can the pump be used outdoors in all weather down south or does it need to be covered. Mine cracked near the drain even though I drained the system

I live in south GA about 40 miles north of the FL line and we do get hard enough freezing temperatures to crack this cast iron pump from Nov to Mar, so I cover my pump those months with a 100 watt light bulb next to pump. I turn on the light only occasionally, when the weather forecast shows temperatures dropping into the 20's for several hours. All other times of the year, mine is exposed to all that the weather can throw at it. A washing machine or a dryer shipping box (that most appliance stores will give you) with a piece of plastic over it makes a good insulated cover. When you drain your system, leave the drain plug out, so you will not get any water back into pump from a pipe at a higher elevation when someone opens a faucet allowing air in. Remember dipping a straw in a drink and holding your finger over the end up end of straw; lift straw out and drink stays in straw until you take your finger off end of straw. Same principle for water lines!

The UTP15P1, as well as all other Utilitech irrigation pumps must be protected from the elements, even the water that is present in the irrigation system pipe system can migrate into the pump and cause freeze damage. it is recommended to completely winterize the pump as well as the entire irrigation system to prevent winter freezing.