If you live in a region where winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, choosing the right type of swimming pool is more complicated than it might seem.

In northern climates like Wisconsin, frost can reach several feet into the ground, and freeze–thaw cycles can create pressure on pool structures both from the surrounding soil and from the water inside the pool itself.

In this episode of The Pool Guides Podcast, Cristian Shirilla sits down with Michael Bowers of Pool Pros Wisconsin, a builder with nearly 30 years of experience installing pools in one of the coldest parts of the United States.

Together they explore how the three primary pool types — vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools, and concrete pools — perform when exposed to harsh winter conditions.

Michael shares firsthand insights about frost depth, groundwater pressure, installation best practices, and the winter maintenance steps that can prevent costly damage.

If you're planning a pool in a colder region, this conversation will help you understand what really matters when selecting a pool that can stand up to harsh winters and deep freezes.

• How harsh winters affect swimming pool structures
• Why frost depth and freeze–thaw cycles matter when installing a pool
• The pros and cons of vinyl liner pools in colder climates
• Why fiberglass pools are often well suited for freeze–thaw environments
• How concrete pools can be engineered to withstand cold climates
• The role groundwater pressure plays in pool stability
• The importance of proper installation and drainage
• Why winter water level management can prevent structural damage

Michael Bowers
Owner, Pool Pros Wisconsin

Michael Bowers has nearly three decades of experience installing swimming pools in Wisconsin, where deep frost lines and harsh winters create unique challenges for pool construction. His expertise in cold-climate pool installations provides homeowners with practical guidance for choosing the right pool and ensuring long-term durability.

The Pool Guides Podcast helps homeowners make confident decisions about choosing and installing a swimming pool.

Hosted by Cristian Shirilla of River Pools, each episode features experienced builders and industry professionals sharing real-world knowledge about pool types, costs, installation practices, and backyard planning.

The goal is simple: give homeowners the information they need to make smart decisions before construction ever begins.