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1. Run your pump. Anytime the temperature is freezing, make sure your pump is running. ----- Many people run their pumps 24 hours a day 365 days a year, if you only run it at night during the winter, change your timer to 24 hours to keep it circulating during the freezing temperatures.
2. If the power goes out - Act to protect your equipment.
Two IMPORTANT things: Know if you equipment is above or below water level, and if you winterize the equipment, make sure you turn off the power to the equipment. If you do not, and the power comes back on, you can burn out your pump.
---If the equipment is above water level: winterize your equipment by removing any drain plugs in your pump, filter, heater and any other pieces of equipment you have on site. The pump and filter will usually have a small plug near the bottom, and many heaters will have small bolt like plugs up by the exchanger.
---If the equipment is below water level: Attempt to isolate the equipment with the valves and shutoffs and drain the equipment itself. Insulate
Additionally, you can take a blanket and drape it over the plumbing to act as an insulator. While you may drain as much water as possible, there may still be pockets of water and that could freeze and damage plumbing and equipment
3. If you have no flow through the skimmer, either due to power loss or other factors, place a tennis ball in the skimmer . If the water in the skimmer freezes it will first compress the ball before it goes outwards and damages the skimmer unit itself.
4. If you operate your heater, expect that there will be condensation. Also be aware that most thermostats have a low setting of between 65 and 75 degrees. If they allow the unit to run, you could be looking at a sizable utility bill. Operate enough to take the chill off (40 -50 degrees), then turn the heater off but continue to circulate.
5. For Portable Hot Tubs --- once power has failed, turn the breaker off and stuff blankets in the equipment bay. You should not need to drain a fully insulated spa immediately. It is likely good for several days because of the foam / design.
Finally --- Understand that if things freeze up, it will take several days before the system can be run once temperatures are above freezing.
--Every pool and hot tub can be different. These are only general rules to help prevent freeze damage.--
Also, when in doubt --- give us a call or an e-mail and we can help walk you through.
Aqua Quip Service and Maintenance Department
Service@aquaquip.com
425-264-2350 |