Every so often, the Gulf Coast gets hit with a cold snap — and when temperatures dip below freezing, your pool needs a little extra attention. Even a short freeze can cause serious damage to your pipes, pumps, and equipment if you’re not prepared.

With another Texas freeze warning on the way, here’s how to protect your pool before, during, and after the cold hits — so you can avoid costly repairs and keep everything running smoothly.

Preparing Your Pool Before the Freeze

When a hard freeze is in the forecast, it’s time to act fast. Here’s what you should do to get your pool ready:

Clean out your skimmer and pump baskets.
Remove leaves and debris so water can flow freely.

Remove any unnecessary equipment from the pool.
Take out automatic cleaners, toys, or accessories that could freeze or crack.

Protect your equipment.
If snow or sleet is expected, cover your pool equipment with a tarp or thermal blanket to insulate it from the cold — but keep it off the motor to prevent overheating.

Keep the water moving.
Circulating water is far less likely to freeze. Make sure your filtration and auxiliary pumps are running continuously throughout the freeze.

Pro Tip: Many modern systems have built-in freeze protection that automatically turns the pump on when the temperature drops below a certain point. Check your automation settings to be sure it’s enabled.

During the Freeze

The goal is simple: keep the water moving and the equipment protected.

• Single-speed pumps should run the entire time temperatures are below 34°F.

• Variable-speed and two-speed pumps should run on high speed until the freeze passes.

Do not run your pool heater to prevent freezing — this can cause major damage to the heater itself.

Also, make sure your water level stays around the middle of the tile line to prevent air from being pulled into the system. If you’re not using the pool, a safety cover helps retain heat and keeps debris out.

To add an extra layer of protection:

• Aim your return jets upward to help circulate warm surface water.

• Use pool antifreeze in exposed plumbing lines to guard against icing.

After the Freeze

Once the freeze passes and the temperatures rise, inspect your pool and equipment carefully:

• Break up any surface ice around skimmers and ensure skimmer doors can move freely.

• If power was lost:

  1. Turn off all circuit breakers to your pool equipment.

  2. Open the air bleed valve on your filter (use warm water if ice is blocking it).

  3. Remove drain plugs from the pump and filter to release any trapped water.

  4. Store plugs in the pump basket and loosely replace the pump lid.

  5. Set valves to their middle position so water can drain back into the pool.

Once everything thaws, inspect for leaks or cracks, restore normal water levels, and rebalance your chemicals. Run your pump continuously for 24 hours to flush the system and get things circulating again.

Protect Your Pool Investment

Taking the time to winterize your pool before a hard freeze pays off big. Preventing damage to your pump, filter, and pipes saves thousands in potential repairs — and ensures your pool is ready to enjoy once the temperatures climb again.

At Southern Charm Pools, we help homeowners across League City, Kemah, Friendswood, Clear Lake, and surrounding communities protect and maintain their backyard investments. Whether you need seasonal maintenance, equipment repair, or expert guidance during extreme weather, our team is just a call away.

Call Southern Charm Pools today for professional pool care and freeze preparation assistance.