Swimming Pool Equipment Protection

When the water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, microscopic ice crystals form. This process causes the water's volume to increase by 9%, which can cause the pool's concrete to crack. Although it's not rare for us to get below freezing in the south, there are still times when temperatures drop significantly below that level.

This is an important step to take when it comes to protecting your pool equipment. If the temperature gets too low, you should protect it:

• Remove all accessories: pool ladders, motors, pumps and diving boards in a dry, sheltered place.
• Completely drain water from all pool pipes, filters, chlorinators, pumps, and heaters.

What should you do to your other equipment?

Pool Pump And Filter

When temperatures drop, your pool filter and pump need to be regularly maintained to keep them running smoothly.

• After turning off the pump switch, waterproof the terminal box.
• Open all pump valves and remove the drain plug from the pump.
• Completely drain the filter tank. Your filter elements and filter covers should be removed, cleaned and stored in a dry place, free from dirt and dust.
• Use waterproof coverings to protect outdoor pumps. Alternatively, outdoor pumps should be disconnected and moved into a dry, safe room.
• Miscellaneous pump fittings and drain plugs that have been disconnected should be stored in a pump (hair and lint) basket.

Pool Chlorinators And Chemical Feeders

These pool components can be fully protected from freezing temperatures if a pool does the following:

• Disconnect power to the chlorinator and chemical feeders.
• Drain water from all the parts of the chlorinator/chemical feeder.
• Remove outdoor chlorinators/chemical feeders and store them in a dry, safe room.
• Return chlorine gas cylinders to the supplier when your swimming pool closes.
• Remove cells within electrolytic chlorinators. After water has been drained off completely, the cells should then be stored in a safe, dry place.
• A clean hypo-chlorinator system is recommended. This procedure involves draining the water from the system’s hoses and the diaphragm. The calcium carbonate/calcium hydroxide in question can be removed from the system. The system's electric motor should be taken off and stored in a warm location.

Heaters And Light Care

• UV generators should be drained. The lamp and quartz sleeves should be removed and stored in a warm, dry area.
• Drain your pool’s heater equipment. At the same time, turn off the pilot flame and main gas valves, as well as the pool’s gas supply.
• Clean the heater tubes.
• Remove and disable the pool lights form all niches and store them away in a dry, warm place after completely purging them off any water present.

Care Of Pool Skimmer

When the weather gets cold, drain all of your skimmers. Then, put antifreeze into each one. Most of the tasks mentioned above are carried out in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the pool hardware.

Store Accessories

These items are not intended for use during the winter season and can be destroyed by rodents during the winter. To avoid having to replace everything in one year, you should store and clean these items before putting them away.

Cover Your Pool

Winterizing a swimming pool is a great way to keep your pool clean and secure. However, it is important to choose the right cover for your pool. Aside from being regularly cleaned, the pool cover should also be maintained to prevent staining and keeping it free of debris.

If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!