How to Protect Your Pool During a Winter Storm

Winter storms can wreak havoc on your pool system, especially if the power goes out during freezing temperatures. While most pool equipment is equipped with a freeze guard to kick on automatically when the temperature drops, power outages leave your system vulnerable to freezing water—leading to costly damage.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to winterize your pool system in an emergency, ensuring your equipment stays safe until the weather improves. By following these simple instructions, you can prevent frozen pipes, cracked pumps, and damaged filters, saving yourself from expensive repairs.

Watch this emergency Guide to Winterizing Your Pool System Without Power:

If you lose power during freezing temperatures, follow these steps to protect your pool equipment from damage:

Step 1: Turn Off the Breakers

1. Locate your electrical box.

2. Turn off all the breakers controlling your pool equipment. This ensures the system won’t attempt to restart while you’re draining it.

Step 2: Drain the Pool Pumps

1. Identify your pool pumps (e.g., main pump, Polaris pump).

2. Locate the drain plugs on each pump. Most pumps have two plugs.

3. Unscrew the plugs and allow the water to drain completely.

• Important: Keep the drain plugs in a safe place for reinstallation later.

Step 3: Drain the Cartridge Filter

1. Find your cartridge filter.

2. Use a strap wrench or channel lock to open the drain valve at the base of the filter.

3. Allow all the water to drain out.

Step 4: Drain the Polaris Pump (Cleaner System)

1. Locate the Polaris pump (usually the smaller pump near your main system).

2. Find the drain plug on the front of the pump.

3. Open the plug and let the water drain completely.

Step 5: Drain the Nature 2 Fusion System

1. Locate the Nature 2 Fusion system (if installed).

2. Find the drain plug on the front of the unit.

3. Unscrew the plug and drain all water.

Step 6: Drain the Pool Heater

1. Locate your pool heater.

2. Identify the drain plug at the base of the heater (usually hidden towards the back).

3. Remove the plug and let the water drain completely.

• Tip: Be cautious while accessing this area, as it may be tricky to reach.

Step 7: Double-Check for Remaining Water

1. Verify that all equipment (pumps, filters, heater, and systems) has fully drained.

2. Ensure no water remains trapped in any components, as freezing water can cause significant damage.

Step 8: Call for Assistance

1. Once the freezing weather passes and power is restored, contact your pool professional to ensure proper reinstallation of plugs and reactivation of your system.

2. If you need assistance, call us to help you get your system operational again.

Final Notes

• Always have tools like a strap wrench or channel lock on hand for emergencies.

• Store all removed plugs in a safe place for easy reinstallation.

• Regularly inspect your freeze guard to ensure it’s functioning properly.

We hope you never have to use this guide, but if you do, remember we’re here to help. Call us anytime for support!