As winter tightens its grip across many states, Pool owners find themselves grappling with a familiar foe: freezing temperatures. The consequences of harsh cold snaps on swimming pools are not to be underestimated, as evidenced by a deep freeze a few years ago that caused tens of millions of dollars in damages to pool equipment and facilities.

This year’s repeat of frozen pools is putting pool service technicians and contractors to the test, as they work diligently to repair the aftermath of the icy onslaught. However, unlike the previous freeze, which caught many off guard due to a confluence of events including factory closures and staffing shortages amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s challenges may be met with better-prepared manufacturers and distributors.

Freezing Temperatures Playing Havoc On Pool Equipment

Swimming pools can become particularly vulnerable during freezing temperatures. The expansion of water as it freezes can wreak havoc on pool pipes, pumps, and other essential equipment. The damage caused not only disrupts the enjoyment of these amenities but also leads to significant financial burdens for Pool Owners. The cost of repairs and replacements can quickly add up, making freezing temperatures a dreaded menace for those who own a swimming pool or spa.

The recent arctic weather we’ve been experiencing resulted in a National Weather Service alert in every state earlier this week. With the plummeting mercury of the thermometer, began a domino effect of swimming pool equipment failures. Consequently, the past few days have been a grueling exercise in mitigation and emergency response for pool companies.

This year’s cold snap has once again put pool service technicians and contractors on the frontline, as they navigate the challenges of repairing and restoring frozen pools. These dedicated professionals find themselves working tirelessly to address the aftermath of the freeze, from repairing damaged pipes to replacing malfunctioning equipment. The urgency of their work is magnified by the desire of pool owners to protect their investments and in some cases prevent thousands of dollars in potential damage from occuring.

Korbin Butler, a pool repair specialist with Ron & Sons Pool Repair described the “all hands on deck” situation pool contractors are currently facing. “I was driving around till 1 am every night saving pools,” said Butler.

“I was just trying to run around town to all the people that were calling in as their pool failed. I rescued their equipment, everyone else was fully frozen,” said Butler, who said he had been performing emergency repairs the past three days.

“What was wild to me was everything I was seeing was either purely from cold or just very minor issues spiraling out of control,” explained Butler.

2024 Unlikely To Be a Repeat of 2021

In the spring of 2021, a particularly harsh late winter storm took its toll on swimming pools across various regions of Texas. The severity of the freeze led to widespread damage, with estimates reaching tens of millions of dollars. Pool owners faced an uphill battle as they grappled with burst pipes, malfunctioning pumps, and cracked pool surfaces. The surge in demand for repairs overwhelmed manufacturers, highlighting the vulnerability of the industry to extreme weather conditions.

One of the critical factors exacerbating the impact of the previous deep freeze was the unforeseen disruption in distribution channels. Factory closures and shortages, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, created a perfect storm that left many without the necessary equipment for repairs. Consequently, the glut of equipment replacement orders took a tremendous toll on available inventory causing supply chain disruptions that impacted new pool construction. This year, however, there is a glimmer of hope as the industry has had the opportunity to learn from past mistakes. Manufacturers and distributors are better positioned to anticipate and address the increased demand for pool equipment resulting from the freezing temperatures.

While this year’s harsh winter weather continues to wreak havoc across a wide swath of the United States, the damage caused by this latest cold snap is not expected to face the same level of disruption in terms of manufacturing and distribution. Pool equipment manufacturers are not facing the same logistical, material, or staffing challenges posed by the pandemic and have largely implemented measures to ensure a steady supply of products despite lingering uncertainties.

Featured Photo Credit: Edwards Pool Construction

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