First year with an in-ground gunnite pool in Charlotte NC. It has a sand filter, gas heater, and salt-water chlorinator, and we are maintaining the pool ourselves. Spa has waterfall spill-over into pool. Average lows in Jan and Feb are in the 30-34 range, but temperatures can reach 15-20 some nights. The previous owners said they had never closed (or covered) the pool in the prior 6 years, but we don't know what they did during the winters. Should we run the pump 24/7 during sub-35 degree times, insulate above-ground pipes, etc.? What is required or recommended to prevent damage to the system?
First year with an in-ground gunnite pool in Charlotte NC. It has a sand filter, gas heater, and salt-water chlorinator, and we are maintaining the pool ourselves. Spa has waterfall spill-over into pool. Intermatic control panel has freeze protection thermostat. Average lows in Jan and Feb are in the 30-34 range, but temperatures can reach 15-20 some nights. The previous owners said they had never closed (or covered) the pool in the prior 6 years, but we don't know what they did during the winters. Should we run the pump 24/7 during sub-35 degree times, insulate above-ground pipes, etc.? We have been told to at least run the pump during the night (which we expect will happen anyway with the freeze protection thermostat). What else is required or recommended to prevent damage to the system?
Salt water in pool has approximately 3000 parts per million salt to water ratio.