How to Store Your ProTool RODI System During the Winter (Complete Guide)

When cold weather arrives, most window cleaners stop using their pure-water systems for several weeks—or even months. To keep your ProTool RODI system in top condition through winter, it’s important to properly store, drain, and protect each component. A little preparation now can prevent costly damage later, especially from freezing temperatures.

Below is your complete step-by-step guide, along with the three recommended winter storage methods ranked from best to acceptable. We call this "winterization" or "winterize"

Best Winter Storage Methods (Ranked 1–3)

Below are the three recommended ways to store your ProTool RODI System During the Winter, starting with the best option.

1. Store the Entire System Indoors (Best Method)

Bringing the whole ProTool RODI system into a heated environment is the safest, most effective way to protect your ProTool RODI System During the Winter.
A climate-controlled area prevents freezing, eliminates moisture issues, and extends the lifespan of your RO membrane, housings, pump (if applicable), and fittings.

Why this is best:

• Zero chance of freeze damage

• No need for antifreeze or RO Protect

• Filters, RO membrane, and hoses remain in stable temperatures

• Minimal prep needed—just drain the housings and store your filters

If you have the option, always choose this method.

2. Remove Filters and RO Membrane, Store Them Indoors

If you can’t bring the entire ProTool RODI system inside, or you have a ProTool wall mount or skid, the next best method is to disconnect hoses and remove the RO membrane, storing it indoors in a sealed plastic bag. (Don't let it dry out!)

The main framework of the ProTool system can stay on your rig or in the garage or shed, but the sensitive components—DI resin, carbon block, and especially the RO membrane—should stay warm.

Advantages of Method 2:

• Protects the parts most vulnerable to freezing

• RO membrane stays hydrated and safe indoors

• Reduces risk of damage while keeping the main unit close to the work area

This method is ideal for cleaners with limited indoor space but who want maximum protection for the expensive component and safely store their ProTool RODI System During the Winter.

3. Add RO Protect and Store in a Garage or Shed (Last Resort)

When no heated storage is available, or you have a ProTool wall mounted system or ProTool skid, use RO Protect or RV Antifreeze to keep the RO membrane from freezing inside the system.
Drain all lines, remove the prefilters, and store the housings empty. Then fill the RO housing with RO Protect + pure water, or RO Protect + RV Antifreeze for sub-freezing conditions.

This method works when:

• You have NO access to indoor storage

• The system must stay in the garage, shed, or work trailer

• Winter temperatures are regularly freezing

• You have a ProTool wall mount or skid that can't be easily moved inside. 

Notes:

• This is safe for the membrane

• Prefilters must be stored indoors

• The housings must be completely drained to avoid cracking

While it's not ideal, this method effectively prevents freeze damage when nothing else is possible.

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Step-by-Step Preparation for storing your ProTool RODI System During the Winter:

No matter which storage method you choose, begin with these basics:

1. Make Pure Water for System Protection

Start by producing about 3 gallons of pure water and set it aside in a clean bucket. This will be used for flushing the RO membrane or filling the RO housing later.

2. Remove Carbon and DI Filters

Open all three filter housings. Remove the carbon filter and DI filter, then let both filters drain for 4 hours.
Once drained, store them in airtight plastic bags to prevent contamination and drying damage.

3. Drain the Housings

With the filters removed, gently tip the ProTool RODI system to drain all standing water from the blue housings.
The RO membrane remains inside its housing at this stage.

4. Add RO Protect

Pour RO Protect into the top of the RO housing, then fill the rest of the housing with the pure water you made earlier.
This solution helps keep the membrane hydrated and protected during long periods of inactivity.

Reinstall the top cap, tighten it securely, and your ProTool system is baseline-ready for winter storage.

Optional (But Recommended) Freezing Precautions

If temperatures can dip below freezing, consider these additional steps:

• Disconnect each hose from the bottom of the Carbon and DI housings

• Allow the lines to drain completely before adding RO Protect

• If temperatures will reach below 32°F, replace the pure water in the RO housing with Propylene Glycol (RV Antifreeze) along with the RO Protect

• Reinstall the cap

RV antifreeze is a safe alternative for RO membranes when used correctly and ensures the internal cylinder won’t freeze.

When water freezes it expand, hoses and housing can explode if kept sealed, so we high recommend the above steps to allow room for the water to expand and prevent unintended damage.

Final Thoughts

Winter storage, or winterization, is all about protecting your RO membrane, filters, and housings from freezing and drying out. Whether you bring your system indoors or rely on RO Protect and RV antifreeze, taking the proper steps now will ensure your ProTool RODI system is ready to perform flawlessly when the busy season returns.