It is that time of year again where we need to get our pools ready for Winter. This can look very different from region to region. It really all depends on exactly how cold Winters are in your neck of the woods. Most people in States where it gets to freezing temps do what is known as “Winterizing” their swimming pools. What happens if you choose not to Winterize? You are in for some trouble. Here are some of the things that could happen if you do not properly close your swimming pool for those icy Winter months.
You Could Damage Your Swimming Pool Pump
Whether you have an energy efficient variable speed pool pump or a single speed pool pump, the freeezzing water going through it can damage the components. Especially if the water freezes inside of the pool pump. Don’t worry so much about the connectors and pvc. If broken,these can easily be replaced. Needing a whole new pump come Spring? That can get expensive. If your swimming pool pump gets ruined or you are just ready for an upgrade, I highly suggest you check out the American made, household name of Black & Decker who have extended their expertise to the swimming pool industry. They are half the price of what you would pay at your local swimming pool store. Check them out here.https://poolpartstogo.com/collections/all-pumps
You Could Damage Your Filter
Filters can handle normal pressure. Even high pressure from being dirty. However, the pressure of expanding ice is something your swimming pool filter cannot handle. The this can cause the tank to crack, the clamp to crack, or the valve can crack. Then the filter can can begin to leak. It is super easy to Winertize your filter. All you do is open the air bleed assembly and remove the drain plug. With a multiport valve, leave it between two positions. If it is a push-pull slide valve, you will want to leave it halfway up.
You Could Damage Your Pipes
When we Winterize, we lower the watr level and ensure all the water has been blown out of the pipes. Any standing water that you leave in the pipes is bound to freeze. Much like what we talked about in the filter, the freezing water will expand and put a ridiculous amount of pressure on your skimmer, pipes and anything else that can become full of water.
Now the pipes underground can also freeze, but not as quickly. This is due to the insulation from the ground. After several days of freezing temps, you can expect the underground pipes and the surrounding dirt to freeze.
You Could Damage Your Heater
Pool heaters are stronger, but still not strong enough to withstand the freezing temps. To Winterize a pool heater, remove the front and rear header drain plugs and disconnect the pressure switch. Like the plumbing, blow out the lines to remove any water that may be hanging out.
You Could Damage Your Pool Structure
This mostly pertains to above ground pools. They can actually crumple, much like a tin can. This is because as the ice sheets thicken, the outward stress is pushed against the walls. It can also put undue pressure on your skimmer.
You Could Damage Your Deck
You could ruin the fun activity of opening your pool if there is a pipe cracked below your deck. This could lead to the headache of a pool deck gut-job. Above ground pipes are much easier to repair. Having to cut through stone sounds like a nightmare to me.
It is Best to Winterize
Air pillows, skimmer plugs, pool covers, pool antifreeze and a few other important steps ensure you won’t experience any damage to you inground or above ground swimming pool. Check out our blog on how to Winterize a swimming pool for more information. See you poolside, come Spring!
