Must-Dos Before the Snow Hits
Prepping Your Winterized Pool for an Icy Onslaught:
Published on
January 9th, 2024
As winter tightens its icy grip, safeguarding your pool becomes a top priority. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore essential strategies, step by step, to protect your pool equipment from freezing temperatures, prevent winter power failures, and keep your pool operational during the harshest winter spells.
Preventing Freezing Damage to Pool Equipment
1. Winterizing Your Pool Equipment:
Partial and Full Winterization Methods For partial winterization, ensure to drain the pump, filter, heater, and other above-ground equipment. Remove drain plugs to prevent freezing, and add pool antifreeze to pipes and hoses with water. A complete winterization involves blowing water out of equipment and pipes, followed by plugging pipes at the pool to keep water out.
2. Sustaining Pool Pumps:
Strategies for Various Climates
- In milder climates, heed freeze warnings, and adopt the practice of running the pump 24/7 until the weather warms. Continuous water movement prevents freezing.
- In colder climates, explore alert options for temperatures below 37ºF or consider the Freeze Warn V alert system, visible up to 1/2 a mile at night.
Dealing with Winter Power Failure
Winter Storms and Power Outages
If a winter power failure occurs during a snowstorm, and you lack a home generator:
- Unscrew drain plugs on the pump, heater, and filter.
- Open the filter air bleeder and any closed pool line valves.
- Turn off the breaker to prevent the pump from turning on without water.
- When power is restored, replace plugs, prime the pump, and restart it.
Handling Frozen Pool Equipment
Emergency Measures for Frozen Equipment
- Turn off all power at the breaker.
- Create a 'tent' over equipment with heavy woolen blankets and safely position a small space heater inside.
- Monitor closely until thawed, inspecting for cracks and damage. If repairs are necessary, drain the equipment until fixed.
Winter doesn't have to freeze your pool dreams. By following these step-by-step strategies, you're not just weathering the cold—you're ensuring your pool emerges unscathed and ready for the joys of spring. Stay proactive, stay warm, and let your pool sparkle, even in the depths of winter. Happy winterizing!