Living in the Northern Midwest means we’re used to wearing shorts in March, digging out driveways in May, and jumping in lakes by June. If you live in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or anywhere else where spring starts with down coats and ends with shorts, you've probably wondered:
"Can a fiberglass pool really handle the harsh winters we get here?"
The answer: Absolutely. And we’re here to explain why.
A Common Concern in the Land of Ice and Snow
If you’ve ever dealt with frost heave in your driveway or shifting pavers on your patio, it’s completely fair to worry about a pool shell 
in the ground.
Homeowners ask things like:
- “Won’t the fiberglass crack if the water freezes?”
- “What about the ground shifting in winter?”
- “Do I have to close it super early every year?”
Let’s walk through each of those concerns, and how a properly installed fiberglass pool can handle them with ease.
"Won’t a Fiberglass Pool Crack if the Water Freezes?"
We hear this a lot, and it's totally understandable. But here’s the truth: water expands upward as it freezes, not outward. A properly winterized fiberglass pool isn’t at risk of cracking.
Think of it like your plastic ice tray at home. You fill it with water, pop it in the freezer, and even after a hundred uses, the tray is still intact. Why? Because ice pushes up, not sideways. Fiberglass pools work the same way.
When closed properly for the winter (which includes lowering the water level a few inches (but never below the bottom of the skimmer) and using winterization tools like skimmer plugs and freeze protection best practices), the shell remains completely safe. It doesn’t crack, doesn’t bulge, and doesn’t suffer damage from frozen water.
Quick tip: A properly winterized pool starts with lowering the water level a few inches, blowing out lines, plugging returns and the skimmer, and covering the pool securely. Freeze protection devices are also used to prevent costly damage, especially in colder zones like in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
"What About Frost Heaving?"
Another big concern is frost heave, the movement of the ground caused by freezing and thawing cycles. It’s a real issue in our part of the country, and it can do serious damage to patios, walkways, and yes, pools, if they’re not properly installed.
Here’s what we, and other notable fiberglass pool builders around the country insist on.
Every fiberglass pool we install is fully encased in 3/4" clean, crushed stone, which provides superior drainage and minimizes soil movement. Water can’t accumulate around the pool shell, and without water, there’s no expansion pressure to cause frost heave. Our plumbing trenches are also lined and encased in stone before backfilling.
In short, our pools and plumbing systems are built to perform in a Minnesota winter.
Why Fiberglass Is Actually Ideal for Cold Climates
Aside from resisting freeze and frost damage, fiberglass pools offer a few cold-weather benefits you might not expect:
- Flexibility: Fiberglass has a little natural "give," allowing it to move slightly with temperature changes without cracking. Concrete can struggle with this at times.
- Durability: The gelcoat surface of a fiberglass pool is smooth and non-porous, making it less prone to damage from ice, salt, and other winter-related exposure.
Lower Maintenance: Fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals, and homeowners report easier maintenance overall, which means you spend less time worrying about your pool before and after winter.
Is It Too Cold to Install a Pool in Fall? Not Necessarily.
It’s a fair question—especially if you’re watching the leaves fall and feeling that crisp northern air settle in. Many homeowners assume that once the temperature dips, pool installation season is over. But in reality, fall can be one of the best times to install a fiberglass pool, even in places like Minnesota or Wisconsin. 
Why?
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You skip the spring rush. Builders book up fast when the snow melts. Getting your pool in during the fall means you beat the waitlist.
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Your yard has time to settle. Any landscape or hardscape work has the winter to settle in, so your backyard is in top shape come spring.
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You’ll be swimming the first warm weekend. No waiting around for construction—you’re ready to go when the sun comes out.
Most fall installations start in early September and wrap up before Thanksgiving—well before the ground freezes solid. We’ve even installed pools with a dusting of snow on the ground. As long as site access is available and the soil isn’t frozen, installation is still very much on the table.
So don’t count yourself out just because you’re wearing a flannel. If you’ve been thinking about a pool, this fall might be your perfect window.
Cold Climate? Your Backyard Is Still Pool-Ready
If you’re thinking about adding a pool and wondering whether your region’s weather is a deal-breaker, it’s not. Don’t let cold weather myths hold you back. We’re here to answer your questions and help you build a backyard that brings joy year after year.
Fiberglass pools combined with proper installation techniques are made to last through the kind of winters we're known for in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but the same installation techniques and materials apply across the country. If you live in a region where winters are long and temperatures swing wildly, don’t assume a fiberglass pool is out of the question.
Still Not Sure?
Adding a pool is a big investment and it should be one you feel confident in, even through the longest winter.
Whether you're in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or anywhere that sees snow before Halloween, we’re here to help. If you're weighing your options or have a quote from another builder, we’re happy to answer all your questions and help guide you in making a well-informed decision. No pressure, just honest advice.
Meet the Author: Drew Boster, River Pools® Red Wing
Hey, I’m Drew Boster, Lead Installer and Marketing Manager at River Pools of Red Wing. I’ve been working with fiberglass pools in cold climates for four years, and I’ve personally seen how durable and low-maintenance they are, even in brutal Minnesota and Wisconsin winters.
I wrote this article because cold weather myths stop a lot of people from enjoying the pool lifestyle. But with the right installation, a fiberglass pool holds up beautifully, even under snow.
Takeaway:
Don’t let frost scare you off. With proper prep and a trusted installer, your fiberglass pool can last decades.
Read more about Drew and River Pools Red Wing here.
Message from the River Pools manufacturing team:
If you don’t live in Minnesota or Wisconsin, no worries, River Pools products are available through trusted independent installers, like River Pools® Red Wing across the country who are trained in best practices for seasonal climates.
Every fiberglass pool we manufacture is designed to handle the full spectrum of seasonal changes, from deep freezes to summer heat. Whether you’re in Michigan, Maine, or anywhere else with wild weather swings, our national network of independent installers is here to help.
Ready to speak with an installation company?
