When winter comes around, it is important to remember that your pool's filtration system will be the most susceptible to freezing temperatures and requires special attention. By following these tips on pool winterizing, you could prevent freezing temperatures from damaging your filtration system and costing you lots of money with repairs.
Thoroughly flush and drain pipes and fixtures. Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so leave as little in your system as possible. Blow compressed air through the pipes, keeping the pressure less than 20 pounds per square inch to prevent system damage. A wet/dry vacuum on blower setting will work for smaller systems.
Fill the system with specially formulated propylene glycol RV antifreeze. Choosing the right antifreeze product is important to ensure the safety of swimmers in the spring and for people or pets that might come in contact with and swallow spilled or stored liquid. Choose a propylene glycol mixture. These products can provide freeze and burst protection as low as -50°F, and are generally safe for people and the environment.
Don’t use automotive antifreeze. Never use automotive antifreeze to winterize your pool or spa. Most auto antifreeze is made from methanol or ethylene glycol, which is more toxic than propylene glycol and is harmful to humans and pets.And don’t use windshield washer fluid, either, as it can freeze solid at subzero temperatures.
Helpful Hints on Pool Winterizing
- Plug the skimmer to ensure that the system does not fill with rain water or melted snow.
- Make sure your system is capable of accommodating the normal expansion of the antifreeze solution which occurs during periods of winter storage. And ensure that you fill the system with the proper amount of fluid. Consulting a pool professional for assistance is never a bad idea.
- Don’t dilute RV antifreeze. RV antifreeze is purchased as a premixed solution. Adding water as you install it will raise the freezing point and reduce the protection for your water system.
- DOWFROST™ RVR Freeze Protection Fluid, a product of The Dow Chemical Company, is safe for incidental contact with people or animals and can also prevent harmful pollution of ground and surface water in the event of a spill. This fluid is specially formulated for use in RVs and other seasonal equipment and is biodegradable to help protect the environment.
These tips provide a general guide on successful pool winterizing. But to ensure the most effective protection, be sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.
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