Freezing Weather Pool Protection Guide

Written By Purple Frog Pools

Freezing weather in North Texas can be unpredictable and stressful for pool owners — especially when temperatures drop suddenly or power outages occur. At Purple Frog Pools, we serve homeowners across Fort Worth, Aledo, Weatherford, and surrounding areas, and every winter we see the same costly mistakes repeated.

This guide is designed to give you clear, professional, safety-first guidance to protect your pool, equipment, and investment during freezing temperatures.

The Biggest Myth: “Just Drain the Pool”

Let’s clear this up right away.

👉 Do NOT drain your pool during freezing weather.

Draining a pool can cause:

  • Structural cracking

  • Popped pool shells

  • Tile and plaster damage

  • Long-term, irreversible issues

In North Texas, pools are designed to stay full during winter. Protection comes from circulation and proper equipment management — not draining water.

If Freezing Weather Is Coming (Power On)

If your power is on and your system is operational:

✔ Leave your pool running
✔ Ensure freeze protection is enabled on your automation system
✔ Run water through all features (spa spillovers, waterfalls, bubblers)

Moving water is your first line of defense against freezing.

If You Lose Power During a Freeze

Power outages are where most freeze damage occurs. If electricity goes out and freezing temperatures are expected:

1️⃣ Turn OFF Pool Breakers

Shut off breakers to:

  • Pumps

  • Heaters

  • Automation systems

This protects sensitive electronics from surges when power is restored.

2️⃣ Drain the Equipment (Not the Pool)

If you can safely access your equipment pad:

  • Remove drain plugs from:

    • Pumps

    • Filters

    • Heaters

  • Open pump lids

  • Leave valves open so trapped water can escape

💡 Store drain plugs in the pump basket so they don’t get lost.

This prevents water from freezing inside equipment — the #1 cause of freeze damage in Fort Worth-area pools.

3️⃣ Do NOT Add Chemicals

Without circulation:

  • Chemicals can concentrate

  • Surfaces can be damaged

  • Equipment seals can fail

Wait until full circulation is restored.

Common Homeowner Questions (Answered)

❄️ Should I turn my heater on during a freeze?

Usually no.

Pool heaters are designed to maintain temperature — not to fight hard freezes. Running a heater during freezing conditions can:

  • Stress the heat exchanger

  • Increase freeze risk if power cycles

  • Create expensive repairs

👉 Circulation matters more than heat.

🔌 What if I have a generator?

If you can safely power:

  • The main circulation pump

  • Automation system

Then yes — running the pool is ideal. Do not attempt unsafe electrical setups.

🧊 Should I cover my pool?

Covers can help with debris, but:

  • They do not replace circulation

  • They can trap ice if water isn’t moving

Covers are supplemental — not primary freeze protection.

⚙️ What about freeze protection mode?

Freeze protection works only if power stays on. It does not help during outages. Always have a backup plan.

💦 Should I drain water below the skimmers?

Generally no, unless part of a full professional winterization. Improper draining can cause more harm than good.

When Power Is Restored

Once electricity returns:

  1. Reinstall drain plugs

  2. Prime the pump if needed

  3. Turn breakers back on

  4. Confirm normal water flow

  5. Check for leaks, alarms, or unusual sounds

🚨 If something doesn’t look right — turn the system back off and call a professional.

Freeze Disclaimer (Important)

Every pool is different.

Plumbing depth, equipment configuration, exposure, and prior conditions all affect freeze risk. This guide is educational and intended to help reduce damage — it cannot guarantee freeze prevention.

Purple Frog Pools is not responsible for freeze damage caused by:

  • Power outages

  • Municipal infrastructure failure

  • Unknown plumbing depths

  • Equipment age or pre-existing conditions

When in doubt, do not guess — call a professional.

Why Fort Worth-Area Pools Need Extra Care

North Texas pools are not built like northern pools. Our frost line is shallow, and most plumbing is not designed for prolonged freezes. That’s why proactive care matters.

At Purple Frog Pools, we specialize in:

  • Weekly professional pool service

  • Freeze preparation & response

  • Equipment inspections

  • Long-term water and equipment protection using LSI-based chemistry

Need Help? We’re Here.

If you’re unsure what to do, uncomfortable draining equipment, or want peace of mind during freezing weather:

📞 Purple Frog Pools
817-360-4500
🌐 PurpleFrogPools.com

Serving Fort Worth, Aledo, Weatherford, and surrounding areas

Elite pool care. Professional guidance. Safety first — always.

Purple Frog Pools