--- title: "What the February 2021 Freeze Means for Grapevine Pools" description: "The February 2021 freeze hit DFW with 93 and 139 hours at or below freezing. Here is what NWS records show and how Grapevine pool owners can prepare." url: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/grapevine-pool-freeze-2021-lessons publisher: Marina Pool Services phone: +1-817-896-1120 quote: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact --- # What the February 2021 Freeze Means for Grapevine Pools In February 2021, DFW Airport hit -2 F on February 16 and stayed at or below freezing for 139 hours in one stretch, per the National Weather Service. Grapevine pool owners can prepare by checking freeze protection on equipment, keeping water moving, and knowing who to call before the next hard freeze. Local: GrapevinePublished October 21, 20263 min read The February 2021 freeze is the cold event many Grapevine pool owners still recall. This post sticks to what the National Weather Service recorded, then turns to what a pool owner can do before the next hard freeze. All weather figures come from the NWS Fort Worth event summary, read in October 2026. ## How bad was the February 2021 freeze at DFW? It was long and deep. DFW Airport reached -2 F on February 16, 2021. The NWS also noted that the DFW high on February 15 was lower than the record low for that date. The official event snowfall at DFW Airport was 5.0 inches. The cold also lasted. NWS counted two stretches of hours at or below freezing at DFW Airport. Stretch Dates Hours at or below freezing First 5 pm Feb 9 to 2 pm Feb 13 93 Second 5 pm Feb 13 to noon Feb 19 139 The temperature climbed to 33 F briefly from 2 to 5 pm on February 13, which is why NWS split the count in two. These are DFW Airport readings. They are not Grapevine readings. ## Why does a long freeze matter for a pool? Water expands when it freezes. A pool full of water is usually fine, but the pipes, pump, filter and heater hold small amounts of water that can freeze and crack parts. Long freezes raise the risk because ice has time to form in places that a short cold snap never reaches. Freeze protection means keeping water moving or draining equipment so ice cannot split it. Our [freeze protection guide](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/guides/freeze-protection) covers the options. The glossary also explains [freeze protection](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-protection) and [winterization](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/winterization). ## How should I read a weather record like this? Read it as a scale, not a forecast. The NWS summary tells you how long and how cold one event was. It does not tell you what will happen next winter. Two points are useful for a pool owner. First, duration matters as much as the low. A freeze that lasts 139 hours gives ice many chances to form in lines that a one-night freeze never touches. Second, the NWS numbers are airport readings. Conditions at a Grapevine backyard can differ, so treat the record as a guide and not a promise. ## What should I check before the next hard freeze? Check these items when a forecast shows temperatures near or below freezing. 1. **Find your freeze setting.** Many systems have a [freeze sensor](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-sensor) or a Freeze Guard function that starts the pump when air temperature drops. Confirm yours is on and set correctly. 2. **Test the pump run.** Make sure the pump runs when you ask it to. A pump that fails to start leaves water standing in the lines. 3. **Look at exposed pipes and fittings.** Equipment pads often have plumbing in open air. 4. **Know your power plan.** Freeze protection that needs power does not help if the power is out. The February 2021 event is a reminder to learn what your system does when power drops. 5. **Keep your pool full.** Do not drain a pool for a freeze unless a qualified pro tells you to. 6. **Save your contact list.** Keep the number of a pool pro where you can find it quickly. For electrical or gas equipment, call a qualified pro. Do not open wiring or gas lines yourself. ## What does Marina Pool Services offer for freeze season? Marina Pool Services lists [Freeze Guard and winterization](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/our-services/freeze-guard) on its services page. The listing covers freeze protection for pool equipment, pool winterization service and inspection of vulnerable equipment. Marina also has a page for [freeze damage repair](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/freeze-damage-repair). Marina is family-owned and based in Grapevine. See the [Grapevine service area page](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/service-areas/pool-repair-grapevine-tx) for more. ## When should I act? Act before the forecast turns. In North Texas, hard freezes come in some winters and not others. The [North Texas pool calendar](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/guides/north-texas-pool-calendar) shows where freeze checks fit in the year. A short inspection