Houston Freeze? Protect Your Pool Like a Pro
- Sparkling
- Dec 9
- 3 min read
Yes, we know — Houston isn’t exactly Minneapolis. But when a rare freeze rolls through, it can cause big problems for unprepared pool owners.
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.
❄️ 1. Keep the Water Moving
If the temperature is dropping below 32ºF, don’t shut off your pool pump. Running water is much less likely to freeze.
Set your system to run overnight, when temps are lowest.
If you have a freeze guard (aka freeze protection mode), make sure it’s enabled and functioning.
No freeze guard? Manually run your pump during the coldest hours — especially from midnight to 8 AM.
🧊 2. Don’t Cover the Skimmers Completely
If you use a pool cover, make sure your skimmers aren’t sealed off in a way that traps ice.
Water expands as it freezes, and that can crack your skimmer housing — which isn’t a fun surprise to find in January.
Tip: Use skimmer plugs or floating devices (like a plastic bottle half-filled with sand) to relieve pressure in freezing conditions.
🧰 3. Turn Off and Drain Unused Equipment
If you won’t be running your pool heater, water features, or booster pumps, turn them off and drain the lines to prevent freezing.
Not sure how? Give us a call before the cold hits. We can help you winterize your system properly — especially if it’s your first freeze.
🧼 4. Check Your Water Level and Chemistry
Believe it or not, unbalanced water can actually make freeze damage worse.
Low water means your pump can run dry (bad news).
Unbalanced chemistry increases the risk of surface damage or corrosion during the off-season.
Use a test kit or drop by with a water sample — we’ll help you make sure your pool is winter-ready, chemically speaking.
🧳 5. Traveling? Prep Before You Go
Leaving town for the holidays? Don’t leave your pool behind.
A few things to do before you hit the road:
Set your pump to run during freeze hours
Have a neighbor check your equipment during the cold snap
Consider scheduling a quick inspection with our team
Bonus: If you come home to no busted pipes or green water, that’s a vacation win.
🧯 If a Freeze Catches You Off-Guard…
Didn’t prep in time? Power outage during a freeze?
Here’s what to do immediately:
Turn off power to the equipment
Remove drain plugs from pumps, filters, and heaters to let water out
Cover exposed plumbing with towels or foam if possible
Call a pro as soon as possible to assess any damage
Final Thoughts: Houston Winters Are Weird — Prepare Anyway
You might go the whole winter without a single freeze… or you might get three nights in a row that test your equipment (and your nerves). That’s just Houston.
A little prep now can save you thousands in repairs later — and help you hit the ground running come spring.
Need help winterizing your pool or want us to check your freeze protection settings? Contact Sparkling Pools — we’ll make sure your pool is protected, even if Houston decides to throw a winter curveball.