01/21/2026
We heard there's a storm coming (photo for attention). Here's some suggestions:
BEFORE THE STORM:
AUTO FILL:
If you have an RPZ valve, it needs to be drained. If not, it will freeze and cost $1000 to replace.
OUTDOOR KITCHENS:
If you have a sink, you need may need to drain the exposed PVC line(s) and/or shut off water.
WATER LINES:
If you have a exposed water lines for extra hose bibs or something else, you need may need to drain the exposed PVC line(s) and/or shut off water.
EQUIPMENT:
Consider a tarp or some covering to keep snow/ice off the equipment. This isn't critical, but could be helpful. Be sure not to restrict airflow to the pumps or heater (if you plan to use it.)
DURING THE FREEZE:
If we experience a ‘hard freeze’, meaning temperatures will be below freezing for over 24 hours, it’s important you monitor you pool to ensure the following are happening:
* Pool pumps are running.
* Water features are running.
* Pool and Spa are cycling (if you have a spa) about every 10-15min.
* Monitor your water bowls, waterfalls, and deck jets to ensure you don’t lose so much water that your water line drops below the skimmers.
IF YOU LOSE POWER:
Don’t panic. You have some time before pipes and equipment freeze. If power remains out for over an hour, you will need to pull plugs on your equipment. Here are the general guidelines, but all equipment varies.
1. Turn off breakers inside the Intellicenter box. This way the equipment doesn’t surge back on when power is restored.
2. Pumps: Open lids. Remove basket. Remove plugs on pumps. There are two. They are usually thumb tight, but you may need pliers or channel locks. They are plastic. Go easy. Place plugs in upside down lid and set aside.
3. Heater: There is a plug (similar looking to the pump plug) near the water pipes. Remove this plug. Set aside.
4. Filter: Open the pressure valve on the top of the filter to relieve pressure. Open the large plug at the bottom of the filter. There is an 11/12 socket on the bottom of the plug.
5. UV: There is no plug. So, you’ll have to unscrew the coupler at the bottom of the UV.
6. Valves: You only need to mess with these if your equipment is below the pool. If this is the case, you need to close valves to prevent your pool from draining downward through the open pool equipment. You’ll know if this is the case.