Properly maintaining your Ice Barrel during winter is essential to ensure its longevity and performance. Whether you plan to continue using it in cold weather or store it until spring, follow this guide to keep your barrel in top condition.
Using Your Ice Barrel in Winter
1. Preventing Freezing
In freezing temperatures, water in your Ice Barrel can turn to ice, which may cause expansion and potential damage. Here’s how to prevent that:
- Keep the Water Moving: Stir the water regularly to prevent ice buildup.
- Use a Submersible Water Pump: These help keep water moving and reduce freezing risks.
- Break Ice Early: If a thin layer forms, break it before it thickens.
- Move To a Sheltered Area: In regions with extreme cold, consider storing the barrel in an insulated location, such as a garage.
Storing Your Ice Barrel for Winter
If you won’t be using your Ice Barrel during winter, proper storage is key.
1. Drain It Completely
- Open the spigot and drain all the water.
- Tilt the barrel to remove any remaining water from the bottom.
2. Dry the Interior
- Wipe down the inside to prevent mold or mildew.
- Leave the lid off for a few hours to air dry completely.
3. Store in a Protected Area
- If possible, move the barrel to a garage, shed, or covered area.
- If storing outdoors, use the protective UV cover to shield it from snow, ice, and debris.
Customer Responsibility
While Ice Barrel is designed for year-round use, proper care is the customer’s responsibility. If these steps are not taken, extreme freezing conditions may lead to failure, which is not covered under the product warranty.