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SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
38
System Maintenance
Winterizing
Pool Pilot Digital: The Pool Pilot Manifold including the SuperCell and Tri-Sensor will be damaged by freezing water just as
your pool plumbing would. In areas that experience severe cold weather or exte nde d pe riods of freezing temperatures, the system
should be winterized by draining all water from the Manifold Assembly (SuperCell and Tri-Sensor), pump, filter, supply and
return lines prior to freezing weather. The Control Unit is not affected by the cold and does not need t o be removed.
Pool Pilot Total Control:
The Flow Cell and Acid tank can be damaged by freezing water conditions. In areas that experience
severe cold weather or extended periods of freezing temperatures, the system should be winterized. Allow the acid tank level to
drop so that it is easier to drain.
For the Flow Cell, empty it by opening the water sample (center) valve to drain all water from the Flow Cell. Leave this valve
opened during the winter months. Continue with your normal pool winterizing procedures.
For the acid tank and tubing, remove the acid tube from the manifold, disconnect the interface cable from the Digital Control unit,
and dilute the remaining acid/water solution in the tank. Once diluted, it can be discard safely. Rinse out the acid tank with fresh
water. The acid tank, pump, and tubing should be removed and stored indoor. The Pool Chemistry Control Unit is not affected
by the cold and does not need to be removed.
Remove both sensors and fill the sensor caps with pool water prior to sealing the caps onto the sensors. Tighten the caps
and store sensors indoor.
Freeze protection program and its limits
When configured to control the circulation pump, the Pool Pilot can reduce the possibility of freeze damage to the filter and pipes
in milder climates where freezing weather is not normally expected.
Caution: AutoPilot System’s warranty does not cover damage caused by freezing conditions. Precautions must be taken to
protect your equipment!
Winterizing procedures should be done prior to periods of freezing temperatures. The Pool Pilot will turn on the pump and
circulate pool water while the water temperature is below 40
°F (4.4°C). Circulating the pool water will reduce the possibility of
damage to the filter and pipes due to freezing. The Pool Pilot freeze protect feature will NOT work properly unless all of the
following conditions are met:
• The Pool Pilot must be powered continuously. An external switch or timer should not be used to turn off the Pool Pilot
power during the freezing weather.
• The Pool Pilot must control the power to the circulation pump.
• The Pool Pilot “Set Relay 1” must be programmed for One-speed pump (see pg. 34). When the Tri-Sensor indicates that
water temperature is below 38
°F (4.4°C), the Control Unit will override the normal timed program cycle and run the
pump 30 minutes minimum or continuously while the water temperature is below 38
°F (4.4°C).
• The Pool Pilot uses a temperature sensor located in the Tri-Sensor to determine water temperature. If the Tri-Sensor is
located so that it cannot accurately detect the cold water, then the freeze protection becomes ineffective. (For example, if
the Tri-Sensor is located inside a protected or warm location and the other pool components are located in an unprotected
area, the other pool components could freeze before the Tri-Sensor detects the cold water.)
Spring Start-Up
Pool Pilot Digital: It is recommended that you manually shock the pool when you first start up the pool in the springtime. Test
your water and add the appropriate chemicals to balance the pool water per the levels recommended in Basic Water Chemistry on
pg. 7. Make sure to check your salt and cyanuric acid (stabilizer) levels and bring them up to the recommended levels as
required. It is a good idea to inspect the cell, filter screen, test the Tri-Sensor flow switch and clean as necessary. See the next
sections.
Pool Pilot pH Control or Total Control System: No special instructions are necessary for spring start ups. However, it is
recommended to replace the acid feed lines, including the Stenner feed tube, annually. Reinstall all equipment removed for
winterizing. Follow the start up instructions for filling the acid tank and priming the acid pump, see pg. 23, steps 9 – 11.