Winter Damage

This past winter has been one of the harshest we have experienced in many years. Many areas received 70+ inches of snowfall, along with extended periods of sustained freezing temperatures. These prolonged extreme conditions have created unusual stress on swimming pools throughout the region — particularly vinyl liner and above-ground pools.

We want to proactively address what we are seeing and clarify responsibilities moving into spring.

How This Winter Impacts Pools

When heavy snow accumulates on a pool cover:

• The weight pushes the cover down onto the ice below.

• That pressure transfers directly to the vinyl liner, which can stretch, shift, or tear.

• Freeze/thaw cycles cause expanding ice, increasing liner stress.

• Above-ground pools can experience wall bowing, frame stress, or structural shifting from excessive load weight.

These forces occur after pools are fully winterized and sealed and are the result of environmental conditions.

Important Responsibility Reminder

As clearly stated on our website under our closing section and in our winter reminder emails:

Crowley Pool Service provides professional winterization services. However, during the off-season months, it is the customer’s responsibility to maintain:

• Proper pool water levels

• Pool cover condition and tension

• Removal of excess water and snow from the cover

• General off-season upkeep

Once a pool is winterized, it is secured and sealed. From that point forward, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the cover and water level are the homeowner’s responsibility.

Damage resulting from:

• Heavy snow and ice accumulation

• Improper water levels

• Cover failure or lack of maintenance

• Structural stress from winter weather

is not caused by the winterization service itself.

We have recently had concerns raised suggesting winter damage was caused by closing services. We want to be very clear:

Winterization does not create liner tears, structural bowing, or mid-winter leaks.Once plumbing lines are blown out and plugged, the system is hydraulically isolated. Water cannot escape through properly winterized plumbing.

In nearly all cases, spring damage is caused by:

• Extreme weather conditions

• Pre-existing slow leaks that were not visible

• Lack of cover and water level maintenance during the winter months

We take our work seriously and stand behind our services, but weather-related and maintenance-related damage falls outside the scope of winterization.

What You Should Do Now

As snow begins to melt, it is critical to:

• Remove standing water from pool covers.

• Prevent heavy meltwater from accumulating.

• Keep covers tensioned and secure.

• Monitor above-ground pools for visible shifting or stress.

Taking action now may help prevent further damage.

Delayed Season & Limited Availability

Due to the severity of this winter, we are anticipating:

• A delayed start to the pool season due to lingering frost and snow.

• A significant increase in liner replacements and major repair projects.

• A condensed and already filling spring schedule.

  
  

Spring is typically our busiest 6–8 week period of the year. With the extended winter and increased repair volume, our availability will be extremely limited.

If you believe your pool may need:

• Liner replacement

• Structural repair

• Leak investigation

• Equipment replacement

• Or early opening

  
  

Please contact us immediately to secure a spot on our schedule.

Liner materials in particular often carry lead times, and once our spring schedule is filled, we may not be able to accommodate additional projects until later in the season.

Booking early:

• Secures your position before the rush

• Allows time for material ordering

• Prevents mid-season delays

• Ensures your pool is ready when warm weather arrives

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This winter was not typical. The combination of extreme snowfall totals and prolonged freezing temperatures created conditions that place significant stress on pools across New England.

We appreciate your understanding as we move into what will likely be a very busy and condensed spring season. Our goal is to communicate early, be transparent, and help everyone prepare properly.

If you have questions or would like to schedule service, please reach out as soon as possible.