Heat pumps allow us to extend the swimming pool season long into the winter months, and especially here in Florida. So is the colder temperature a problem for your pool pump, and is there anything you should do to protect your pool pump in the winter?

The easy answer to both those questions if you live here in Florida is, “Not really.” You see, it’s not really the cold that you need to worry so much about. Moisture is the real culprit when it comes to pool pump damage; and most of the pool pump problems are caused by heavy snowfall in harsh winter climates. We’re lucky we live in Florida, but that’s not to say that floods and heavy rainfall can’t be problematic. The biggest worry is that your pump motor can rust inside during the winter months and result in pump problems once spring rolls around.

However, disconnecting your pool pump and bringing it inside can sometimes cause more harm than good since you could possibly damage your connections during detachment or reattachment. You can winterize your pool pump by draining the plugs and your pool hoses. You could even build a structure around your pool pump for insulation. Just be sure not to cover it in plastic. The condensation that would create would definitely defeat your purpose.

But believe it or not, running your pool pump when it is cold is actually one of the best ways to help to protect your pump and your pool plumbing from freezing here in Florida. Lots of pool pumps even come with built in mechanisms that will automatically run your pump at low RPMs when it gets cold. Heck, it’s more fun to keep using your pool anyway, right? If you ask me, that’s just a win-win!