The forecast in the DFW area keeps getting worse. I am still a pool newbie. We don't winterize here, just let the pool run when it gets cold. They are now calling for lows in the teens, highs in the 20s and ice. Apparently a lot of ice. We are preparing to be without power as that looks like it will be a common problem. So if the power goes out, what am I doing about the pool equipment? I can prep stuff today, so any words of wisdom would be much appreciated. My equipment is behind a 6 foot tall fence on 3 sides and backs the house on the other. I could put a propane heater in the fenced area (plenty of room not to melt anything) and run it to keep that general area a bit warmer. Or could I just open the filter and inline skimmer cover up so that there is escape for expanding water and pray that is enough give in the system? Or should I even be worried?
Here comes the ice - now what?
- Thread starter glitter&guns
- Start date
My plan would be to drain any above ground equipment if the power went out and stuff some cut up pool noodle material into the skimmer. You aren't likely to get any freezing deep enough into the water to harm your returns or skimmer plumbing.
You'll have two drains on your pump, and one on your filter. Best to find them now instead of 11pm with the lights out and ice everywhere.
It's important to shut the power to your pump off if you do that so it doesn't pump water everywhere if the power comes on.
You'll have two drains on your pump, and one on your filter. Best to find them now instead of 11pm with the lights out and ice everywhere.
It's important to shut the power to your pump off if you do that so it doesn't pump water everywhere if the power comes on.
I am also in the DFW area. So i should drain my filter and pump skimmer, correct? I have a Freeze Protector installed to my pool. Do i still need to drain or will the protector really protect?
I do what John suggested every fall before I cover the pool (to prevent the leaves from getting in). Drain ALL above ground pool equipment (pump, filter, any thing else attached). If you can get one from your pool store - I'd suggest getting a Gizmo(TM) (green plastic thing) that screws into the skimmer thread.
Luria8, as long as you have power, the freeze protect will work. Do the drain if your power goes out.
- May 3, 2007
- 16,833
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Can you predict or always know for sure when the power goes out (e.g. middle of night)?
In really cold weather, I would always drain rather than rely on freeze protection.
In really cold weather, I would always drain rather than rely on freeze protection.
zea3 said:
Through Saturday, warming up Sunday.
I like John T's plan too, and he ought to know since he gets real winters up there. :lol:
One word--------GENERATOR! Already gassed up and test run, Extra gas, plugs, and oil to change. Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!~
Oh great now Im worried... Hopefully we dont have any outages. But i will consider draining.mas985 said: