Hoping to see more follow up stories with what each did to protect the pool and equipment or what you did that unfortunately didn't protect and how much or what kind of damage you had, it will help us understand what kind of temps we can survive by just keeping the water moving, etc.
I feel a little guilty posting my version of this story, because not only did I never lose power (must be in part of a grid with a medical condition or something, we do have 2 schools right on either side of us, so maybe they are protected) but we got it heated just in case.
I was going with the just keep the pump running and protect until about 1:00 on Sunday afternoon I think it was (these days ran together fast). When so much news started happening about blackouts we decided to see if we could heat it.
We have Pentair Easy Touch automation, so I turned freeze protection OFF, and moved the pool/spa valves half way so that it would circulate both at all times. We covered most of the pipes with a blanket and heavy drop cloth, started the heater and the next 48 hours we got it up to 77. The heater would stop every few hours, but eventually come back on. Once we got to that temp though on Tuesday we knew we'd be good and it could just drift back down over a few days, so we stopped the heating.
So here we are with one more bitter night left, pump is still running fine, outside temp is 28, dropping to estimated 13 tonight and the pool still sits at 53. Freezing again on Friday night and on Saturday we'll start to warm up. I figure the water temp will still be close to 40.
We have not had to add water, but will say we have likely lost at least 2 inches and will have to add some tomorrow, I've only got about an inch flowing into the skimmer, but didn't want to try and turn the faucet on with the temps dropping again tonight. I'll be comfortable doing that tomorrow and should get water in it before it drops below the skimmer. If not I'll just shut them off and pull from the drain, it'll be warm enough to do so tomorrow.
I truly hope for the best and those that weren't so lucky and froze at least got those plugs pulled and when thawed will run again nicely.
It also afforded a nice pic or two.
View attachment 176280