While South Louisiana’s climate is characterized by relatively short and mild winters, hot summers, and year-round precipitation; most of us in this area of the country do not winterize our pools. However, freezing can create costly damage to your swimming pool or spa.
It is a rare occasion that this area ever experiences snow or an Artic Blast with record low freezing temperatures like we are expecting later this week. With that said, the best way to protect your pool or spa from freeze damage short of full winterizing is to prevent it from happening. Here are a few tips that will help prevent your pipes from freezing.
KEEP THE WATER MOVING!
As long as the water is moving at a reasonable velocity through the piping and your pool equipment, it likely will not freeze.
Make sure the pool is clean. If your skimmers and main drain get blocked with leaves and other debris it can prevent the pump from moving enough water to prevent freezing.
Run your pool pump continuously when temperatures are near or below freezing. You don't need to run your heater, moving water likely will not freeze.
You may have a freeze protection device that will automatically turn the pump on when the temperature drops to around 34 degrees. A freeze protector will keep your pool running if the temperature remains close to freezing. A quick visual check will be in order the next time the temperature drops to around 34.
If your filter and/or feature pump(s) has not come on yet as temperatures near freezing, you can turn your key pumps on from your automations system's remote or app, or, at the outdoor control panel by changing the system setting to “Service” and turning on pumps with the appropriate buttons.
If you have an Intermatic Time Clock (yellow dial), flip the silver lever to the right to turn a pump on. If you turn a pump on before the time clock reaches the “Off” tab or tripper, you will have to turn the pump on again manually.
Avoid Covering Your Equipment with Any Kind of Blanket or Tarp unless there is a power outage and you have followed steps below to avoid a fire.
IF THE POWER GOES OUT...
DO NOT DRAIN THE POOL!
Here are the steps to winterizing your pool equipment in the event of a power outage:
Turn Off Power – Turn the main power switch off – you do not want your pumps coming back on if they are drained or if you have frozen lines.
Remove Drain Plugs – Remove the drain plugs from your pumps, heater, filter and anything else that holds water and has a drain plug.
Remove Lids – Take the lids off of your pumps and put the drain plugs in the basket so you do not lose them.
Open Air Relief – Open the air relief valve on your filter and remove the cap from your chlorinator.
If anything else looks like it might be holding water, try to get it drained. Sometimes you can just loosen the unions on things to help drain out the water. DO NOT DRAIN POOL!
When the power is restored, then put everything back together and prime the pumps and get them started.
NEED HELP?
Our team of experienced, licensed professionals is available to help you with expert advice, repair and installation.
*Warranties by Caribbean Pools do not cover damages caused or contributed to directly or indirectly by accident, abuse, misuse, improper maintenance, exposure to fire, temperature extremes, hazards of nature including but not limited to floods, ground movement, ground faults, shifting or settling soil or clay, hydrostatic pressure when the pool is not kept full, Acts of God, war, riots, civil disturbances, acts of others, or any other external action or force which may adversely affect the pool structure, accessories, and/or installation.
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