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How to Prevent Freeze Damage
Cold weather is on the way!
Cold weather is on the way! The forecast is calling for extremely cold weather beginning late this weekend into early next week. This can be difficult on pool equipment, as water expands by approximately 9% when it freezes, sometimes resulting in busted pipes or equipment components.
What can really be difficult on pool equipment is consecutive number of hours below freezing—which we are expecting from beginning Sunday thru Tuesday night.
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.
There are basically three extreme situations that pool owners need to be aware of that could cause issues:
- If temperatures reach the single digits.
- If temperatures will be under freezing for an extended period of time.
- If there is a loss of power (see February 2021)
If any one of these three occur, extra precautions should 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.
Stay warm!
Matt has been around the pool business since he was born. When he graduated college in 1984, he joined the family business working for Gohlke Pool Supply. The following year Matt and his father formed a partnership, Gohlke Custom Pools, and started offering pool construction.
