As the weather in the GTA cools and fall transitions into winter, the single most expensive mistake a pool owner can make is neglecting their pool equipment, especially the pool pump, before the first hard freeze. Water left inside the pump, filter, or plumbing lines can freeze, expand, and crack the rigid plastic casing, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs and downtime next spring.
This essential pre-winter service, known as pool closing or winterization, is not a DIY task for the inexperienced. It requires precise steps to guarantee all components are protected.
Why Professional Pool Pump Winterization is a Must
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Prevent Freeze Damage: The primary goal is to drain every drop of water from your pool pump, filter, heater, and all associated plumbing lines. Professionals use powerful vacuums (like a wet/dry vac) and compressed air to “blow out” the lines, a technique that ensures no water remains to freeze and break pipes.
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Proper Draining and Plug Management: Technicians are familiar with the exact location of the drain plugs on your specific pump and heater models. They remove these plugs, drain the water, and often store the small parts (like plugs and gaskets) in the pump basket so they aren’t lost over the winter.
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Antifreeze Application: In many cases, a pool-safe, non-toxic antifreeze is added to the lines after they are blown out. This acts as an extra layer of protection for the remaining moisture in the equipment, especially in regions with deep, sustained freezes like the GTA.
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System Shut-Down and Storage: The service includes turning off the power at the breaker (a critical safety step), disconnecting unions as necessary, and sometimes removing the pump to store it in a warm, dry location. If the pump remains outside, it is covered for protection.
The Service Process Focuses on Precision
A qualified pool pump maintenance GTA technician will typically follow this detailed process for the pump and its surrounding equipment:
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Turn Off Power: The system’s power is completely shut down at the main breaker to prevent accidental start-up while dry.
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Drain and Clean: The pump basket is removed and thoroughly cleaned of debris. All drain plugs on the pump are removed to allow water to exit.
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Blow Out Lines: Air is forced through the plumbing to remove every trace of water from the underground pipes that lead to the pump and back to the pool.
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Antifreeze: Pool-specific antifreeze is introduced into the lines to guard against residual freezing.
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Final Securing: Plugs are placed in the pump basket for storage, and the pump lid is often inverted or removed to clearly indicate the equipment is winterized and should not be run.
Don’t Risk Costly Spring Repairs
Ignoring the pool pump before the freezing weather arrives often leads to cracked pump casings, broken filter valves, and split pipes. These repairs are not only expensive but can delay your pool opening come spring, cutting into your swimming season. Make sure your pool equipment is professionally serviced and protected against the inevitable GTA freeze.
