Ice on plumbing

[WhitB08]

Frigid for a few days in Tennessee, ice forming on top of pool. I've had freeze protection on and the pump has been running nonstop for days. This morning we took a look at the equipment on the side of the house and found this. I believe this plumbing only flows to our different water features which apparently don't cut on with freeze protection. Advice? We aren't supposed to get above freezing until Saturday.

 

[mknauss]

Unless that valve was leaking it appears it has failed. Is there pressure on that system with your main pump running?

Be ready for a leak or other issues when things thaw out.

Good luck.

 

[WhitB08]

The valve is in the off position, so it's my understanding that the water isn't flowing through that section even though the main pump is running. I think it only runs water to our water features when in the open position.
Unfortunately, I have limited understanding of the plumbing, as we bought the house with the pool already built. We hired the pool builder to come give us what he called a "seminar". He charged us $350 and reviewed backwashing and a few other things we had already learned from this site. ��Fortunately I have mastered the chemistry thanks to pool school.

 

[peirek]

The valve being in the off position has caused the standing water in the valve and pipe to freeze. The valve should have been opened to allow water to circulate. As Marty mentioned above, expect a leak when it thaws.

 

[mknauss]

So the main pump sends water to the water features too? If so - that valve should have been left at least partially open for freeze protection. You do not appear to have automation so the valve stays closed unless you open it.

It is likely that valve has failed. When it starts to warm it will most likely leak. And then if it gets cold again you will not be able to run your pump without a massive leak. Get things lined up tomorrow to fix that valve. Either parts, etc or a pool professional/plumber.

Good luck.

 

[WhitB08]

That's what I was assuming. Thanks for the input!

 

[JamesW]

It looks like the 90 is cracked as well.

Can you post a picture of the system in more detail?

 

[WhitB08]

I just went out and that elbow actually isn't crack. That line is just a tiny strand of the blue adhesive stuff.

 

[JamesW]

Ok, it's hard to tell how much damage there is. Hopefully, it's not too bad.

 

[PoolguyinCT]

Bizarre to see the icicle from the handle.. something must have been “spraying.” If you are correct & leak is relegated to the pvc weld, the outer diameter of the valves can be used to make the repair.

 

[WhitB08]

Still well below freezing. Pump basket is developing some ice inside it. Should I do anything about that or just continue to keep the pump running?

 

[peirek]

Interesting the pump basket is developing ice inside. I would keep the pump running and the water moving.

Do you have someone lined up to do the repairs as soon as that valve thaws?

 

[WhitB08]

Interesting the pump basket is developing ice inside. I would keep the pump running and the water moving.

Do you have someone lined up to do the repairs as soon as that valve thaws?

We thawed out yesterday, and while there was no noticeable leak at that valve (weird!) there was in the flexible plumbing and valve under the slide. The pool guy just left and also was unable to find any leaking at the valve that was previously frozen over. He winterized the slide and deck jet sprayers, so hopefully we are good for the remainder of the winter. In the spring we will have the slide repaired and look into an unidentified leak that I'm sure we've had since moving in a couple of years ago. Thanks again, everyone for the advice!

 

[PoolguyinCT]

That’s so bizarre, but take it as a gift!!

The water didn’t just materialize. My guess, the valve cover or gasket was nudged by ice expansion & reset when thawed??