Forgot to run pool last night, now have ice. What should I do?

[Strawberryshortcake]

We did not winterize the pool because our winters are very mild the last several years. It was nearly 80 degrees last week. On the nights temps drop to 20s, which is rare, I just ran the pool pump. However, I forgot to do that last night, and woke up to a frozen pool. It is a pretty thin sheet of ice over the whole thing (I'm able to poke through with ease). But, I also see a frozen layer in the pump basket so I am not sure if I should leave it at this point or turn it on? It is going to be cold again tonight, 27, so I wanted to have it running. The next few days will be 70s with only 40s at night...

 

[wireform]

Sounds like you may still be good. While at the pump turn it on and it may just be ok. If it doesn't sound right turn it off.

 

[ajw22]

Do not poke at the ice in your pool or you may cause the sharp edge of the ice to tear the liner.

You should be fine for tonight . Read...

The Physics of Freezing and Freeze Protection

Recently, there have been a lot of questions from those living in moderate climates about using automatic freeze protection or running pumps to prevent freezing and what a pool owner should do when temperatures drop so I thought it might be useful to have a thread which dealt with the issue from...

www.troublefreepool.com

From Preparing Pool for Cooler Months - Further Reading

• Keep a tarp and plastic cover nearby to cover the equipment pad and protect the equipment from exposure in harsh weather like sleet
• You can put an incandescent light bulb under the tarp to add a little heat if the temps are predicted to stay below freezing for several days in a row
• Don't leave equipment covered for too long as it can become a nest for critter that can do damage

 

[Strawberryshortcake]

Sounds like you may still be good. While at the pump turn it on and it may just be ok. If it doesn't sound right turn it off.

Do you think I should remove the ice sheet from the pump basket and add some water to it first?

 

[wireform]

Do you think I should remove the ice sheet from the pump basket and add some water to it first?

No, the ice in the basket will fall apart as soon the water starts to move as it's probably very thin.

 

[Arizonarob]

Forgot to run pool last night, now have ice. What should I do?

Sorry, couldn’t resist.