How freezing temperatures can impact your pool
Close your eyes and pretend you’re swimming. When you picture a pool, what do you see? Chances are, your answer includes sunshine, lounge chairs, frosty beverages, and kids splashing around with noodles and toys.
When you imagine a pool, images of a chilly day or a cup of hot chocolate don’t spring to mind. Families should enjoy pools in hot weather — freezing temperatures and pool equipment don’t mix.
Of course, you don’t want to swim when the temperature dips below the 20s. But will cold temperatures harm your pool? At Pentair, we work to deliver smart, sustainable pool and spa solutions that create magical, wonder-filled moments by your pool, and the peace of mind that you can enjoy your pool for years to come. Read on to learn more about how to help ensure your pool is ready for winter.
What is it about freezing temperatures that spell trouble for your pool? A quick science lesson: when leftover water in a pipe or your pool heater freezes, it expands. Ice can fracture and crack anything from your piping to your pool pumps to your filtration systems.
Here’s how frozen equipment can impact your pool:
1. Costly Repair
The financial cost is the most obvious drawback. If frozen temperatures take your pool heater or pump out of commission, replacing or repairing the unit will eat into your budget.
On top of the monetary hit, it’ll take your pool out of commission during the relatively small window of viability. When it’s time to open your pool for spring or summer, the last thing you will want to do is deal with the headache and expense of replacing equipment. It’s better to take these preventative measures to protect your pool equipment now so you can soak up the sunshine next summer.
2. Reduction in Energy Efficiency
Maybe the ice doesn’t leave your pool out to dry. Perhaps a tiny crack forms, but you otherwise escape winter unscathed.
Over time, small cracks evolve into big problems. As cracks widen, leaks become worse and worse. Your pool pump will have to work harder, making it less efficient. This extra work increases your energy bill and makes your pool less clean.
3. Shorter Equipment Lifespan
The difference between pool equipment that lasts a couple of years and equipment that lasts its full lifecycle isn’t just about product quality — it’s proper on-going maintenance. Proper pool equipment maintenance helps your equipment operate smoothly and efficiently, season after season. Think about your vehicle. You don’t wait years to check and replace motor oil do you? No! That would result in your engine overheating, resulting in serious and expensive repair costs. Treat your pool equipment the same way.
Make the most of your investment by learning how to prevent your equipment from degrading in winter.