Keep your pool safe in a freeze

Central Texas winters are mild most of the time, but a hard freeze every few years can crack pipes, pumps and filters in one night. Most of that damage can be prevented. Here is what we tell our own customers.

Before a freeze

• Keep the pump running. Moving water does not freeze in the pipes. Run it all night when the forecast is near freezing.
• Check the freeze protection. Most automated equipment turns the pump on by itself when it gets cold. Make sure it is switched on and actually starts.
• Keep the pool full. Do not drain a pool for winter. Water in the pool protects the plaster and tile.
• Cover pipes above ground. Wrap exposed pipes and valves at the equipment with towels or pipe insulation, with a tarp over the top.

If the power goes out in a freeze

Without power the pump stops and the water in the equipment can freeze and crack it. If the outage will last through a hard freeze:

• Turn off the pool breakers so nothing starts up by surprise.
• Open the drain plugs on the pump, filter and heater to let the water out.
• Keep the plugs in a safe place (a zip bag on the pump works) and cover the equipment.

After the freeze

• Do not break ice on the pool. It melts on its own.
• Put the drain plugs back before turning the power on.
• Start the pump and look for leaks, cracks or water spraying at the equipment.
• If something leaks or the pump will not start, turn it off and call us.

The rest of the winter

Keep the chemicals balanced, keep leaves out of the skimmer and keep the water level up. Winter is also a good time to replaster or remodel, so the pool is ready for the first warm weekend.

Call 512-965-6346 Pool repair and service Winter remodel offer