We run our small outdoor pool year round in Cleveland. Last year, when heavy snow was in the forecast, I would cover the pump with a tarp. Is that necessary? The water stays heated to around 75-80 all winter long, but I'm concerned about snow getting in the back of the motor housing. I was thinking about buying this: Amazon.com : Pentair Intelliflo Pump Motor Cover - Variable Speed Pool Pump Motor/Drive Cover - Outdoor : Swimming Pool Pump Accessories : Garden & Outdoor
Should I cover a running pool pump during a snow storm?
- Thread starter magicman
- Start date
When it gets very cold (below freezing for any number of days - not often but does occur in Houston area), I do cover my equipment with a tarp. It is laying on top of filter and on pipework so does not lay directly on any pump or motor. The motor generates heat to keep all nice and warm. I assume with snow you are worried about it building up around the motor - although if running, it should melt away. I have seen others on the forum reference the cover you show on Amazon and if it fits your motor it may provide you that comfort. Additionally, it also good to use in summer as you keep the direct sunlight off of the motor as well. I personally feel it is a good insurance policy to avoid snow, water or sun hit or lay on the pump and motor but everyone has their own risk tolerance.
jark87
Silver Supporter
- Jun 5, 2011
- 1,180
- Pool Size
- 25500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Pretty interesting idea and I wish I had thought of it earlier. I’m also in Texas, but few hundred miles north in the DFW area. We usually get 1 or 2 really hard freezes each year, with temps dropping into low 20s or teens. I’ve had my cleaner pump freeze (my bad for forgetting to delete the program), filter grids freeze, and a pipe burst due to improper placement of a valve for the chiller (repaired for free by the installer). A tarp trapping heat from the pump may have prevented all of those issues, especially since the freeze guard will run the pump at temps below 38. Thanks for the suggestion!
Yep, my biggest concern isn't freezing water. The pump runs 24/7 and the water is in the 70s-80s. I'm just concerned about blowing and drifting snow making its way into the back of the motor where the fan is. I didn't know if there was an issue if snow got in there. My guess is it would melt? If I have the covered I referenced, I'm thinking that would prevent anything from getting in there. Sounds like it would be good to have just in case.