Texas weather can be as unpredictable as a roll of the dice — one day it’s sunny and warm, and the next, you’re facing a chill that rivals the Colorado Rockies. This unpredictability can be especially challenging for pool owners, as the threat of frozen pools looms with every temperature drop. 

But why exactly is a frozen pool a cause for concern?

The Perils of an Icy Pool

When water freezes, it expands. This might be a minor inconvenience in a water bottle, but it’s a different story in your pool. Expansion due to freezing can lead to cracked sides, burst pipes, and broken pool equipment, all of which can be costly to fix. Therefore, when temperatures are forecasted to plummet below freezing for extended periods or during a power outage, taking proactive steps to protect your pool becomes essential.

5 Steps for Winterizing Your Pool

If you’re new to winterizing or just need a refresher, don’t worry. The process is simpler than it sounds, and we’re here to guide you. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to winterizing your pool:

  1. Power Down: Begin by turning off your pool’s master switch or breaker. This is a safety step to ensure that no electricity is running through your pool components during the winterizing process.
  2. Open the Pump Pot: Remove the lid of your pump pot. This is where you’ll store the plugs you remove in the next steps and to let air into the system.
  3. Remove Plugs: Your main pool pump will have two threaded plugs. Remove these and place them in the pump pot for safekeeping. Do the same for any additional pumps, such as those for pool cleaners or water features.
  4. Heater Care: Remove the plug from the heater header if your pool has a heater. Remove both plugs for pools with two headers(Raypack and Rheem heaters) and store them in the pump pot.
  5. Drain the Filter: Locate the drain plug connected to your filter and remove it. If you have a D.E. or sand filter, try to lift the backwash handle up. If it’s frozen, don’t force it; leave it as it is.

Before the Freeze

Before the temperature dips too low, there are a few preparatory steps you should take:

  1. Fill Up: Ensure your pool is filled to the proper level.
  2. Clean Baskets: Clean out any debris from your pump and skimmer baskets.
  3. Check Equipment: Ensure all your pool equipment is functioning correctly and without leaks to avoid post-freeze surprises.

Why These Adjustments Matter

By programming your pool to run during the night, you ensure it will run during the coldest hours, which is your pool’s first line of defense against the harsh winter temperatures. In addition to that, your “Freeze Guard” can turn on the pool if the low temperatures continue during the daytime. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity of your pool’s piping and filtration system, as water movement is key to preventing freeze damage, and it saves you electricity during the day if the temperature rises above freezing.

Regularly check your settings throughout the winter to ensure they are consistent and functioning correctly. Small adjustments like these can make a significant difference in safeguarding your pool against the challenges of winter.

Winterizing your pool in Texas may not be an everyday task, but it’s crucial in ensuring that your pool weathers the unpredictable winter conditions unscathed.

Still, have questions or need hands-on help? Contact Blue Water Express today. We’re here to ensure that your pool remains a source of joy, no matter the season.