Fitrite Backflow Covers Help Prevent Freeze Damage
The Fitrite backflow cover is intended to help extend the irrigation season by protecting backflow assemblies that are installed outside and above-ground from freeze damage that would otherwise be prone to sudden drops in outside temperatures.
In order to do this, the cover is made of weatherproof insulating materials and use Velcro hook and loop closures on three of it's four sides to facilitate it's installation. This also allows two covers to be joined together to help protect larger backflow assemblies.
The weatherproof properties of the insulation used in it's manufacturing allows the Fitrite cover to retain it's insulating properties regardless of the weather it is exposed to. Consequently, the cover maintains it's usefulness even after the backflow assembly it is covering "dumps" water as many are designed to occasionally do.
The Fitrite cover is by no means designed to substitute for properly draining or winterizing a sprinkler system's backflow device. Neither will the cover protect against periods of prolonged periods of temperatures below 32 degrees F or when outside temperatures drop well below 25 degrees F. To maintain the integrity of a backflow device under these conditions, it is recommended to provide an adequate safe source of heat or properly drain the water from the backflow assembly. If a home or property owner is unsure how to take these evasive steps, the help of a knowledgeable professional is recommended.
Contrary to popular belief, the use of a Fitrite backflow cover is not necessary once a sprinkler system's baclflow device is drained or winterized, nor is it generally needed between June 15th and September 15th in the Northern Hemisphere. During these times it is best to store the cover indoors as it should last significantly longer when it is not exposed to the elements.
Please feel free to call Alpenglow Sprinkler if you have any questions or would like to request a Fitrite cover to be installed on your bacflow assembly to ensure it's proper installation and the piece of mind it provides!