How to Prevent Freeze Damage

What a great fall we have had thus far—sunny weather and mild temperatures.  With that being said, we know that it will eventually get very cold.  The average date of our first freeze is November 22^nd—so it is just around the corner.  With freezing weather imminent, it is important that your pool and pool equipment are prepared to handle it.

Following are a few general maintenance tips that will help when it comes to preventing problems due to freezing temperatures:

• Fill the pool — Since water hoses typically freeze, we suggest that you fill up your pool prior to the arrival of freezing weather.
• Empty the baskets — Since any restriction in flow can lead to freeze damage, we suggest that you empty the skimmer and pump baskets.
• Clean the filter — Be sure to clean or backwash the filter prior to the freezing weather arriving.  The reason for this is that good flow helps prevent freeze damage, and a dirty filter limits the flow.

Most pool equipment in the Denton area has been programmed so that the pumps are switched on by a freeze sensor when the ambient air temperature approaches freezing, but it is still important to make sure.  Following is what you need to be looking for:

• Main pump — The main pump should definitely be operating when the temperature is freezing.  This helps prevent damage to other components as well — such as the filter, heater, etc.
• Booster pump (for automatic cleaners) — The booster pump does not need to be operating, since water from the main pump is circulating thru the booster pump.
• Pumps for waterfalls, fountains, spa jets, etc. — Pumps for waterfalls, fountains, spa jets, etc. should either be operating or should be drained.  Some might be on a freeze sensor, therefore if these pumps are drained the freeze sensors need to be deprogrammed.

Until temperatures reach the mid to high 20’s, it is very unlikely that it is cold enough to do any damage.

If temperatures reach the single digits or will be under freezing for an extended period of time, oftentimes extra precautions must be taken.  If that is the case, please contact us and we will be glad to advise you on how to avoid freeze damage.  Should you have any questions concerning winter pool care, please feel free to give us a call at (940) 384-7665.