--- title: "Your Pool Freeze Checklist Before the First Cold Front" description: "A simple pool freeze checklist for North Texas: check the air sensor, baskets, freeze settings, and power plan before the first cold front arrives." url: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/pool-freeze-checklist-before-first-cold-front publisher: Marina Pool Services phone: +1-817-896-1120 quote: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact --- # Your Pool Freeze Checklist Before the First Cold Front Before 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. Freeze and weatherPublished October 21, 20264 min read ## What should I do before the first cold front? Test your freeze protection and clear the path for water to move. The first cold night is the wrong time to find a setting turned off. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth lists November 22 as the average first freeze at DFW, and October 22, 1898 as the earliest on record. Late October is a good time to test. The goal is simple. Keep water moving through the pump, filter, and pipes while the air is below freezing. Use the checklist below, and write down anything you cannot check. ## What is on the checklist? Pentair, Hayward, and the manuals summarized by ProTuff Products point to the same short list. Work through it in daylight. Item What to check Why it matters [Freeze guard](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-guard) Turned on for every circuit with exposed plumbing, including the spa It fails quietly when not set up right Air sensor Reading matches a trusted thermometer; sensor is in shade Freeze mode works from air temperature; sun delays it Start temperature Set to the value your manual allows Hayward and Jandy defaults are 38 degrees F Baskets Pump and [skimmer baskets](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/skimmer-basket) empty Leaves cut flow and can shut the pump down Filter Clean, not clogged Restricted flow weakens protection Flow at returns You see water coming from the return jets Proves the freeze speed is enough Pool cleaner and booster pump Remove detachable items Pentair lists this for closures Outage plan You know where the breakers are and who to call Pumps cannot run without power ## How do I test it? Do these steps in order. Stop and call a pro if something looks wrong. 1. **Skim and empty the baskets.** Fall leaves are the usual flow killer. ProTuff says to do this before a cold front, not after. 2. **Check the air sensor reading.** Look at the controller screen. Compare it with a thermometer in the shade. 3. **Look for error messages.** Examples from the manuals include “Air Err” on Pentair EasyTouch and “AIR SENSOR OPEN” on Jandy. Either one means freeze protection may not work. 4. **Confirm freeze protection is on** for the filter pump and any other circuit with water in it. 5. **Check the freeze start temperature.** Hayward and Jandy let you pick between about 33 or 34 and 42 degrees F. A higher setting runs the pump earlier. 6. **Watch for flow.** At the freeze speed, water should move at the returns. 7. **Plan for ice and outages.** Know where the pool breakers are. If you want a full run of what each controller brand does, our post on the [pump temperature in a freeze](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/pool-pump-temperature-in-a-freeze) has the table. A freeze sensor or an automation panel is not something to rewire at home. Electrical work belongs to a qualified pro. ## What if I have no freeze protection? Run the pump yourself. Pentair says to run pool equipment 24/7 until temperatures return to normal when you do not have pool automation. Hayward gives the same advice for deep freezes. Check any [pool timer](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/pool-timer) too. A timer that shuts the pump off overnight leaves it idle during the coldest hours. Ask a pro about adding a freeze-capable control. Also consider a full closure. Pentair says that when the forecast drops to 45 degrees F or lower, you can consider closing the pool. Read [do you need to close your pool in North Texas](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/close-your-pool-in-north-texas) to compare the options. ## What do I do if the power goes out? Turn off every pool equipment breaker first. Hayward says to do this even when the power is already out. Pentair says the same, so you can check the equipment before everything turns back on. Then follow the manufacturer steps for your equipment, or call a pro: - Hayward lists opening the air relief on the filter, removing its drain plug, draining the inline chlorinator, and removing check valve lids. - Pentair lists removing pump and filter lids, opening valves, and removing drain plugs. - If ice has formed on equipment, wait for it to melt naturally before you restore power. These steps are for outages in a freeze. Do not use them on a normal, powered night. ## What should I do the day before a hard freeze? Do a last pass the day before. Check the forecast low and the number of hours below freezing. The National Weather Service recorded 93 straight hours at or below freezing at DFW before the February 2021 