Pool owners will need to do everything they can to prepare for serious winter weather (much like what occurred in 2021). In worst-case scenarios, pools and pool equipment can be damaged by extreme cold. All of J3 Pool’s new construction customers should have a Hayward Omni controller that has a freeze protection feature.

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Freeze Protection Enabled? Freeze protection is used to protect the pool and plumbed equipment against freeze damage during cold temperatures. If freeze protection is enabled AND the air temperature falls below the freeze threshold, the OmniLogic will turn on the filter pump to circulate the water. If two Bodies of Water are configured, the valves will also alternate between the pool and spa every 30 minutes and the filter pump will turn off while the valves are turning. Water features will run as well if they are set up. The chlorinator will not operate if freeze protection is the only reason the pump is running. If Yes is selected: Freeze Protection Temperature? Select the temperature to be used for freeze protection. Temperature is adjustable from 33ºF-42ºF (1ºC-6ºC). 38ºF (3ºC) is default. This threshold will be used for all outputs that have freeze protection enabled.

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With this quick reference guide, we're providing helpful tips for managing pool equipment during cold weather conditions. By following these recommendations, you may be able to minimize the damage to your pool equipment and get your pool up and running after the winter weather passes. Keep in mind that equipment damage from freezing weather is typically not covered by equipment warranties, so it's extremely important for pool owners to prep everything they can for the incoming severe winter weather.

 

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO COLD WEATHER POOL MANAGEMENT

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Run Your Pump When Below Freezing

During deep freeze conditions, it will be imperative that all pumps run while temperatures are below freezing. If you have a controller, it should automatically take over and turn on the pump(s) and rotate between the pool and spa mode on its own. If you do not have a controller, you will need to manage this process on your own.

 

Cold Weather And Power is On

If you do have power to your home and are not being affected by power outages, keep your pool equipment operating at all times (24/7) until temperatures increase above freezing.

If your power is out or your home is being affected by power outages, keep reading below or contact your local pool professional for assistance:

 

Cold Weather, But Lost Power

Only If your power is out and the temperatures are below freezing:

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Turn off all pool equipment breakers. Even if your power is off, you must still turn off all breakers that supply power to your swimming

pool equipment.

Flip the air relief lever 80 degrees to release air from the filter. Remove the drain plug on the bottom of the filter to remove the water.

Turn off auto-fill and make sure the feed line is wrapped.

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Open the inline chlorinator lid and let it drain down and leave the lid off.

 

Remove the lids of check valves to keep them from cracking by removing the screws. Remove the clear cover and the spring-loaded flap on the inside; make sure not to lose or damage the rubber spring/gasket on the inside.  

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Unplug and remove your salt chlorine generator cells from the system if you're able, if not, open the salt cell to remove any water inside the pipe.

 

 

 

 

 

Remove the heater winterizing drain plug. This should be located on the manifold of the heater where the PVC pipes are attached to the heater.

You can open both unions on the heater as well for extra protection.

 

Remove all pump lids to allow air into the pump and keep them off.

 

                                                                                               

Remove pump winterizing plugs located on the bottom left of the pumps, remove both plugs and keep them off.

                                               

 

 

Remove the 4 unions on the chiller bypass valves.

 

 

 

 

Winterize your PVB. Find the ball valve shut off located generally in a green landscape box inline between the water meter and PVB. Turn both valve handles 45 degrees to pipes. Remove the relief valve caps and open up relief valve screws to drain water out of the system. Make sure pipes and PVB is wrapped with insulation or winter freeze cover.

 

 

 

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Wait for Ice to Melt Naturally

If ice has formed on your equipment, don't turn the power back on. Wait for any ice that has formed to melt naturally. This will help prevent damage to the equipment once power is restored.

Reinstall Removed Items

Once the ice has melted, re-install the drains and salt chlorine generator cells. Fill your pump baskets with water and turn on the power to your pool equipment. Check for water leaking anywhere once the system is restarted.

 

Get Expert Help

Always remember you can use your local Hayward pool professional for help. Reach out to a licensed pool professional for assistance, especially if your equipment loses power for an extended period of time.  You can also reference YouTube videos produced by reputable companies.