Essential Winter Pool Prep: Prevent Damage from Freezes
Make sure your pool is prepped when cold weather strikes
When cold weather moves in, it’s important to know how freezing temperatures will affect your pool and its equipment. Many people don’t realize that water expands when it freezes, which poses a danger to your pool's plumbing and equipment.
- Run your pool pump continuously.
- Disconnect any aerators or lines to slides.
- If you have a pump for a water feature, make sure the valves are open. Alternatively, you can cover and drain the pump and pipes.
- If your cleaner requires a booster pump, you don’t need to run it continuously.
- Also, don’t worry about running your heater – moving water likely will not freeze.
For more information on how to protect your pool from freeze damage, check out this helpful infographic.
In extreme circumstances, you may lose power during a hard freeze. If that’s the case, follow these steps during and after the power outage:
- Turn off the time clock or the equipment at the breaker.
- Dial the multiport valve to backwash and remove the plug.
- Open the air relief valve on your filter.
- Remove plugs and lids from pumps, motors, filters, heaters, and chlorinators.
- Store all removed plugs in a bag, so you don’t misplace them.
- When warmer weather returns, it’s safe to replace all plugs and lids.
- Ensure there is water in the system before turning the power back on.
If you have any questions about how to prepare your pool for freezing weather, contact your local Pool Professional.
