Most North Texas pools stay open all winter, so they are full of water when a hard freeze arrives. Water expands when it freezes, and that is what cracks pumps, filters, heaters and pipes. A few simple steps protect almost every pool.
Before the Freeze
- Keep the pool full. Never drain a pool to protect it from a freeze. The water level should sit at the middle of the skimmer opening so the pump doesn't pull in air.
- Empty the skimmer and pump baskets and clean the filter so water flows freely.
- If your equipment has freeze protection, check that it is turned on. It starts the pump automatically when the air gets close to freezing.
- No freeze protection? Plan to switch the pump on by hand and leave it running.
- Know where the breakers for your pool equipment are, in case the power goes out.
During the Freeze
Moving water is much harder to freeze than still water. Run the pump around the clock for as long as the temperature is at or below freezing, not only overnight.
- Run every pump, including the ones for the spa, water features and pool cleaner, so water moves through every pipe.
- Set the valves so water flows through both the pool and the spa.
- Check the baskets once or twice a day. Leaves and ice can block them.
- You don't need to run the heater. Circulation is what protects the equipment.
If the Power Goes Out
A power cut during a freeze is the real danger, because the water in your equipment stops moving. If it looks like the power will be out for a while:
- Turn off the breakers to the pool equipment.
- Remove the drain plugs from the pump, filter, heater and chlorinator so the water runs out. Keep the plugs somewhere safe, such as the pump basket.
- Open the air relief valve on top of the filter.
- Cover the equipment and exposed pipes with blankets or towels, then a tarp.
- When the power is back and everything has thawed, put the plugs back in, prime the pump and restart.
After the Freeze
Walk around the equipment before you rely on it again. Look for drips, cracks in the pump or filter, and water on the equipment pad. If the water level keeps dropping in the days after a freeze, a pipe may have cracked underground.
If something looks wrong, turn the equipment off and call us. Running a cracked pump or a heater with a damaged part can make the repair bigger.
Want us to take a look?
Talk to the owner directly. Consultations are free anywhere in Dallas–Fort Worth.