Tips To Protect Your Pool Pipes In The Winter

The winter season is fast approaching and in the Canadian landscape you want to be best prepared. If you have a pool, it is important to protect your pool pipes in the cold weather. Did you know? It only has to be -6°C for your water pipes to run the risk of freezing.

Here are a few tips to keep your pipes in good condition during the winter.

1. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate!

   Insulation is good for both of your water lines – hot and cold. One of the two basic types of plumbing insulation will be appropriate.

2. Foam Insulation – Not only is it easy but it is a fast way to protect your pipes during winter. Measuring at about 6 feet, they look like floaties for your pool. To install them, you will need a utility knife, foam elbows, T connectors, and probably some thermal tape. Speak with someone at your local hardware store for more details or research your options online before you head to the store.
3. Pipe Wrap – It has a lot of different names depending on who you ask but at the end of the day, it is just adhesive insulated tape (the backing for the tape/wrap is usually aluminum or foil). This process will take longer but depending on your situation, this may be the method for you. You will only need a utility knife to complete this.
4. Keeping your crawl space protected – You can insulate your crawl space. All you will need is extruded polystyrene insulation and a utility knife.
5. Close the Vents

   Make sure that the area where your plumbing is located is at the right temperature. You don’t want the temperature to drop too low and you also don’t want heat to escape. Close all crawlspace vents and cover them up. You can use foam insulation to cover them until the spring. You will need to buy the insulation, cut it into appropriate sized pieces, and place it over the vents. It is also important that you check for any cracks or gaps in the foundation where air comes from, and use caulking or expanding foam to seal anything that may be damaged.

6. Disconnect your Hoses

   First you want to shut off your water and then you can disconnect your hoses. It is important once you disconnect the houses to open the faucet and let any remaining water drain out.

   In the case of extreme cold weather, you may have to take extra precautions, but you will want to do your research before you move forward.