Winterizing - Aquacal GBB Series Operation Manual

2.8 Winterizing

WARNING
Deactivate all electrical power to heat pump before performing hard freeze procedures.
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NOTICE
Failure to winterize heat pump may result in serious equipment damage. Freeze damage is not covered under the
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heat pump warranty.
While the plumbing connections are in the winterized condition (not fully tightened), it is imperative that water not
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run through the heat pump. Loss of water through loose plumbing connections may result in damage to circulation
pump, pool and spa structures, and other equipment.
Never use a metal wrench to loosen or tighten the plumbing connections on heat pump. This can damage the unions.
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Light Freeze Conditions
There are two freeze conditions requiring heat pump attention. A light freeze is when the ambient air
temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for less than 8 hours. Typically during light freeze conditions
circulating (or moving) water will not freeze. Temporarily set the filter pump's time-clock for continuous
operation during light freeze conditions.
Hard Freeze Conditions
A hard freeze is when the ambient air temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 8 hours. In
areas where this condition is prevalent and sustained, the heat pump MUST be winterized for hard freeze
conditions.
1. Deactivate all electrical power to heat pump.
2. Deactivate filter pump.
3. Disconnect the plumbing to the heat pump at connection unions (removal is
counter-clockwise). Use a strap wrench to loosen unions. Never use a metal
wrench as this can damage the unions.
4. Allow water to drain completely from the heat pump.
Expect to see a lot of water drain out at first, and then a small amount to
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continue to drain out over a long period.
5. After heat pump is fully drained, partially reconnect plumbing connection
unions.
6. Winterizing is complete.
When hard freeze conditions are over, use the following procedure to bring
the heat pump back into service:
1. Tighten connection unions with strap wrench.
2. Reconnect electrical power.
3. Set the operating mode on the heat pump.
4. Activate filter pump.
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Failure to heed the following may result in injury or death.
Failure to heed the following may result in damage to equipment.
A strap wrench is used to
tighten and loosen unions