Hard freeze

A hard freeze lasts long enough to freeze water inside pipes, pumps, filters, and heaters. Ice expands and splits plastic, PVC, and cast housings.

Sign of damage after a thaw: leaks at the pad, cracked housings, and a pump that will not prime. Do not restart equipment you suspect is cracked. See freeze damage repair and have it inspected first. Wrap exposed pipes only as a short-term help. A freeze plan and a working sensor protect far better, and a quick check after each cold night finds problems early.