How to winterize the swimming pool heat pump?

Should you winterize your swimming pool heat pump?

The answer is yes ! If the pool is outdoors, the heat pump extends the swimming period but there comes a time when it can no longer ensure the heating of the water. Quite simply because its characteristics cannot cope with too low a temperature level. Depending on the region and the design of the machine, there comes a time when it is imperative to winterize the heat pump if you do not want it to be irreparably damaged. Winterizing the heat pump is an essential phase of how to maintain the swimming pool heat pump properly.

When to winterize the swimming pool heat pump?

If as autumn approaches and during winter, the heat pump is not used, it is necessary to winterize it.

Generally the wintering of the heat pump is done in parallel with that of the heat pump. the swimming pool.

If the aquatic area is indoors or under cover, frosts are rare, temperatures do not drop below 10°C and the heat pump is “all seasons” , then, it is not obligatory to winter, especially if the swimming pool continues to accommodate swimmers!

In reality, the wintering of the heat pump occurs well before the winter period. October, November, even December, it depends on the region, the climate, whether the period benefits from Indian autumn and the characteristics of the machine. Some heat pumps operate at negative temperatures, it remains to be seen whether cold weather swimmers will take the plunge!

What are the right steps to winterize the swimming pool heat pump?

As winter approaches, it is essential to protect the heat pump from bad weather and especially from frost because ice can settle in the exchanger and cause it to burst. 2 solutions are possible, let it be placed and wintered or put it away in your garage...

Store the heat pump

It is possible to store the swimming pool heat pump in a frost-free place.

Simply turn it off, isolate it from the swimming pool hydraulic circuit using the by-pass valves, unscrew the inlet and outlet union fittings at the machine. Your heat pump is now drained.

Generally, it moves easily because it is not fixed to the ground, there is no dismantling to be carried out. However, be careful when transporting it, you must not lift it by the connections fixed on the machine, they risk unsoldering, and when restarting, a leak is inevitable.

Once in its place winter, you must take the time to block the openings of the heat pump to prevent dust, insects or small animals from settling in.

Winterizing the heat pump

Here we are ! No more swimming, the water is too cold, it is time to winterize the pool and the heat pump.

Before starting to winterize the heat pump , it is necessary to cut off the electrical supply to the heat pump, isolate the machine from the hydraulic circuit of the swimming pool by closing the valves which supply it with water.

Most swimming pool heat pumps have a tap or a drain plug. It must be removed and the water drained, this allows the exchanger, the condenser and the internal pipes to be drained. It is possible to tilt the heat pump slightly towards the drain side to facilitate draining and ensure that all stagnant water is removed.

The union fittings or inlet valve collars and water outlet are loose. Now is the time to check the seals, grease them or change them if they are damaged, cracked or pinched. This is to avoid leaks when restarting.

Then, you must screw the connections back onto the heat pump without tightening. This operation is simply intended to prevent the intrusion of dust, insects or small animals! Otherwise it is possible to block the openings with a soft cloth (to limit deposits of fibers in the pipes).

Since the heat pump is stopped, this may be the time ideal for cleaning the evaporator, the fan, the bodywork…

And finally, the heat pump is covered by a winter cover. It must adapt perfectly to the machine and it is not airtight so that no condensation is created. The cover prevents leaves, twigs, insects, etc. from penetrating onto and into the grid.

If the pump works all year round, it is possible to help it by installing an anti-freeze kit, the latter helps to the elimination of condensates which in this cold period tend to freeze and clog the pipe.

That's it, it's done, the heat pump is ready to face the winter cold in complete safety. Winterizing a heat pump is quick and easy to do on your own. However, it is possible to call a professional if you are apprehensive about doing so.

The swimming pool heat pump is a robust piece of equipment. However, it must be maintained to keep it operating optimally. Here is why maintaining the swimming pool heat pump is essential. Find out what checks the individual should carry out on the swimming pool heat pump or when should a professional work on the swimming pool heat pump? After winterizing the heat pump, learn how to restart the pool heat pump once spring returns. Finally, have good ecological reflexes by understanding how the swimming pool heat pump is recycled and knowing what to do with a swimming pool heat pump at the end of its life.