Winterizing is a process whereas a heat pump is prepared for freezing conditions. In areas where freezing conditions are a rare and brief occurrence, the water filtration system must be permitted to run continuously throughout the freeze period. Typically, during light freeze conditions (outside temperatures remain at, or just below 32°F for four (4) hours or less), circulating (moving) water will not solidify.
In areas where freezing conditions are prevalent and sustained, in advance of any freeze event, all water MUST be removed from the entire heat pump water circuit.
Water expands when it freezes. Permitting water to freeze within a heat pump will severely damage the heat pump condenser and associated water circuit. Damage resulting from a failure to properly winterize is NOT covered under the heat pump product warranty.
Depending on your heat pump model and when it was manufactured, there are different methods for winterizing.
In the event that your heater will not be used for an extended period, it is recommended that pool water be allowed to circulate through the heater during normally scheduled filtration cycles. If light freeze conditions are expected, adjust water pump controls for continuous operation throughout the light freeze episode. Moving water will not freeze under light-freeze conditions.
CAUTION: In areas where hard freeze conditions are prevalent, please refer to winterizing instructions following this section:
Please read the following information about the Winterizing your Heat Pump
- Disconnect power; turn “OFF” circulation pump.
- Remove front access panel. Confirm heat exchanger inside heat pump matches illustration.
- Disconnect plumbing unions. This model is self-draining when unions are disconnected.
- Allow water to drain out over a long period until heat pump is fully drained.
- Loosely connect plumbing connection unions.
- Disconnect power; turn “OFF” circulation pump.
- Disconnect plumbing unions.
- Remove drain plug.
- Allow water to drain out over a long period until heat pump is fully drained.
- Re-connect external drain plug.
- Loosely connect plumbing connection unions.
- Disconnect power; turn “OFF” circulation pump.
- Remove front access panel. Confirm heat exchanger inside heat pump matches illustration.
- Disconnect plumbing unions.
- Remove drain plug.
- Allow water to drain out over a long period until heat pump is fully drained.
- Re-connect external drain plug.
- Loosely connect plumbing connection unions.
- These heat exchangers are the most challenging to properly winterize.
- Disconnect power; turn “OFF” circulation pump.
- Remove front access panel. Confirm heat exchanger inside heat pump matches illustration.
- Disconnect plumbing unions.
- Place a garden hose into the inlet side of the heat pump; wrap a clean rag around the hose to form a temporary seal.
- Allow water to run through the heat exchanger for 2-3 minutes; fresh water should be seen exiting the heater out-port.
- Repeat process on outlet side.
- Place an air hose into the pool inlet of the heat pump; wrap a clean rag around the hose to form a temporary seal.
- Push all water from the water circuit using compressed air at approximately 50 psig. The residual water should be forced out of the pool out connection.
- Allow compressed air to blow into the heat pump inlet for at least 15-20 seconds after water stops coming out of the pool outlet.
- Repeat process on outlet side.
- Loosely connect plumbing connection unions.
