SPECIAL WINTERIZING PROCEDURES FOR FREEZING WEATHER
Posted by Marc Petito on Fri, Dec 03, 2010 @ 10:43 AM
When the air temperature drops below 32F and ice forms on the tile and surface of the pool, freezing water conditions exist. During these conditions, additional steps are necessary.
Run pump and filter continuously. The freeze guard unit will automatically activate the pool pump and keep it running until the temperature rises above freezing. NOTE: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR YOUR FREEZE GUARD TO CUT OFF THE POOL EVEN WHEN IT IS STILL BELOW FREEZING. This occurs when the sun is shining directly on the freeze guard. If this happens, activate the pump manually and remove the trippers so the pump will not turn off.
- Place plastic containers in the pool to keep the surface from freezing. Break up ice on the pool and spa surface continuously to prevent ice expansion damage. Be careful not to damage pool components while breaking ice. NOTE: Filter pressure gauge will sometimes freeze giving a false reading that the pool needs to be backwashed. Never backwash filter during freezing conditions.
- Keep skimmers free of ice. The weirs (skimmer doors) also should be kept clear of ice. SUGGESTION: Lower door by hand and place a clean brick on top of the door to allow for free flow of water to pump or carefully remove skimmer doors.
- Maintain your water at normal levels. Evaporation of water is normal during cold weather. If water gets so low in the pool that the pump is allowed to draw air, it will greatly increase the chances of your equipment freezing and being damaged by ice. SUGGESTION: If outdoor faucets are frozen, connect a garden hose to the water supply in the utility room and fill pool from that source.
- Maintain valves in normal filtration position for suction and return water to pool and spa.
- If you run your heater during low freezing conditions, this may cause damage to the heater. Always run your heater with discretion in the winter.
- Open spigot on backwash line if necessary, or remove sight glass.
- Turn eyeball fitting in the return jets up towards surface so that it ripples from flow line.