First year salt pool in NC, left open, pump running, water temp down to 33 - Yikes!

[lisa_r]

This is our first year with in-ground 15,500 gallon salt pool. Being in NC, we were told it would be fine to leave it open and just run the pump when it is freezing.

I read the article here on the Physics of Freezing and Freeze Protection but it's all a bit overwhelming since actual temperature ranges vary so widely.

Long story short, we were all set to take the advice of leaving the pool open and have been running the pump/filter during freezing times. That's been great and we were still maintaining 40's for water temp until this last cold snap when we've seen it drop to 39, and this morning to 33 !!!

Pipes are wrapped and two layers of tarp cover the equipment.

I feel like we are nearing the end of the runway so to speak. Tonight is going to be another mid-teens air temp with a high around 32 tomorrow yet again.

Assuming no power loss, is there a certain water temp at which you would recommend abandoning the "keep it moving approach" and instead recommend opening the drain plugs?

We called our pool company and they insisted there is nothing special they would do to drain it but pull the drain plugs and that no suction or blowing out would be needed. After reading the manual for my AuqaComfort ACT1500, I'm no longer confident in their answer.

 

[jeffchap]

It's my understanding that as long as the pump is running, your pipes won't freeze. We got into the single digits overnight this past weekend, and I haven't had any trouble. My next electric bill is going to be a doozy though -- the pump has run 24x7 for the past 2 weeks now.

 

[mknauss]

Jeff is right. The system will not flash freeze. You may get ice on the pool water but the system will not freeze as long as water is moving. You did very well covering your equipment. You could put a drop light under it to keep things warmer.

Take care

 

[lisa_r]

Thanks! That is comforting. Meanwhile, my husband draped the pool with a solar cover after the sun faded away from the pool.

 

[camueller]

Plus if you are getting up to 32 during the day consider yourself lucky. I haven't seen above 25ish in 10 days. My pool has an inch thick sheet of ice across it. I winterize my pump, filter and plumbing, but I don't cover my pool, so all my neighbors think it is fully open.

Unless you are getting down to below zero and staying 15 or below for highs several days in a row, running the pump should be fine.

 

[bmoreswim]

One thing that may happen on a really cold snap is your skimmer doors freezing shut and then not allowing water to enter. It’s a potential.