January in Houston is peak leaf-drop season. Oaks, elms, and other deciduous trees are just now shedding what’s left of their foliage, and much of it is landing directly in your pool. If you’ve noticed more skimming, more clogging, or more mystery noises from your equipment lately, you’re not alone.

At Sparkling Pools, we get flooded with calls every time temperatures dip below freezing: cracked pipes, damaged filters, broken pumps — all of it preventable with a few simple steps. So if the forecast looks frosty, here’s how to protect your pool before winter weather does its worst.

Houston may not have a true winter, but it has plenty of “off-season” evenings when families and friends gather near the water. A little care now keeps it sparkling, safe, and ready for that first warm day—whenever it decides to show up.