storm even peaked, then 139 more hours after a short break. A long stretch like that is a reason to plan for outages. Charge your phone, find the breaker panel, and keep your pool professional’s number handy. Pentair says a dealer can also add you to a waitlist for service once the weather clears, so call early. ## What should I do after the freeze? Look for cracks in the pump, pipes, and lines. Pentair notes that cracks in frozen pipes will not leak until they thaw. Check the pool surface and tile if the surface froze. Then call your pool professional to look over the system. If something broke, see [freeze damage repair](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/freeze-damage-repair). The full picture for our region is in the [freeze protection guide](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/guides/freeze-protection). ## Next step Marina Pool Services can inspect your freeze protection setup and circulation. Read about [Freeze Guard service](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/our-services/freeze-guard), then call (817) 896-1120 or use the [quote form](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact). ## Frequently asked questions ### When should I do my pool freeze prep in North Texas? Do it before the first cold forecast, not during it. The National Weather Service Fort Worth lists November 22 as the average first freeze at DFW, but the earliest on record is October 22. Test your settings in October so you are not guessing on a cold night. ### What is the most common freeze prep mistake? Assuming freeze protection is on without checking. ProTuff notes it fails quietly when it is not set up right. A leaf-packed basket, a sensor in the sun, or a disabled air sensor can each stop the pump from doing its job. ### Should I drain my pool for a freeze? The manufacturer guides do not say to drain the pool. Their drain steps apply to equipment such as the filter and the inline chlorinator, and only when power is out in a freeze. Ask a pool professional before you open any drain or plug. ### Do I need to shut off the breaker if the power is out? Yes. Pentair and Hayward both say to turn off all pool equipment breakers when power is out in a freeze. This lets you check the equipment before everything restarts. Call a professional if you are unsure. ## Pool terms on this page - [Inline chlorinator](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/inline-chlorinator) - [Freeze protection](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-protection) - [Pool automation](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/pool-automation) - [Freeze sensor](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-sensor) - [Booster pump](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/booster-pump) - [Freeze guard](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-guard) - [Check valve](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/check-valve) - [Hard freeze](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/hard-freeze) - [Pool timer](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/pool-timer) - [Skimmer](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/skimmer) ## Sources 1. [ProTuff Products: Pool Freeze Protection Settings by Controller Brand](https://www.protuffproducts.com/how-to/pool-freeze-protection-settings/) 2. [Pentair: Pool Freeze Protection (Eight Tips)](https://www.pentair.com/en-us/education-support/water-education-center/pool-and-spa-education/pool-freeze-protection.html) 3. [Pentair: Winter Weather Pool Protection](https://www.pentair.com/en-us/education-support/water-education-center/winter-storm-pool-protection.html) 4. [Hayward: Pool Freeze Protection Tips for Freezing Weather](https://www.hayward.com/blog/post/pool-freeze-protection-tips-for-freezing-weather) 5. [National Weather Service Fort Worth: DFW Freeze Summary](https://www.weather.gov/fwd/d32info) 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) - [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) - [What Temperature Should You Run the Pool Pump in a Freeze?Most controllers start the pump on their own near 38 degrees F: Hayward and Jandy default to 38, and Pentair EasyTouch uses about 35 to 36. If you have no automation, Pentair and Hayward say to run the pump around the clock until temperatures return to normal.](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/pool-pump-temperature-in-a-freeze) - [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) - [What the February 2021 Freeze Means for Grapevine PoolsIn 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.](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/grapevine-pool-freeze-2021-lessons) - [Freeze Guard Not Working: Sensor, Setting, or Pump Problem?When freeze guard does not start the pump, the cause is usually one of four things: the freeze setting is off, the air sensor is failed or misreading, the pump has no flow or no power, or the controller depends on a weather feed that is down. Check the screen, then call a pro.](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/freeze-guard-not-working-pool) ## 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)