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Homeowners considering winter swimming need to weigh heating expenses, pool size, ongoing maintenance and cold-water safety, experts told House Beautiful. Smaller pools may be easier to keep warm, but costs vary by location and equipment, and cold immersion carries health risks.
Homeowners considering winter swimming should first assess whether their pool can be heated and maintained affordably and accessed safely, according to pool-industry experts quoted by House Beautiful. The report says pool size, heating equipment, power reliability and cold-water health risks all affect whether keeping a pool open through colder months is practical.
The largest operating expense is typically heating, said Jim Eisch Jr., vice president of operations at Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa. He said routine maintenance generally remains similar throughout the year, although chemical use may fall if the pool is used less often. Heating costs depend on location, pool size, the temperature an owner wants and the type of heater.
Eisch gave an example for a 10,000-gallon pool in Florida: estimated annual heating costs were $2,467 with natural gas, $741 with a traditional heat pump and $434 with a heat/cool pump using inverter technology. Those figures are estimates for that example, not a universal price comparison; actual costs vary with local conditions and use.
Pool design also matters. Karen Larson, cofounder of Soake Pools, said large pools can be difficult to cover well enough to retain heat, which can push bills higher. A smaller plunge or cocktail pool may be easier to keep open, while an easy-to-use or motorized cover can help limit heat loss. Owners also need to keep filtration and water chemistry in order and prepare for outages that could stop a pump.
The Costs Behind Winter Swimming
Keeping a pool open can turn a seasonal amenity into a year-round option, but the costs and safety work do not disappear when temperatures fall. Heating a large pool may be impractical for some households, while a smaller pool and an efficient system could make winter use more manageable. The source offers one Florida cost example, not a price guide for other climates.
Cold-water immersion also carries risks beyond discomfort. A review published in 2020 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that sudden immersion can cause involuntary gasping, hyperventilation and a rapid rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Cold can also impair muscle strength and nerve function, potentially making it harder to swim safely. These risks make brief exposure, gradual acclimation and having another person nearby important considerations; people with heart conditions should consult a doctor before trying cold-water swimming.
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Interest in Cold-Water Swimming
Larson told House Beautiful that more people have begun considering winter swims, partly because they see friends and neighbors doing them and posting about it on social media. The report places that interest within a broader wellness trend: the American College of Sports Medicine’s 2026 Worldwide Fitness Trends report ranked cold therapies, including cold plunges, cryotherapy and cold showers, No. 17, up from No. 20 in its 2025 report.
The source also cites a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis in PLOS ONE, which found cold-water immersion was associated with reduced stress for 12 hours afterward and improvements in sleep quality and quality of life. These reported findings do not establish that cold swimming is safe or beneficial for every person. The same report emphasizes potential risks and the need to approach exposure cautiously.
““Ten years ago, most people didn’t think winter swims were possible, especially in colder climates.””
— Karen Larson, cofounder of Soake Pools
Costs and Safety Vary by Pool
The report does not provide a universal estimate for winter pool operation. Heating expenses depend on climate, pool dimensions, equipment, desired water temperature and frequency of use, and the Florida figures cannot be applied directly elsewhere. It also does not specify a single safe water temperature or immersion duration for all swimmers.
The source excerpt ends while discussing safe access, after noting the value of nonslip surfaces, good drainage and adequate lighting. It does not provide the rest of that advice or detailed recommendations for specific pool configurations. Owners should consult qualified pool professionals about equipment and local conditions, and seek medical advice if they have health concerns.
Assess Equipment Before Opening
For homeowners weighing winter use, the next step is to compare local heating estimates and operating requirements for their pool and equipment. They should check that the pool can be covered effectively, that filtration and water chemistry can be maintained, and that there is a plan to keep the pump running during power outages. The report suggests a generator may help maintain circulation, but it does not set out a specific backup-power recommendation.
Anyone who proceeds should plan for cautious, brief exposure rather than prolonged immersion, avoid swimming alone and consult a doctor before cold-water swimming if they have an underlying condition such as heart disease. The source does not report a new regulation, product launch or formal change in pool guidance; its focus is expert advice for homeowners deciding whether to keep an existing pool open.
Key Questions
What is the biggest cost of keeping a pool open in winter?
Heating is generally the biggest winter expense, according to Jim Eisch Jr. Costs depend on the pool, local climate, heater type and the temperature an owner wants.
Are smaller pools easier to keep open?
They may be. Karen Larson said large pools can be difficult to cover well enough to retain heat, while smaller plunge or cocktail pools can be more suitable candidates. The right choice depends on the site and local winter conditions.
What safety risks come with cold-water swimming?
Cold immersion can trigger gasping, hyperventilation and a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Cold may also impair strength and nerve function. The report advises gradual acclimation, avoiding prolonged exposure and having someone else at home; people with heart conditions should speak with a doctor first.
How should owners prepare for winter pool maintenance?
They should regularly check that filtration is circulating, monitor water chemistry and plan for power outages that could stop the pump. The report also identifies a generator as one possible way to keep the pump running during an outage.
Source: housebeautiful.com
