Freezing Weather Preparation

1. Fill the water level to the middle of the tile line (waterline tile). During a freeze event, you will not be able to add water, so starting at the correct level is critical. Continuous circulation is essential to prevent ice formation and protect the pool shell, plaster, and skimmers.

2. Freeze Protection

   • If your system includes a freeze guard (automatic freeze protection), no further action is needed—your equipment is protected.

   • If you do not have a freeze guard, manually turn on all pumps (including booster pumps for cleaners) and keep them running continuously throughout the freeze event to maintain water movement and prevent freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

     Should I drain the equipment now and shut everything down early?

No. Draining the pool or equipment and stopping circulation leaves the pool shell, plaster, skimmers, and other components vulnerable to cracking and structural damage. When the surface freezes, expanding ice exerts tremendous pressure on anything it contacts—circulation prevents this.

     Should I wrap pumps, heaters, or pipes with insulation, blankets, or tarps?

No. Covering equipment with any material creates a serious fire hazard if it contacts hot motor surfaces or electrical components. Avoid any wrapping or insulation unless it is manufacturer-approved and specifically designed for pool equipment.

     Should I run the pool heater to keep the water warm and prevent freezing?

No. Operating the heater in very cold ambient temperatures can cause excessive condensation inside the unit, leading to corrosion or damage. Pre-heating the pool ahead of time also provides little benefit—the large volume of water loses heat rapidly in sub-freezing air, and any temporary warmth dissipates quickly before a deep freeze arrives.

 

Power Outage Preparation

Recommended Materials

• Phillips & Flathead screwdrivers

• Channel locks

• Foam “fun noodles” (or other floating, pliable items such as sealed plastic bottles or firewood)

Steps to Protect Equipment During a Power Outage Follow these steps immediately after power is lost to prevent water from freezing and expanding inside pipes, pumps, and equipment.

1. Turn Off Power Locate your pool equipment breaker box or sub-panel and switch off all breakers that supply power to pool equipment. This prevents pumps from restarting unexpectedly when power is restored, which could damage dry or partially drained components.

2. Pumps Most pumps have one or two drain plugs on the lower portion of the pump pot (the front section). Remove all drain plugs and the pump lid(s) to allow complete drainage.

   • For pool cleaner booster pumps: Remove the single drain plug at the very front (no lid to remove).

3. Chlorinator Remove the lid.

   • For Jandy Duo models: Also remove the cartridge, the lid on the tablet side, and the drain plug.

4. Backwash Valve (DE Filters Only) Turn the multiport valve to the “Backwash” position.

   • If you have a slide valve (push-pull): Raise the handle halfway to allow drainage.

5. Filter Open the air relief valve on top of the filter (twist until you hear air hissing; leave it open). Remove the 4-inch drain cap/plug at the bottom of the filter tank.

6. Raised/Elevated Spas Locate the check valve at the bottom of the spa return pipe. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws and cap. This allows the spa to drain down to pool level. Keep spa return valves open.

7. Heater Find the drain plug at the lowest point on the heater (usually on the same side as the plumbing connections). Remove the plug to drain the heat exchanger.

8. Pool Shell & Skimmer Protection To minimize pressure on the pool shell, plaster, and skimmers from expanding ice:

   • Place floating, pliable items in the pool and spa to absorb ice expansion. Good options include foam fun noodles, sealed plastic bottles (with lids tightened), or small pieces of firewood.

   • For best skimmer protection, thread a foam noodle from the pool through the skimmer throat and out the skimmer lid opening. This allows the noodle to extend above the deck and absorb pressure directly at the skimmer. 

Important Notes

• After the freeze or power is restored, contact us to inspect and restart your system properly. Improper restart can cause additional damage.