Dealing with Damages from Power Outages and the Hard Freeze

Due to the widespread power outages and record low temperatures, we are seeing a lot of pool equipment damage. Please be careful with icy ground conditions and check on your pool equipment as soon as you are able. The condition of it will fit into one of the following categories. Please review them and use the subsequent action plan:

Everything is running as normal

If the pool pump is still working and you do not notice any leaks, you may still may have a couple of action items. Keep an eye on the water level and refill as needed as water supplies become available and delivery methods thaw. Likely the filter will need to be backwashed or cleaned due to running almost 10 days straight. Make sure backwash lines are completely thawed before backwashing.

Pool equipment is still running, but some leaks were exposed

You will likely need to do the same steps as category 1 (see above), but note the placement of any icicles. Taking a picture of where they are coming from is a good idea. This will help identify where these leaks are coming from.

Pool equipment was winterized (equipment was drained) and is currently off

Wait several days to allow any possible trapped ice to thaw. If your equipment is in full shade it may take a week of above-freezing temps to completely thaw. Then make sure all equipment drain plugs are reinstalled. Fill pump pot(s) with water and turn on. From a safe distance, watch equipment carefully for any leaks for several minutes. If any leaks are found, take pictures of their location. If there is anything more than a drip, shut equipment off and turn off the breaker until repaired. Equipment may need to be winterized again if a repair cannot be made before the next freeze.

Pool equipment is frozen, but no noticeable issues

Make sure the breaker is turned off and wait for it to completely thaw. This may take several days or even a week of above-freezing temperatures to completely thaw out. Once thawed, fill pump pot(s) with water and turn it on. From a safe distance, watch equipment carefully for any leaks for several minutes. If any leaks are found, take pictures of their location. If there is anything more than a drip, then shut equipment off and turn off the breaker until repaired.

Pool equipment is clearly frozen and an issue is visible

Make sure the breaker is turned off. Take pictures of the visible issues and send them to our Service Department at servicedept@gohlkepools.com. Please include your name, address, and contact info.

At Gohlke Pools, we have been inundated with calls and requests, and we imagine that will continue as everything starts to thaw out. We will do our best to get to each request as soon as possible. Sending pictures of any issues to servicedept@gohlkepools.com will greatly help us know what we need to have to complete your repair as soon as possible.

To further complicate things, the pool equipment was already in short supply before all of this freeze damage in Texas due to delays with COVID-19 and increased demand for new pools. Even replacement parts are in short supply, as they are needed to make the new equipment. We have been acting to bring in supplies from other states in anticipation, but likely shortages will still occur. Thankfully, it is February and we have some time before the pool water warms up. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.