When cold weather moves in, you may wonder how freezing temperatures will affect your pool and its equipment. Water expands when it freezes, which poses a danger to your pool's plumbing and equipment. Make sure your pool level is above the skimmer so you can run your pump. If your spigot or hose freezes, you will have no way to fill your pool.
Automation Systems and Freezing Temperatures
If you have an automation system, a “freeze protection” feature was likely configured when your automation system was first installed. This feature will automatically turn on your key pumps when a predetermined outdoor temperature is reached, often set a few degrees above freezing. Once ambient temperatures go above the freeze protect point, your automation will return the equipment to its normal settings. Some automation systems rotate valves intermittently between “pool” and “spa” mode when in freeze protect, so you may hear pauses when your pump(s) are not running.
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.
Remember, your local Pinch A Penny pool professionals are standing by to help you care for your pool after freezing weather. If you have questions about preparing your pool and its equipment or assisting with repairs if your pipes or equipment become frozen give your local store a call.
