Help! I Think My Pool Pipes Froze and Broke!

Brrr! Orange County, NY, has some of the coldest winter weather in America. Whether you’re new in town or a lifelong Hudson Valley resident, you know there are ways to prepare before winter weather arrives that will protect your home, your cars, and, yes, your pool. Yet, even with pool winterization, at Orange County Pools and Spas, we get phone calls from concerned pool owners every year: Help! I think my pool pipes Froze and broke! If this has happened to you, here are a few steps to take to protect your pool and minimize damage.

Signs Your Pool Pipes Froze and Broke

Pool pipes can freeze and break in as little as six hours when the temperature is below 32 degrees. That means a single cold night could cause significant damage. As the temperature gets lower, the amount of time it takes for water to freeze in your pool pipes gets shorter and shorter.

To find out if your pool pipes are frozen, there are a few signs to look for. You may hear unusual gurgling sounds coming from the pipes, there may be physical bulges or deformities on the pipes,  or you may notice condensation forming (or freezing) in certain spots along the outside of a pipe where a crack has formed. 

In addition to your pool pipes, you also need to check for damage to the pool’s skimmer, pool pump, and filtration system.

Immediate Steps to Take to Minimize Damage

The good news is, if your pipes did freeze, it’s possible they did not break or the damage is minimal. Work quickly to try to warm any exposed pipes by wrapping them in blankets or foam. You can even use heating pads or a hair dryer to speed up the process. You should also keep water moving if possible to aid in the thawing process.

What to do After Pipes Have Thawed

Keep an eye out for water leaks or larger than normal amounts of sediment in your pool filter, which may be a sign that there is a leak somewhere. If your pool pipes are indeed cracked or broken, you should call a professional to take care of it right away. 

At Orange County Pools and Spas, we have a team of certified pool professionals who can diagnose the problem and make a plan for repair. Our goal is to get your pool repaired quickly and at an affordable price so you will be able to enjoy your pool again once warm weather returns to the Orange County, NY, area. 

Preventing the My Pool Pipes Froze and Broke Phone Call

The most important and effective step to prevent your pool pipes from freezing and breaking is to properly winterize your pool. In Westchester County, Putnam County, Dutchess County, and surrounding areas, it is best to close your pool and properly winterize it by late September to mid-October.

Be looking for signs it’s time to close your pool or let Orange County Pools and Spas handle pool winterization for you. Our team will properly close your pool to prevent damage and give you peace of mind even on the coldest of nights.

If your pool pipes froze and broke, contact Orange County Pools and Spas to help! With over 50 years of serving the Hudson Valley, our team has the knowledge and experience to protect and repair your pool. If you have questions about pool winterization or pool repair, contact us anytime or stop by one of our two convenient locations.