Winterizing heat pump during off-season...am I doing this right?

[convan23]

Hey! I have an AquaCal SQ120R heat pump. Not going to be using it for a few months. When the pool was built the builder installed a bypass so that we could completely remove the heat pump from the plumbing loop. There is also a bib installed outside of each plumbing connection going into the heat pump.

I believe if I wanted to winterize this unit, all I would need to do is turn the valve that closes off the heat pump from the loop, and open both bibs up to let the water drain. This is similar to AquaCal's instructions, except they call for disconnecting the unions going into the heat pump. Not sure I need to do that since I have the bibs.

3 questions:

1. Is it better or worse to leave the unit winterized for months at a time, vs just before a hard freeze? Plan to leave the pool "open" all winter. Thinking that if we did end up with another freeze event like last year (N. Texas) I at least have one less piece of equipment to worry about.
2. Am I winterizing properly by just closing off the valve and opening the bibs? Can I skip disconnecting the unions?
3. Should I leave the bibs opened or closed after the water drains? I noticed that if I close them up after a few days there seems to be more water "built up" - as in I can open the bibs back up and a little more water comes out. Maybe a cup. Not sure if this is from water not draining all the way out (even though the bibs stay open for hours) or water is somehow finding its way back in the loop.

 

[ajw22]

The problem is diverter valves and check valves sometimes do not close off perfectly and let a bit of water leak around the edges. Disconnecting the unions or leaving the bibs open may lead to water leaks.

It looks like with your setup opening the bibs will be the same as disconnecting the unions.

I would wait and open the bibs when you turn off and winterize your pump. Closing your bypass valve does not 100% guarantee that water will not leak past the valves. So you need to drain the bibs anytime you expect freezing conditions with the bypass on.

 

[wireform]

Some water my still find it's way but it can't be much. I'd leave it open and catch the water to see how much you get if it even ceases to run. If water continues you know either the bypass or the checkk valve isn't holding. If you close the bibs you'll never know there's leakage and can loose the heater not knowing water got back in in a deep freeze situation.