When winter approaches, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your pool sanitation system from the cold. Proper winterization not only prevents damage but also ensures that your system will be ready to keep your pool or spa pristine when warmer weather returns.
If you live in a region where freezing temperatures are common, you'll need to decide whether to keep your system running or to temporarily remove it. Here’s how you can manage your UV pool sanitation system during the winter:
Option #1 (Preferred) – Removing the Unit for Winter Storage
For the best protection, we recommend removing your unit and storing it indoors during the winter. Follow these steps:
- Turn Off the Power: Begin by turning off the power to the unit to ensure safety during the removal process.
- Drain the Unit: Remove the drain plug and allow all water to drain from the unit. Disconnect the unions on the plumbing to ensure complete drainage.
- Disconnect from the Power Source: With the unit fully drained, disconnect it from its power source.
- Store in a Warm Location: Place the drained unit in a safe location where the temperature remains above freezing throughout the winter. This prevents any potential damage from freezing temperatures.
- Reinstall in Spring: Once temperatures have risen above freezing, reinstall the unit and resume normal operation.
Option #2 – Leaving the Unit in Place During Winter
If you choose to leave the unit in place, you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect it from freezing:
- Turn Off the Power: Start by turning off the power to the unit.
- Drain the Unit: As with the first option, remove the drain plug and allow all water to drain. Disconnect the unions on the plumbing to ensure complete drainage.
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Address the Remaining Water: The quartz tube’s nesting cup at the bottom of the unit may still hold some water. To remove this, follow these steps:
- Remove the lamp array and quartz tube.
- Turn the unit on its side with the unions facing down until all water drains out.
- Reconnect and Reassemble: Once the unit is fully drained, reconnect the unit, replace the drain plug, reinstall the quartz tube, lamps, and cover.
- Alternative Water Removal: As an alternative method, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the nesting cup.
By following these winterization steps, you’ll protect your investment in a UV pool sanitation system, ensuring it remains in peak condition. When spring arrives, your system will be ready to provide you with the clean, safe water that only a high-quality UV sanitation system can offer.
Remember, taking the time to properly winterize your system now can save you from costly repairs and ensure your pool or spa is ready for use when the weather warms up.