Thus far we have seen a mild winter, but most likely we will see another significant freeze or two before spring. Extreme cold for us and pool equipment is low 20’s and below and prolonged freezes where we don’t get above freezing for 24 hours or longer. Damage due to freezes can be very expensive, so please take the following precautions before any significant freeze:
- Make sure the pool is filled before the freezing weather gets here. Frozen hoses and faucets make it difficult to fill the pool during freezing temperatures.
- Check your pump(s) for operation, they are what prevent freeze damage.
- Main pump – this should definitely be operating during freezing air temperatures. This is what protects other components (filter, heater, plumbing, etc.)
- Booster pump (for some automatic cleaners) – the booster pump does not need to be operating, since water from the main pump is circulating through it
- Pumps for waterfalls, fountains, spa jets, etc. – these types of pumps either need to be drained and kept off or continuously ran during freezing temperatures. If you have further questions, please contact us and we can recommend the best solution for your situation.
- If it gets cold enough, long enough, ice can form on the surface of the pool. It is important to keep the ice broken up in and around the skimmer to allow adequate water flow to the pump.
If you ever notice the water not moving in the pool during freezing temperatures, please contact us immediately. If it is outside our office hours, please leave a message on our emergency line and someone will contact you as soon as possible.
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.
