How to Defrost Swimming Pool Water Pipes

When water is contained and then freezes, its expansion can cause a great deal of pressure – enough to explode plastic or metal pipes. At the very least, the ice will block water flow. Pipes most likely to freeze are supply lines for swimming pools, sprinkler pipes and outdoor hose bibs – any pipes exposed to the air and very cold temperatures. Frozen pipes are more likely during cold snaps in mild climate areas, where vulnerable pipes often aren’t insulated. Fortunately, defrosting the water pipes for your pool is a fairly simple process.

Electric heating pad, or
Electric hair dryer, or
Portable electric space heater, or
Hot water and towels
Exterior extension cord

Instructions

- 1
  Find the frozen section of pipe or areas you suspect may be frozen. Pool feeder pipes exposed to the open air are likely candidates.
- 2
  Make sure the line is open. When you start defrosting pipes the ice chunks inside will begin to melt and that water will flow – melting more ice. Encourage water movement.
- 3
  Heat up frozen pipes with an electric hair dryer or portable space heater, or wrap the pipe with an electric heating pad. You can also wrap pipes with hot, wet towels, though keeping towels hot is a challenge. Continue applying heat until water flows freely again.
- 4
  Disconnect and drain pool water supply and water slide lines and blow them out, if further freezes are expected. By doing this every year before winter, you can prevent frozen, burst or broken pipes.

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