Living in the St. Petersburg area has many benefits, one of which is being able to enjoy your outdoor pool — and the stunning coastal views — year-round. But even in our Sunshine City, winter weather can make for some chilly nights that often limit outdoor activities such as swimming. Fortunately, with new pool customization and modern maintenance equipment, your outdoor pool can serve as your backyard oasis for every season in Central Florida.
At WinWay Pools, our custom pool builders create luxury pools that increase both year-round enjoyment and longevity. In this blog, our design professionals share new pool designs and maintenance ideas for enjoying your outdoor pool on even the hottest days or the coolest nights.
Turn Up the Comfort: Heating Your Pool the Smart Way
Central Florida newcomers are often surprised to find out that our weather can turn a bit chilly on some January and February nights. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the pool. It just requires turning up the heat.
As custom pool builders in St. Petersburg, WinWay Pools often recommends heat pumps for our coastal climate. Heat pumps use a refrigerant similar to an air conditioner unit to heat the pool, making your pool more energy efficient in our Central Florida mild climate. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that heat pumps can keep pools comfortable while using significantly less energy than traditional gas heaters when properly sized and maintained.
When you work with WinWay Pools to design and build your custom pool, we help you:
- Choose the right heater type and size for your pool volume and how often you plan to swim.
- Integrate the heater into your equipment pad layout so plumbing and electrical lines are clean and efficient.
- Pair your heater with automation controls so you can dial in your preferred temperature from your phone and avoid wasting energy.
WinWay Pools can also customize your new outdoor pool to help “chill” the water on hot summer days with new combination heater/chiller pumps that keep your pool at a refreshing temperature year-round.
Go Spa-Forward: Add a Hot Tub or Spillover Spa
On those nights when the breeze off the bay turns crisp, nothing beats sliding into a warm spa. Our WinWay Pools’ customers are big fans of “spa-forward” backyards: layouts where the spa is the star and the pool is a calm backdrop.
You can elevate your home’s outdoor experience with spa design ideas such as:
- Add an elevated spillover spa to your new pool design.
- Design deep, bench-style seating with hydrotherapy jets for true relaxation.
- Tie spa lighting, heat, and jets into the same automation system as your pool.
Even if the pool water feels a bit cool, a spa at 100–102°F is perfect for unwinding after a long day or hosting friends when the temperature drops.
Invest in the Right Equipment for Easier Year-Round Care
A weather-proof pool isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about maintenance. The right equipment can keep your water clear and your operating costs in check, even when leaves are falling or pollen is high.
When choosing equipment for your new pool, WinWay Pools has some recommendations that make a big difference in terms of pool value and enjoyment, including:
- Variable-speed pumps that run more efficiently at lower speeds and align with national energy-efficiency standards for residential pools.
- Cartridge or high-efficiency filtration systems that capture fine debris and reduce backwashing.
- Automation systems that let you schedule pump run times, heater operation, and sanitization cycles for seasons when daylight and bather loads change.
Did you know? Industry standards from groups like the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance emphasize that energy-efficient pumps, heaters, and filtration setups can significantly cut energy use while keeping water quality and temperature consistent.
For you, this translates into: fewer maintenance expenses, lower utility bills, and a pool that’s ready whenever the mood to swim (or soak) strikes.
Enclose the Experience: Screens, Glass, and Indoor–Outdoor Design
In St. Pete, the same breezes and trees that make our backyards beautiful can also blow in leaves, pollen, and the occasional surprise from a passing storm. A well-designed pool enclosure or indoor–outdoor concept can safeguard your pool from the elements without obstructing area views.
WinWay Pools designs custom screen and glass enclosures to keep pools cleaner and calmer while allowing you to enjoy colorful sunrises and sunsets. These structures can:
- Reduce wind chill on cooler days, helping your heated pool hold temperature longer.
- Limit debris, bugs, and wildlife from entering the water, which means less cleaning and more swimming.
- Create a “room outdoors” feeling with integrated lighting, ceiling fans, and defined lounging zones.
If you prefer a more open feel, WinWay can also design partial covers, shade structures, or architectural elements that protect key areas (like the spa, tanning shelf, or outdoor kitchen) while leaving sightlines to the sky and water unobstructed.
Create a “Microclimate” for a Backyard Water Escape
The right pool design creates a unique “microclimate” in your private backyard, where you can slip into your water oasis after a long day, even if the weather isn’t ideal. A pool tucked against the house, for example, may stay warmer and more sheltered than a fully exposed waterfront pool.
As a local pool builder in St. Petersburg, WinWay Pools uses design techniques that increase the durability of pool and deck surfaces for St. Pete’s unique geography and climate conditions. These design options might include:
- Deck materials and color: Lighter pavers and finishes stay cooler underfoot in summer, while strategically placed darker surfaces can help absorb heat where you want cozy seating in cooler months.
- Sun and shade patterns: Built-in benches, tanning ledges, and lounge areas can be oriented for sun in winter and optional shade in summer.
- Evening lighting: Warm, layered LED lighting in and around the pool encourages nighttime use, especially when paired with a spa and fire feature.
This climate-focused approach to custom pool design creates a true outdoor living escape that feels comfortable January through December, giving you more value from your luxury pool investment.
Work With a Local, Custom Pool Builder Who Knows St. Pete Climate & Geography
Designing and building a custom pool for every season is part science, part art. It takes experience and a knowledge of area climates, geographical conditions, coastal wind patterns, and the realities of year-round pool care in Pinellas County.
WinWay Pools has been designing and building custom pools and spas in the St. Petersburg area for more than 20 years, with services that cover design, construction, and the right pool equipment to make year-round maintenance easier. If you’re considering a new pool, our design professionals can help you:
- Decide whether a heater, spa, or both makes sense for your lifestyle.
- Select efficient pumps/chillers, filters, and automation that support year-round use.
- Design enclosures, shade, and seating that feel luxurious without losing that open-air, coastal feel.
- Plan your project around St. Pete’s permitting and construction timelines so your new space is ready when you want it.
If you’re ready to turn your St. Pete backyard into a four-season oasis, WinWay Pools is here to help you blend practicality and luxury — so your pool feels “open for the season” every day of the year. Contact us today, and our specialist will meet you at your house to offer ideas for creating a season-proof pool experience.
