As the winter months draw near, Texans must be ready to shield their pools from freezing conditions. While Texas is known for its warm winters, unexpected cold snaps can happen, risking significant damage to unprotected pools. Effective winterization is key to preserving your pool and extending its lifespan. Here are essential strategies to winterize your pool during freezing weather in Texas.
Winterizing? Not Really...
You might have heard that “winterizing” your pool is the go-to solution for cold weather. We believe in a different approach. Unless we’re facing a prolonged deep freeze with power outages, we say keep that pool running!
Your pool’s filtration system is designed to circulate water, which helps prevent freezing. Many modern pools even have a “freeze guard” that automatically kicks in when temperatures drop, cycling the pump on and off to keep the water moving. If your pool doesn’t have this feature, simply run the pumps constantly during freezing temperatures.
Heaters? Nope! (Please don't heat the water!)
This might sound counterintuitive, but cranking up the heater during a freeze is actually one of the worst things you can do for your pool. It can put a strain on your equipment and even lead to damage. Trust us on this one – let your pool’s circulation system do its job and keep that heater off.
Water Level Matters: Keep it Balanced
Maintaining the proper water level in your pool is crucial, especially during cold weather. Aim for a level that’s about halfway up the skimmer opening. This ensures that your pump can circulate water effectively and prevent freezing in the plumbing lines.
Remember, water evaporates even in cold weather, so keep an eye on that water level and top it off as needed. A low water level can cause your pump to lose prime, which means the water stops circulating, and that’s when those dreaded freeze-related problems can occur.
Power Outage? Time to Take Action!
If the power goes out during a freeze, it’s time to take action to protect your pool equipment. Turn off the breaker to your pool equipment and drain the water from your pump, filter, heater, and any other components. This prevents water from freezing and expanding inside the equipment, which can cause cracks and costly damage. One other consideration is to remove any check valves by unscrewing the covers and set them aside. This will release any water being held back above ground that can freeze.
Winterizing your pool in Texas may seem like a daunting task, but by following these expert tips, you can effectively protect your investment.
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