporation – Even in winter, Las Vegas has dry air that pulls water from the pool. A cover helps minimize water loss.
- Keeping out debris – Dust, dirt, and leaves won’t end up in the water as often, meaning less skimming and vacuuming.
- Helping with chemical retention – Since less water evaporates, chemicals stay balanced longer, which can save money on pool supplies.
But some pool owners prefer to leave it off because:
- They like the aesthetic of an open, clean pool.
- It’s easier to do regular maintenance without removing and replacing the cover.
- If they use the pool for aesthetic reasons (e.g., a backyard centerpiece), they don’t want it covered all winter.
7. Plan for an Easy Spring Opening
If you follow these simple steps, your pool will be crystal clear and ready to go when the warm weather hits. No draining, no scrubbing off algae, no messing with water chemistry—just a quick check, and you’ll be back in the water.
Winterizing may be necessary for pools in freezing climates, but here in Las Vegas, a light weekly maintenance routine is all it takes to keep your pool in great shape all year long.
Pool Cleaning & Maintenance Services
Las Vegas, NV
If you need a hand keeping your pool clean, Big League Pool Cleaners has your back. We’ll make sure your pool is always ready—whether it’s winter, summer, or anywhere in between.
Need pool cleaning, maintenance, or other service? Give us a call at 702-370-7715 or send us a message if you want to schedule a service.
