Finding the right replacement pool pump motor takes careful consideration of necessary specifications and requirements. What tips the scale in many instances are the product-specific features and, thus, the benefits that individual pool pump replacement motors bring to the overall system. “Freeze protection” is a popular feature you may have heard of when researching motors. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what pool pump motor freeze protection is, what benefits it brings to a swimming pool system, and its limitations.

How Freeze Damage Affects a Swimming Pool

Every year, approximately two thirds of the United States experiences temperatures in the freezing range (below 32° Fahrenheit). Contrary to popular belief, chlorine does not lower the freeze point for water in a swimming pool; it is at equal risk of weather damage as other outdoor water features.

In many climates, a thin sheet of ice on the surface of swimming pool water that melts during daylight hours is not a concern. Thicker ice accumulation that remains, however, can be detrimental to a swimming pool's structure and system. Ice expansion can crack decorative tiles, chip away grout, tear vinyl lining, and dislodge or damage components.

Pool pumps and pool pump motors are especially vulnerable to ice damage. If ice is permitted to accumulate within a swimming pool, it can lead to equipment inefficiency, corrosion, electrical shorts, and potential failure.

In addition, many insurance companies will cover damage to swimming pools if caused by a peril listed in the policy, but not from ice accumulation from swimming pool water. Swimming pool owners should review their individual policy for more information.

Pool Pump Motor Freeze Protection Methods

Deciding the best course of action for a swimming pool during the winter months largely depends on the climate it is located within. For areas with extended periods of freezing temperatures, winterizing your swimming pool is a great option. This involves lowering the pool water level, draining the pump, checking chemicals, a motor service, and more.

For milder climates or situations where a pool is utilized year round, swimming pool owners opt to find ways to combat temperature drops. One such method is keeping the pool pump running around the clock during times of below freezing temperatures. This keeps the water circulating, preventing ice accumulation. Unfortunately, this option is not as energy efficient as others and requires manually monitoring temperatures and pump function.

Freeze Protection Equipment

Freeze protection can also be performed automatically through specialized equipment. The most basic version of freeze protection equipment utilizes a timer to turn on the pool pump when low temperatures are expected. These systems are often paired with a sensor that measures ambient temperature to turn on the pool pump for circulation when the air temperature crosses a threshold. The devices can be equipped with integrated adjustable thermostats to allow users to set their own temperature threshold or allow communication with the swimming pool heaters to bring water temperature up as an added safeguard.

External, or after-market, freeze protection equipment is typically installed by connecting a control box to the pool pump itself. An experienced pool pump technician or electrician is needed for installation. The unit's thermostat sensor may be integrated or may come as a separate component to be installed.

Pool pump replacement motors harnessing modern technology have freeze protection components built in. As an example, the Century VGreen Evo® variable speed motor automatically turns on when it senses a temperature drop below the set point temperature of 39° F. The motor will run for an hour allowing the pool pump to circulate the water preventing freezing. After the hour has elapsed, it will re-access the ambient temperature and either continue cycling for another hour or return to the previous programming.

Freeze protection is essential for ensuring the longevity and efficient operation of a swimming pool system, especially in geographic areas where freezing temperatures are the norm in winter months. Without it, the potential damage freezing conditions can inflict on swimming pool systems and structures can be expensive and possibly lead to total failure. Manually running the swimming pool pump to offset this risk is an option, but specialized equipment for freeze protection can offer a much more practical and energy-efficient way to safeguard the pool and prevent damage. In regions with prolonged freezing conditions, it is advisable to employ a combination of methods to ensure the highest level of protection for the motor, pump, pool structure, and plumbing.

Ultimately, the choice for which freeze protection method is best for a swimming pool system depends on the geographic location, pool usage, and priorities. For swimming pool pump replacement motors with advanced technology like the VGreen Evo variable speed motor by Century, having internal freeze protection components mean end users can enjoy a convenient way to keep their swimming pool well-maintained during the colder months. If you would like more information about the robust features of the VGreen Evo motor, visit the Century website today.