in fall is cheaper in time and stress than a repair in the middle of a cold snap. ## Next step To set up freeze protection or have your equipment looked at, see [Freeze Guard](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/our-services/freeze-guard). Call (817) 896-1120 or use the quote form at [/contact](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact). ## Frequently asked questions ### How cold did it get in February 2021 near Grapevine? The National Weather Service recorded a low of -2 F at DFW Airport on February 16, 2021. The record covers DFW Airport, not Grapevine itself, but it is the closest official reading in the NWS event summary. ### How long did the freezing weather last? NWS counted two long stretches at DFW Airport: 93 hours from 5 pm February 9 to 2 pm February 13, and 139 hours from 5 pm February 13 to noon February 19. ### Does Marina Pool Services offer freeze protection? Yes. Marina lists Freeze Guard and winterization on its services page, including freeze protection for pool equipment and inspection of vulnerable equipment. ## Pool terms on this page - [Freeze protection](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-protection) - [Freeze sensor](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-sensor) - [Winterization](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/winterization) - [Freeze guard](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-guard) - [Hard freeze](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/hard-freeze) - [Scale](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/scale) ## Sources 1. [National Weather Service Fort Worth: February 2021 Historic Winter Storm and Arctic Outbreak](https://www.weather.gov/fwd/Feb-2021-WinterEvent) Written by Marina Pool Services and checked against the sources above on October 21, 2026. City rules and product guidance change, so check the linked page before you act. Follow product labels for any pool chemical. ## Keep reading - [Freeze Protection and Winter Pool Care in TexasPool freeze protection in Texas means keeping water moving and equipment protected when air temperatures fall to freezing. A freeze guard senses the cold and starts your pump or equipment on its own. Before a hard freeze, check the freeze setting, the power supply and exposed pipes. Read your equipment manual, because settings differ by brand.](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/guides/freeze-protection) - [The North Texas Pool Calendar, Month by MonthNorth Texas pools need work all year. DFW's average last freeze is March 12 and first freeze is November 22. Highs reach about 96 degrees in July and August. Start up in spring, test often in summer, clear leaves in fall, and set freeze protection before late November.](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/guides/north-texas-pool-calendar) - [Do You Need to Close Your Pool in North Texas?Most North Texas pool owners keep the pool open and run freeze protection during cold snaps. Texas freezes are short, so full closing is usually not needed. Consider winterizing if a long hard freeze is forecast, if power may fail, or if your equipment cannot circulate water on its own.](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/close-your-pool-in-north-texas) - [North Texas Pool Care: Heat, Storms, Pollen, and Hard WaterNorth Texas pools face triple-digit heat, spring pollen, sudden storms, and mineral-rich water. Heat and sunlight use up chlorine, storms add debris and nutrients, and evaporation leaves minerals behind. Weekly testing, a clean filter, and steady pump run time keep most pools clear. Marina Pool Services offers weekly service in Grapevine.](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/guides/north-texas-pool-care) - [The Pool Owner's Handbook for North TexasOwning a pool in North Texas comes down to six habits: test the water, keep it circulating, clean baskets and filters, watch the equipment, plan for each season and keep the pool safe. This handbook covers each one in order and links to deeper guides for chemistry, equipment, freezes and hiring a pro.](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/guides/pool-owners-handbook-north-texas) - [Your Pool Freeze Checklist Before the First Cold FrontBefore a cold front, confirm freeze protection is on, the air sensor reads correctly and sits in shade, the baskets are clear, and the pump moves water at the returns. Know what to do if power fails. Pentair and Hayward both say to keep equipment running until temperatures return to normal.](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/pool-freeze-checklist-before-first-cold-front) ## Need a hand with your pool? Call or text and tell us what your pool needs. Estimates are free for qualifying services, and same-day estimates are possible when the schedule allows. [Call (817) 896-1120](tel:+1-817-896-1120)[Get a quote](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact) ![A pool technician working on an equipment pad](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/_astro/technician-equipment-pad.BW5xZMNY_Zum1K5.webp)