Jandy AquaLink RS Freeze Protection: Setup and Troubleshooting
Quick Summary
- The AquaLink RS provides automatic freeze protection by monitoring the freeze/air temperature sensor and turning on the filter pump when outdoor temperatures approach freezing.
- The freeze/air sensor is required for all installations. It must be mounted outdoors in ambient air, not in direct sunlight and not inside the Power Center.
- If S1 DIP #7 is turned ON (for solar), the air sensor becomes the solar sensor and freeze protection is lost unless you install the Adjustable Freeze Sensor Kit (Part #6996).
- Freeze protection only works when the AquaLink RS has power. A power outage during a freeze event will leave the system unprotected.
- The system will run the filter pump continuously during freeze conditions to keep water moving and prevent pipe damage.
Critical Warning
Freeze damage to pool plumbing, equipment, and heaters is not covered under warranty if the freeze protection system was improperly installed or disabled. Verify freeze protection is functional before every winter season.
How Freeze Protection Works
The AquaLink RS monitors the outdoor air temperature through the freeze/air sensor. When the air temperature drops to approximately 36°F (2°C), the system automatically turns on the filter pump to circulate water through the plumbing. Moving water is much more resistant to freezing than static water in pipes.
The system will keep the pump running until the air temperature rises above the freeze threshold. During freeze protection, the system overrides any programmed schedules or manual off commands for the pump. This is by design and should not be overridden.
On systems with heaters connected, the AquaLink RS may also activate the heater during freeze protection to add heat to the water, providing additional protection for the plumbing and equipment.
Step-by-Step Setup
Standard Installation (No Solar)
- Install the freeze/air temperature sensor outdoors where it is exposed to true ambient air temperature. Good locations include a north-facing wall, under an eave, or on a fence post in shade.
- Do not mount the sensor in direct sunlight, near heat sources (dryer vents, heater exhaust), or inside the Power Center enclosure.
- Connect the sensor wires to the designated terminals on the green 10-pin terminal bar per the wiring diagram (Section 5, Figure 5).
- Verify S1 DIP #7 is OFF (factory default). This keeps the sensor functioning as an air/freeze sensor.
- Test by reading the air temperature on the control panel. It should closely match the actual outdoor temperature.
Solar Installation (Freeze Kit Required)
- When you install a solar heating system and turn S1 DIP #7 ON, the air sensor is reassigned as the solar sensor. The air temperature will no longer display on the control panel.
- You must install the Adjustable Freeze Sensor Kit (Part #6996) to restore freeze protection capability.
- Follow the instructions included with the Freeze Kit. The kit provides a separate dedicated freeze sensor that connects to the PCB independently of the solar sensor.
- After installation, verify that freeze protection activates correctly by checking the system behavior when outdoor temperatures drop.
Troubleshooting Freeze Protection Problems
Freeze protection does not activate
- Verify the freeze/air sensor is connected to the correct terminals on the 10-pin terminal bar.
- Check that S1 DIP #7 is OFF (if no solar system). If S1 DIP #7 is ON and no Freeze Kit is installed, the system has no freeze sensor.
- Test the sensor by measuring resistance. An open or shorted sensor will not trigger freeze protection.
- Check the air temperature displayed on the control panel. If it reads an unreasonable value (very high or dashes), the sensor is faulty or disconnected.
- Verify the system has power. Freeze protection cannot function during a power outage.
Freeze protection activates on warm days
- The sensor may be mounted in a cold spot (near air conditioning condensate, in a wind tunnel, or in a location that gets shade and cold air drainage). Relocate the sensor to a more representative location.
- The sensor may be failing and reading lower than actual temperature. Test the sensor resistance and compare to the expected value for the current temperature.
- If the sensor wires have water intrusion or corroded connections at the terminal bar, the resistance reading may be erratic. Clean and re-terminate the connections.
Pump runs constantly and will not shut off
- If the system is in freeze protection mode, the pump will run until the air temperature rises above the threshold. This is normal during a prolonged cold event.
- If it is warm outside but the pump will not stop, the freeze sensor may be reading too low. Test the sensor and check its location.
- A shorted sensor (near-zero resistance) may trick the system into thinking it is extremely cold. Replace the sensor.
Preventing Freeze Damage
- Always verify freeze protection is operational before the first cold night of the season. Run a manual check of the air temperature reading on the control panel.
- Keep the AquaLink RS powered on throughout winter, even if the pool is not in regular use. The system must have power to activate freeze protection.
- Install a Jandy Surge Protection Kit to prevent power surge damage to the PCB that could disable freeze protection when you need it most.
- If you winterize the pool and drain the plumbing, freeze protection through the AquaLink RS is not needed. But if plumbing remains full, the system must be operational.
- Consider a battery backup or generator connection for the Power Center in areas prone to freeze events combined with power outages.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature does freeze protection activate?
The AquaLink RS activates freeze protection when the air sensor reads approximately 38°F (3°C). The exact threshold may vary slightly by firmware version.
Can I disable freeze protection?
There is no DIP switch to disable freeze protection directly. It is always active when a functioning air sensor is connected. Disconnecting the sensor would disable it but also eliminate the air temperature reading and is strongly not recommended.
Will freeze protection run my heater?
On some configurations, the AquaLink RS will activate the heater during freeze protection to add heat to circulating water. This depends on the system setup and heater connection.
I have solar panels. Do I still need freeze protection?
Yes. Solar panels and their plumbing are also susceptible to freeze damage. When S1 DIP #7 is ON for solar, you must install the Freeze Sensor Kit (Part #6996) to maintain freeze protection.