Severe winter weather across the nation has received national attention as Americans attempt to stay warm and safe. Areas as far south as Texas have seen unprecedented severe winter weather that includes snow, sleet and freezing rain.

The record-breaking cold weather has resulted in emergency declarations. Over 100-million people have been affected by the freezing weather and have struggled with power outages and water shortages as well.

Many homeowners and businesses have also experienced freezing pipes, power outages, and water scarcity. Pool owners of in-ground and above-ground pools have been similarly affected by the unprecedented severe winter weather. In some cases, pools and pool equipment have been damaged by extreme cold.

Be prepared for the unexpected by making a note of pool management recommendations for cold weather. Hayward’s Quick Reference Guide provides helpful guidance for managing your pool equipment during cold weather conditions. Since equipment damage from freezing weather is not covered by equipment warranties, be ready to take quick action when pool equipment is vulnerable to severe winter weather. By following recommendations for pool care in freezing weather, you can minimize the risk to your pool and its equipment.

Quick Reference Guide to Cold Weather Pool Management

Cold Weather, Power is On

If you do have power to your home and are not being affected by power outages, keep your pool equipment operating at all times (24/7) until temperatures increase above freezing.

If your power is out or your home is being affected by power outages, follow the guide below or contact your local pool professional for assistance:

Cold Weather, No Power

If your power is out, weather conditions are concerning and temperatures are dropping, turn off all pool equipment breakers. Even if your power is off, you must still turn off all breakers that supply power to your swimming pool equipment.

Remove Drain Plugs

Check that the power is off. Remove drain plugs from all swimming pool equipment, including pumps, filters, heaters, and sanitization equipment. Unplug and remove your salt chlorine generator cells from the system if you’re able.

Wait for Ice to Melt Naturally

Don’t turn the power back on until any ice that has formed has melted naturally. This will help prevent damage to equipment once power is restored.

Reinstall Removed Items

Once the ice has melted naturally, re-install drains and salt chlorine generator cells. Turn on the power to your pool equipment.

Get Expert Help

Your Hayward pool professional can help. Reach out to a licensed pool professional for assistance, especially if your equipment loses power for an extended period of time. Find your local Hayward Dealer on our website Dealer Locator.

Prepare for Severe Winter Weather

Although weather conditions can be unpredictable and storms can bring severe conditions, you can take action to protect your pool and its equipment. Refer to Hayward’s Quick Reference Guide for helpful guidance for managing your pool equipment during freezing cold weather conditions. By following the recommendations for pool equipment care in freezing weather, you may be able to minimize the damage to your pool equipment and get your pool up and running after the storm passes.

The post Pool Freeze Protection: Tips for Freezing Weather appeared first on Hayward POOLSIDE Blog.

Even though the weather may have cooled down a bit by you, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your backyard pool. We’ve got a few ideas for you to extend your outdoor season and perhaps, enjoy your pool longer. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend a bit more time in the great space that is our backyard!

Extend Your Outdoor Season with a Pool Heater or Enclosure

Pool heaters help maintain water at a comfortable temperature, so you never have to let the weather control your swimming pool and spa enjoyment again. When weather isn’t a factor, heaters also let you enjoy the water long after the sun has gone down. Whether you’re hosting the best late-October birthday party ever or you’re in the mood for a relaxing, late-night swim, Hayward has the best heating solutions for your backyard. Visit our heaters page for everything you need to know. Alternatively, you can look into pool enclosures for your yard. Not only will your pool be covered from the elements (a summer thunderstorm or a cool autumn day), your immediate surroundings will be too! Live your best life out on your patio for more than just a few months of the year. Take a look at some enclosure options we’ve compiled that will enhance your pool’s look.

Put On An LED Pool Light Show

We realize heating pool water during the winter may not be a reality for many of our friends living in harsh, colder climates, but that doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying the ambiance of your backyard. Put on an LED pool light show for your friends and family when they come to visit or even turn them on and set up dinner outside with someone special. Consider your pool as another canvas for your holiday decorations and add to the ambiance of your yard with Hayward pool lights. Your pool will be the star of your next get-together as it lights up the night or it may bring some merry cheer as you look outside the window this upcoming holiday season. For more lighting ideas, read our blog on the many fun, exciting things you could experience with Hayward pool lighting and take a look at our holiday lighting preset in action:

Time For A Spa

Let’s treat ourselves; a hot tub may be just what you need to come home to after a long work day or a busy day running errands and doing chores. Picture yourself in nice, warm, bubbly water – relaxing the days away on a nice autumn weekend. If there’s a hot tub to be found in a luxurious, Icelandic hotel in the middle of their winter, you too can have a spa in the comfort of your own home right outside your patio door, for use year-round! Consider a Hayward Electric Spa Heater for your water temp needs. It’s never been a more perfect time to escape to your own personal, socially distant, outdoor spa.

Enjoy Your Yard

Now that we’re having dinner outside, we have to get it ready and make it comfortable, right? Let’s take the kitchen and move it outside. Think about it! A change of scenery is always welcomed — turn on the grill, roast some marshmallows, and enjoy the simple pleasure of eating outside in the fresh air. Before dinner is ready, the amount of other outdoor activities are limitless. Play family sports, let your kids run around the pillowy snow, freshly mowed grass, and colorful leaves, or do some poolside workouts. Take advantage of the space you have and spend some time in it. While the warm days may be few and far in between, you can grab a nice, cozy sweater and drink a warm coffee during your work-from-home days or those nights where you just feel like taking in the crisp, cool air.

We hope this blog post gave you a few ideas and inspiration on how you can extend the pool season and continue to enjoy your backyard year-round. Contact your local Hayward Dealer on our website Dealer Locator for additional information. You can even get advice on how to maintain your pool during the cooler months of the year. As always, stay tuned to the Poolside Blog (or better yet, sign up for our newsletter!) and follow us on our socials (Instagram, Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest) for more helpful tips on all things Hayward!

The post Pool Season Is Forever appeared first on Hayward POOLSIDE Blog.