Winterizing Piers in Wisconsin

Dec 16, 2025

Winterizing piers and waterfront property require specific preparation to protect against severe cold, heavy ice formation, and fluctuating water levels. The fundamental methods involve removing or securing movable structures and implementing ice management systems for permanent installations. General maintenance and evaluation of damage sustained to piers during the boating season should also be addressed prior winter.

Ice Shove

We understand that it may be inconvenient to work around the stored pier. There may be brown grass spots under the footpads in Spring. However, nature recovers quickly. That is not true for your pier.

General Preparation

Dock Inspection and Repairs: Before winter, thoroughly inspect all components (pilings, decking, hardware, electrical) for existing damage. Schedule repairs to prevent further damage from snow and ice melt.

Pier & Waterfront Solutions service crews have the ability to make repairs on all brands of docks and boat lifts.

Remove Accessories: Disassemble and store all removable items on dry land. This includes ladders, ramps, benches, boat lifts (if possible), storage bins, and furniture.

Utilities: Disconnect and blow out any water lines to prevent freezing and bursting. Remove power sources to non-weatherproof outlets and turn off breakers. Inspect cords and junction boxes for damage.

Pier and Dock Specific Measures

The winterizing approach depends heavily on whether you have a permanent pier, a three-season pier, or a floating dock system.

Permanent Piers

Accommodate Water Levels: Lake and river water levels can fluctuate. Ensure that the fixed structure is designed to handle potential changes. Reduced water levels might leave supports exposed or strained. High water can lead to excessive ice buildup.

Ice Management: Fixed pilings are highly vulnerable to “ice-jacking.” Pier ice-jacking refers to the upward force exerted by freezing ice on dock pilings or other piers when water levels fluctuate, causing them to be lifted out of their foundations. This phenomenon is caused by rising and falling water levels, and it can lead to significant damage to docks and other structures. The best way to prevent this is to maintain an ice-free zone around the structure. Installing a dock de-icer or bubbler system is recommended to keep water moving around pilings and the structure, preventing solid ice formation in critical areas.

Monitor Ice and Snow Load: Fixed docks bear the full weight of ice and snow accumulation. Regularly remove excessive ice and snow to prevent structural overload.

Three Season Piers

Three season piers installed by Pier & Waterfront Solutions are removed in the fall and reinstalled in the spring. We recommend that you allow us to place your equipment further up on your property due to the possibility for substantial damage encountered in the spring due to ice shoves.

   Improper storage too close to the water    Proper storage further from the water

Floating Docks

Removal is Best: For floating docks, the safest and most effective method is often to completely remove the sections from the water and store them on dry land. This eliminates the risk of ice damage altogether.

If Left In: If removal is not feasible, floating piers need to be disconnected from shore and allowed to move in the ice. They must be securely anchored with extra slack in the lines to accommodate shifting water levels and ice movement. Monitor the dock during winter, especially after severe weather events or rapid temperature changes, as fluctuating water levels and ice pressure can quickly cause damage.

Bubblers use an air compressor to create a curtain of bubbles and are more energy-efficient and effective in shallow water.

Propeller deicers use a submerged propeller to draw warmer water up to the surface, which is more effective in deeper water.

Boat Lifts and Equipment

Raise and Disconnect: Raise the boat lift cradle completely out of the water.

Lubricate and Secure: Lubricate all moving parts with marine-safe grease. Remove the power source and secure all lines.

Boat lifts have many of the same requirements as piers depending, if they are permanent or seasonal.  Bubblers and deicers do the same thing but are very different products that can be used for piers and piles or lifts.

Consult with Pier & Waterfront Solutions for service and specific advice for winterizing your Pier and waterfront.