Tips for Freezing Weather
Debris-Free Pool:
- Make sure your pool is mostly free of debris and leaves.
Clean Skimmer Baskets and Pump Baskets:
- Make sure skimmer baskets and pump baskets are clean so water can pass through without any resistance.
Freeze Protection:
- Make sure your pool has freeze protection.
- Take the precaution to set your filter pump timer to run continuously until temperatures are above freezing.
Mechanical Timer:
- If you have a mechanical timer, physically remove the “off” tripper so the pump will stay on.
Digital Timer:
- If you have a digital timer, pump your system in “Service Mode” and turn on all pumps until outside temperatures are above freezing.
Check Pump Operation:
- Most importantly, make sure pumps are running.
- Check using the pressure gauge or by looking for water movement in the pool.
- Note: If your pump speeds are turned down to a lower speed, this may be difficult to see.
Winterizing Your Pool Equipment
If you lose power to your house or pool equipment, or suspect your pumps aren’t running, follow these steps to winterize your pool equipment:
Turn Off Power:
- Turn the power off at the breaker.
Remove Pump Lid:
- Remove the pump lid to the main pump and/or water feature pumps if applicable.
Remove Drain Plugs:
- Remove drain plugs from all pumps.
- Place drain plugs in the pump basket.
Cover Pump Housing:
- Leave the pump lid upside down, covering the pump housing.
- Note: Most pumps have two plugs located on either side of the pump housing.
Booster Pumps:
- Booster pumps typically have 1 drain plug.
- This is typically located at the front of the pump.
Heater Drain Plugs:
- If you have a heater, there is typically 1 drain plug located where the PVC is going into the heater.
- The number and location of drain plugs will depend on the make and model of your heater.
Open Filter Air Relief:
- Open the filter air relief to release any trapped air.
Secure Drain Plugs:
- Put all drain plugs inside one of the pump baskets to ensure they don’t get lost.