Run your pool pump continuously when temperatures are near or below freezing. You don't need to run your heater, moving water likely will not freeze. Disconnect any aerators and lines to slides. Booster pumps for pool cleaners don't need to run continuously.
You should have a freeze protection device that will automatically turn the pump on when the temperature drops to around 34 degrees. A freeze protector will keep your pool running as long as the temperature remains close to freezing.
Use a strong shop vac, I think it's better then a compressor due to volume. Close the grey valve and remove the waterfall pump if you have unions. Hook up vac to blow and blow out the waterfall. Shut off main pump if in, Hook up the vac on blow to the grey valve and turn on vac and valve.
The pump takes air from the area surrounding it, and pumps it through the pipes. The force of the air behind the water forces the water from the pool and up to the spout. A pool waterfall has to start with a source of water. The force of the air behind the water forces the water from the pool and up to the spout.
Waterfalls help keep water moving throughout your pool, which helps keep your water clean. Working in tandem with your pool pump, the additional airflow and circulation helps evenly distribute chemicals throughout your pool and move water through your filtration system.
Drain and clean the fountain. Blow out the pipes to remove water and prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting. Maintain a regular schedule of clearing debris that collects in the fountain. The pump should also be cleaned according to manufacturer's directions and stored.
DO NOT use heater during extreme cold unless it has been constantly running prior to the drop in temperature. Manufacturers state heaters should not be run at temperatures 68 and below. Adjust pool and spa jets upwards to reduce surface freezing.
Pipes can freeze at 32 degrees or below, but it will take a sustained period of time for this to happen. In other words, a pipe needs to be at freezing temperatures for at least half a day before homeowners have to worry about any freezing occurring.
If you have an above ground pool with the pool filter system and plumbing above ground (like nearly all above ground pools), pipes and pumps can freeze up in less than an hour of minus 32 degrees.
Pool pipes that are located above-ground can crack if the pump is not kept running when temperatures reach below 32°. If PVC pipes freeze, the ice will expand and can crack pipes, pumps, valves, filters, and heaters.
Clear pipes and equipment of water using a blower or compressor and plug the pipes at the pool. Add swimming pool antifreeze to the lines to prevent freezing. Place a Gizzmo* (or similar device) in the skimmer to seal it and absorb pressure from ice.
As fish slow down in fall, it is time to shut off any waterfalls, fountains or bubblers and remove the pond's pump to store it for winter. The warmest water will be at the bottom of the pond where fish are hibernating, and continuing to move the water in winter would cool the pond and endanger its fish and plants.
Check for Ice Dams
If you keep your pond running during the frozen months of winter, you'll enjoy the beautiful ice sculptures that form in the stream and waterfall. Although stunning, it's possible that the ice buildup can form dams that could divert your pond water out of the pond.
Now is the best time to winterize your landscape water features, before the frost and cold weather really sets in. Winterizing water features in your yard now will prevent complications later this year and will help ensure your babbling brook, waterfall, or koi pond will run for years to come.
Ponds that have fish must not freeze over completely. Moving water from a waterfall will help keep the water open. If it has a large basin, a fountain or pondless waterfall can probably run most of the winter. Ice is an amazing winter landscaping element.
Whether you want to impress your guests with mini fountains or provide the soft soundtrack of a waterfall, it is possible to upgrade your pool with a fountain. By adding a water feature to your pool area, you'll want to spend more time enjoying the sensory experience.