How to Winterise Your Pool Heat Pump

As the colder months approach, it's important to correctly prepare your pool and its equipment for the winter. One key component of this process is properly winterising your pool heat pump.  Like with any of your key pool components, you’ll need to give your heat pump a bit of extra attention when winter rolls around again to ensure it stays working at its best. 

As the temperatures start dropping, it’s a good idea to think about winterising your pool. Many of us are careful about properly closing our pools down for winter, but is your heat pump on your winterising checklist? 

Neglecting this step can lead to costly damage and reduce the efficiency of your equipment when the next swimming season rolls around.

A guide to closing your pool for winter

Do Air Source Pool Heat Pumps Work in Winter? 

Yes, heat pumps can function in winter. Some air source pool heat pumps can operate in air temperatures of as low as -15 °C and will be capable of heating your water all year round. Many heat pumps are also equipped with an auto-defrost setting to protect the unit in winter. 

So, if you’re a lover of those winter swims, you may choose to keep your pool and heat pump running long past others have packed away for the season. Just ensure that there is always water flow if using your heat pump at lower temperatures.

Do Heat Pumps Need to Be Winterised? 

If you’re not planning on using your pool throughout the winter, it’s best to winterise your heat pump when you start closing everything else down. This will ensure there is no chance of freeze damage. If water freezes inside the heat pump unit, it could damage the heat exchange or other elements. 

General care and maintenance now will mean you can protect your heat pump and prevent expensive repairs, ensuring a smooth operation when reopening your pool in the spring.

Winter pool maintenance tips

This year, we’ve heard from numerous 1st Direct Pools customers who’ve seen problems with their heat pumps as a result of not winterising them. To protect your investment and keep it functioning at its best for as long as possible, we recommend following these general winterising steps.
 

Step By Step Guide to Winterising Your Pool Heat Pump 

If you’re ready to undertake all your winter closing duties, here’s where you can start with your heat pump. 

  1. Turn off the heat pump and disconnect the power.

    Start by completely disconnecting your heat pump from its power source. This is crucial to prevent any accidental start-ups or electrical damage over the winter months. Ensure the breaker switch is turned off and locked if possible.
  2. Disconnect the plumbing unions for the water inlet and discharge lines/unscrew the drainage plug.

    Next, you'll need to stop water flow to the heat pump by turning off the water supply valves. Any water left inside the pump can freeze, expand, and crack internal components, so this step is critical to avoiding costly damage.

  3. Allow the water to completely drain out of the pipes/condenser/exchanger.

    Ensure that the water is completely drained. Pay special attention to any low spots where water may accumulate, as this is where freezing is most likely to occur.

  4. Blow air through the lines to ensure no water remains in the heat pump.

    You can use a pump to ensure there is no water left in the heat pump.

  5. Clean the Filters and Coils

    Take this opportunity to clean the pool pump filter and evaporator coil. Remove any debris, leaves, or dirt, and ensure that all components are in good condition. A well-maintained pump is less likely to face issues when you reopen it after winter.
  6. Reconnect the connection unions/external plug to prevent debris from entering the heat pump.

  7. Cover the heat pump with a heat pump cover to protect it from the elements and any debris.

    Cover the heat pump with a high-quality cover. This helps protect it from the elements, preventing moisture build-up, dirt accumulation, and damage from snow or ice.

  8. Keep an eye on the heat pump over the winter months to check the cover is in place and there isn’t any sign of damage. 

Covering Your Pool Heat Pump During Winter 

Using a heat pump cover will mean you can come back to your heat pump in the spring, confident that it’ll still be in great condition and ready to get back into action. We stock these handy covers in several sizes to suit your heat pump. 

Pool Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist

Whether you’re having a heat pump installed or want to keep on top of general maintenance, you can use our heat pump checklist to help ensure your equipment stays at its best. 

Download the checklist.

A little winterising prep can go a long way! With a bit of extra care this winter, you can ensure your swimming pool heat pump avoids damage, helping you avoid costly repairs.

Need any other winterising essentials? Head over to our winter pool covers to keep your pool properly protected.

 

Ready to Protect Your Pool This Winter?

Don't wait until it's too late! Ensure your pool equipment is properly winterised with our expert tips and tools. Explore our selection of, winter pool maintenance products, and professional services to make sure your pool is in top shape when spring arrives.

 

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FAQs

Do I need to winterise my pool heat pump if I live in a mild climate?

Even in milder climates, it’s a good idea to winterise your heat pump. Sudden temperature drops or cold snaps can still cause damage to your equipment if it isn’t properly protected.

Can I use antifreeze in my pool heat pump?

It’s not recommended to use antifreeze directly in the heat pump. Draining all the water from the unit is a safer and more effective way to prevent freezing.

How often should I clean my pool heat pump’s filter and coils?

Filters and coils should be cleaned at least once a year during your winterisation process. However, depending on usage, it’s a good idea to check and clean them more frequently during the swimming season.

Is covering my pool heat pump enough to protect it during winter?

While covering your heat pump helps protect it from the elements, it’s essential to first turn off the power, drain the water, and clean the components to ensure full protection.