4 min readWhen most people think of backyard swimming pools, relaxing outdoors in the summertime immediately comes to mind. But some homeowners don’t want the swimming season to end when temperatures drop. Fans of cold-water swimming are starting to consider ways to enjoy their pools throughout the winter as a part of an at-home wellness experience.
“Ten years ago, most people didn’t think winter swims were possible, especially in colder climates,” says Karen Larson, cofounder of Soake Pools. “Times have changed because these days, they’re seeing neighbors, friends, and others do it and post the proof on social media.”
The increasing interest in cold-water experiences is part of a broader wellness trend. In American College of Sports Medicine's 2026 Worldwide Fitness Trends report, cold therapies, including cold plunges, cryotherapy, and cold showers, earned the 17th spot among fitness trends for the year, up from number 20 in its 2025 report.
If you’ve previously closed your swimming pool around Labor Day but are interested in making cold-water swimming a part of your daily wellness routine, there’s a lot to keep in mind. Not every existing pool is a good candidate for keeping open for winter swimming, and it’s important to understand the risks and expenses involved. But if you’re curious, here’s what to consider about keeping a pool open year-round.
The Risks and Benefits of Cold-Water Swimming
Why is cold-water swimming becoming more common? There are numerous purported mental and wellness benefits, from athletic recovery to stress relief and better sleep. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in PLOS ONE found that cold-water immersion led to a reduction in stress for 12 hours afterward as well as improvements in sleep quality and overall quality of life.
“Winter swimming often creates a time where friends and family can come together without distractions,” adds Larson.
That said, while swimming during the colder months has its perks, there are also several risks to keep in mind. A 2020 review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that cold-water immersion can trigger an immediate shock response, leading to involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, and a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure. These reactions can make it difficult to control your breathing and increase your risk of drowning. Cold temps can also impair your muscle strength and nerve function, making it challenging to swim safely.
It’s a good idea to acclimate to the cold water gradually and avoid prolonged exposure. You’ll also want to make sure there’s someone else home while you take your cold-water plunge in the pool.
In addition, if you have underlying conditions like heart disease, consult your doctor before all else, as the cold water may place additional strain on your heart.
Factors to Consider Before Keeping a Pool Open Year-Round
If you’re trying to consider whether your pool is a good candidate to keep open during the colder months, these are the things to look into.
The Heating System
The cost of keeping a swimming pool open for winter swimming will depend on your location, size, desired water temperature, and the type of heater you use.
“Routine pool maintenance generally remains about the same year-round, although chemical consumption may decrease depending on how frequently the pool is used,” explains Jim Eisch, Jr., vice president of operations at Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa. “The biggest expense to consider in the winter is heating the pool.”
For this reason, prospective winter swimmers may want to consider an upgrade to their heating system. Instead of using pricey natural gas heating or a traditional heat pump, Eisch says that inverter technology is one of the most affordable ways to maintain a swimmable pool temperature year-round.
For example, if you live in Florida and have a 10,000-gallon swimming pool, Eisch estimates your annual heating costs will be $2,467 with a natural gas heater, $741 with a traditional heat pump, and $434 for a heat/cool pump that uses inverter technology.
As aforementioned, the goal with wintertime swimming is not to be soaking in bathwater-like temperatures while it’s freezing outside. For safety purposes, winter swims are quick, and the heating system is to keep your chlorinated pool water well above the 19-degree Fahrenheit freezing point.
The Pool’s Size
Unsurprisingly, a standard 14-by-28-foot swimming pool is going to be one of the hardest to use effectively year-round, unless you live in a region with a mild wintertime climate.
“You can technically use a large pool year-round, but it’s difficult to cover all its surface area well enough to hold in the heat, so heating bills can climb fast,” says Larson.
Therefore, smaller sizes like a 10-by-16-foot cocktail pool or plunge pool are better candidates for keeping open. Dedicated winter swimmers should also invest in an easy on-and-off cover—or a motorized auto cover—for added protection.
The Ongoing Maintenance
Regular pool cleaning and maintenance are essential, and this upkeep over the winter is no exception.
“Check the filtration system regularly to make sure it’s circulating smoothly, monitor the water chemistry, and plan for power outages—because there’s a good chance they will happen,” Larson explains. For this reason, you should also invest in a generator that can keep the pump running if the power goes out.
Having a Plan for Safe Access
Safe pool access is just as important as any other aspect of the pool’s design. That’s why a nonslip surface, excellent drainage, and ample lighting are key.
“Your design should also provide a clear path from the house to the water,” says Neha Gupta, interior designer and founder at NU Curations.
Especially in the wintertime when ice and snow are a factor in your region, make sure you have a safe and smooth exit plan for getting out of the water, bundled up, and into your warm home without any obstacles. And then, of course, remember to cover the pool back up to keep it protected and ready for your next plunge.
