01/22/2026
Good morning Top Notch Family! As we go into this week's cold snap, I wanted to touch base with some suggestions.
If we do not lose power, when the temperature drops to between 32-36 degrees, most automated systems will turn the equipment on automatically. This is the range that freeze protection engages, depending on the setting within the system. If the system is circulating the water in the pipes, the equipment won’t freeze. If for some reason you notice the temperature below that range and the system is not on yet, turn the system to service mode and turn all the pumps on manually until we are above freezing temperatures. Also let me know so we can check what the issue is and get it resolved for you.
If you have the manual timers with the 24 hr dial and on/off pins, then you will need to pull the off pin and let the system run nonstop until the temperatures are above freezing.
If we lose power😳😡 then draining the water from the equipment is plan b, as quickly as possible after power lose.
Removing the drains plugs, from every piece of equipment, all the pumps, the filter drain plug and the hester drain plug. Opening the air relief on top of the filter, as well as removing the pump basket lids are the necessary steps to drain the water from the system and protect your equipment from freezing.
I put all of the deain plugs into the empty pump basket, so I do not misplace any.
Then Turn the pool breakers off so when power comes back on the pump does not turn on while the system has no water in it and the plugs are still removed.
Of course, if you are concerned that we could lose power while we are sleeping or away from your house, then you may want to take action before the freeze and turn the system off, turn off the breakers and pull all the drain plugs and open all pump lids.
Some brands and older systems may have 2 drain plugs in the heater and pool pumps. Also, some newer cleaner pumps have the same style plugs as the pool pumps and can also have 2 plugs. Go ahead and pull those too if you see them. The brand in the pictures is Pentair.
Stay warm, safe and if you have any questions or need anything please let me know.
Best wishes,
Top Notch Pool Service
281-850-5440