Pool Freeze Protection in New Braunfels: A Simple Winter Checklist
New Braunfels does not get many freezing nights, but a few hard freezes can crack pipes and ruin a pool pump. The February 2021 winter storm showed how much damage one cold week can do. This checklist helps you get ready before the first freeze.
Why Freezing Weather Hurts Pools
Water grows when it freezes. If water sits still in your pump, filter, heater, or above-ground pipes, it can freeze and crack them. Moving water is much harder to freeze. That is why the most important rule is simple: keep water moving when it is freezing outside.
After the 2021 storm, pool pros saw that most freeze damage happened to pools that lost power for a long time, so the pump could not run.
Before the First Freeze: Checklist
- Test your freeze protection. Most automation systems turn the pump on when the air gets near freezing, often around 36 to 38°F. Check that yours is on and works.
- Clean the filter. Good water flow matters most during a freeze.
- Empty the skimmer and pump baskets.
- Check the water level. Keep it in the middle of the skimmer so the pump does not suck air.
- Know where your drain plugs are. Learn how to drain the pump and filter in case the power goes out.
- Check pipe insulation on above-ground plumbing.
During a Freeze
- Let the pump run the whole time the air is at or below freezing. Do not turn it off to save power.
- Run all the pumps, including waterfall or cleaner pumps, or drain them.
- If you have a heater, keep the water moving through it, or follow the maker’s freeze steps.
- Do not break ice on the pool surface. It can damage tile.
If the Power Goes Out
If you lose power for many hours in a hard freeze, the pump cannot protect the equipment. In that case:
- Turn off the breaker to the pool equipment.
- Open the drain plugs on the pump and filter to let water out.
- Open the air relief valve on the filter.
- Cover the equipment with a blanket or tarp, but keep heat sources away.
- When power comes back, close the drains, prime the pump, and check for leaks before running.
After the Freeze
Look for water spraying or dripping at the pump, filter, heater, or pipes. A pump that runs but does not move water may have a cracked part or an air leak. See pool pump repair and heater and automation repair.
Should You Close Your Pool for Winter in Texas?
Most New Braunfels owners keep their pool open all winter and just run the pump less. Our winters are mild most of the time, and an open pool stays cleaner and is ready on warm days. See opening and closing a pool in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature should I run my pool pump to prevent freezing?
Run the pump whenever the air is near or below freezing. Most freeze protection settings turn the pump on around 36 to 38°F.
Should I drain my pool for a freeze in New Braunfels?
No. Do not drain the pool itself. Only drain the pump and filter if the power goes out during a hard freeze and the pump cannot run.
How do I know if my freeze protection works?
On many systems you can set the freeze temperature above the current air temperature and see if the pump turns on. A pool tech can test it for you.
Can a freeze damage my pool heater?
Yes. Water left sitting in a heater can freeze and crack the heat exchanger. Keep water moving through it or follow the maker’s winter steps.
What happened to pools in the 2021 winter storm?
Many pools that kept their pumps running did fine. Most damage happened when long power outages stopped the pumps and water froze in the equipment.
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