When Winter Storm Uri hits the United States in 2021, it will set one of the worst temperature records on record. It also resulted in unprecedented losses, with the Insurance Journal reporting $471 million in insurance claims from State Farm related to the frozen pipeline. Cold weather can wreak havoc on plumbing systems when the water inside freezes and expands, causing cracks and leaks. Swimming pools are especially vulnerable during deep freezes, as equipment can be easily damaged if not properly winterized. What does it mean to prepare the pool for winter? Most importantly, this means draining water from all lines in the system.
When winter storm Uri hit, many temperate homeowners were caught off guard because they never winterized their pools. In many states, people keep pools open all year round. During the warm weather of October or March, it is not uncommon for Texas to swim. Some may even turn on the pool heating and swim all year round. But after the storm, they face the consequences and the cost of being unprepared. What happens to a pool without frost protection? Here are some of the implications.
The pool pump is a piece of equipment that naturally wears out over time, and experts recommend replacing it every 8-12 years with water levels monitored. However, if the ice water expands inside this system, the device may start to leak and stop pumping water effectively. In this case, the pump may need to be replaced sooner than expected. The average cost to replace a pool pump is around $440, but it can be much higher for larger pools and different types of pumps. The same goes for pool filters. If ice expands within this system, it may crack the tank, valves, or fixtures. Replacement filters can cost between $1,100 and $1,300, according to USA TODAY.
Failure to winterize your pool can also result in damage to your pool heaters and plumbing. Replacing multiple lines costs about $450, and installing a new pool heater costs about $3,600 (according to USA Today). In addition to repair costs, the waiting time required to obtain new parts. This waiting period is due to the large amount of work that needs to be completed throughout the country, as well as the delay in the availability of some items.
In addition to mechanical systems, cold weather can also affect the structure of the pool and the decking surrounding the pool (declare parts of the pool). In above ground pools, expanding ice can cause the pool shell to stretch beyond its capacity, which can eventually lead to structural failure and damage to the skimmer. In buried pools, tiles or decking may crack due to ice expansion. If a pipe breaks below deck, it will be expensive to get to the line and make repairs.
Luckily, winterizing your pool can help you avoid costly repairs. Tyler Detota is the Chief Pool Technician for Able Gunite Pools and Spas in Knoxville, Tennessee. According to USA TODAY, his proposal will save every pool owner a lot of repairs and heartache. “If you hear that cold weather is coming, winterize it immediately,” he advises. The good news is that it only takes about an hour to winterize your pool. He recommends starting the process early, before temperatures drop below freezing. “Do it in your 30s,” he advises. When in doubt, contact a professional to help with the winterization process. Take the time to get your pool ready for cold weather, it’s good for your home and peace of mind and it’ll be worth it when the weather warms up and your sparkling pool is ready to enjoy again.