--- title: "What Temperature Should You Run the Pool Pump in a Freeze?" description: "Freeze protection usually starts the pump near 35 to 38 degrees F, read from the air sensor. See controller defaults, how long to run, and what to check." url: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/pool-pump-temperature-in-a-freeze publisher: Marina Pool Services phone: +1-817-896-1120 quote: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact --- # 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. Freeze and weatherPublished October 21, 20264 min read ## What temperature should the pool pump run at in a freeze? Run the pump any time the air is near or below freezing. Most controllers start it for you at about 38 degrees F. Without a controller, you start it by hand before the cold arrives and keep it running until temperatures return to normal. Pentair and Hayward both give this same advice. Moving water is less likely to freeze, so the pump’s job is to keep water flowing through the pump, [filter](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/pool-filter), and pipes. It does not heat the water. ## What temperature does my controller use? It depends on the brand. ProTuff Products compiled these numbers from the Hayward, Pentair, and Jandy manuals in an article dated October 13, 2026. Check your own manual, because models and firmware differ. Controller family Pump starts at Can you change it? Hayward OmniLogic, OmniPL, OmniHub 38 degrees F default Yes, 33 to 42 degrees F Hayward Pro Logic, Aqua Plus, E-Command 4, OnCommand 38 degrees F default Yes, 33 to 42 degrees F Pentair EasyTouch, IntelliTouch Below 35 or 36 degrees F (the manual gives both) No adjustment given Pentair SunTouch 36 degrees F or lower; the Advanced Menu reads on at 35, off at 38 No adjustment given Jandy AquaLink RS and PDA 38 degrees F default Yes, 34 to 42 degrees F ProTuff did not find a start temperature for Pentair IntelliCenter in its sources. Look in the IntelliCenter manual. A higher setting starts the pump sooner and keeps it on longer. That gives you margin if your sensor reads a little warm or your equipment pad sits in a cold, windy spot. ## Is it the air sensor or the water temperature? It is the air sensor. All three controller families work from the air temperature, not the water. That has two consequences: 1. The sensor must read correctly. Compare it with a thermometer you trust. 2. The sensor should sit in the shade. In direct sun it reads warm and delays freeze mode. If your controller shows an air sensor error, treat it as urgent in cold weather. Our post on [freeze guard not working](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/freeze-guard-not-working-pool) lists the signs. ## How long should the pump run? Until the freeze is over. Pentair says to run equipment 24/7 if you do not have automation. Hayward says to keep equipment operating at all times until temperatures rise above freezing. With a controller, the pump follows its setting. Jandy’s AquaLink turns the pump off at 2 degrees F above the temperature you set. On a [variable-speed pump](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/variable-speed-pump), the controller also sets a freeze speed. The Jandy manual treats it as a floor: the pump runs at least at the freeze speed. The best speed moves water through every exposed pipe. A pool with long pipe runs or raised equipment needs more flow than a compact setup. Other limits to know: - **Salt systems do not make chlorine** while the pump runs only for freeze protection, per the Hayward and Pentair manuals ProTuff quotes. Test the water by hand after a long freeze. - **The pump’s own cold sensor is not a backup.** Pentair and Hayward pump manuals say the built-in feature is not for freeze protection of the pool once the pump is connected to automation. - **Using the spa on a freezing night can override freeze protection** on Jandy systems. ## What mistakes keep the pump from starting? The manuals warn about a handful of mistakes. ProTuff lists them, and each one is easy to fix before a freeze. Mistake What happens Air sensor disabled or showing an error Freeze protection will not activate or will not work right Spa in use on a freezing night Jandy says this overrides protection for equipment outside the spa Override left on Hayward Omni lets you override for 60 minutes; touch the button again to resume Wi-Fi weather feed down Pentair IntelliConnect uses an internet weather service, so it fails if that fails Leaves in baskets Flow drops, and a flow switch may stop the pump Treat any air sensor message as urgent in cold weather. ## Why does the pool and spa valve keep switching? On a pool and spa combination, the pump can push water through only one side at a time. So the controller swaps the valves on a timer to keep both sides moving. ProTuff says this is normal and happens only when both the pool and the spa are set for freeze protection. The swap interval is 30 minutes on Hayward and Jandy controllers and 15 minutes on Pentair EasyTouch and IntelliTouch. The pump pauses for a short time while the valves turn, which protects the equipment. ## What about a power outage? A pump cannot run without power. Hayward says to turn off all pool equipment breakers, even when the power is already out. Then follow the drain steps it lists, or call your local pool professional. Pentair gives a similar list for outages: breakers off, lids and plugs removed, valves open. If ice has formed on equipment, Hayward says not to turn the power back on until it melts naturally. Wiring, breakers, and gas work belong to a qualified pro. Do not open panels or rewire a controller yourself. ## Should I have a pro check my freeze settings? If you have not tested them this fall, yes. Marina Pool Services checks existing freeze guard settings, controls, connected equipment, and circulation. The details of what a [freeze guard](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-guard) does are in our [freeze protection guide](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/guides/freeze-protection), and the [pre-freeze checklist](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/pool-freeze-checklist-before-first-cold-front) walks through each item. If you wonder whether to close the pool instead, read [do you need to close your pool in North Texas](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/post/close-your-pool-in-north-texas). ## Next step See the [Freeze Guard service](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/our-services/freeze-guard) from Marina Pool Services, then call (817) 896-1120 or use the [quote form](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact) to ask about a freeze protection check. ## Frequently asked questions ### What temperature should I turn the pool pump on for a freeze? If you have no controller, start before the freeze arrives and run the pump 24/7 until temperatures return to normal, as Pentair and Hayward advise. If you have a controller, it follows its own setting. Defaults are about 38 degrees F on Hayward and Jandy, and 35 to 36 on Pentair EasyTouch. ### Does freeze protection use air or water temperature? Air. ProTuff, summarizing the manuals for Hayward, Pentair, and Jandy controllers, says all three work from the air temperature sensor, not the water sensor. A sensor in direct sun reads warm and can delay freeze mode. ### Can I run the pump at low speed during a freeze? It depends on the pump and the pipe layout. The freeze speed must move water through every exposed pipe on your pad. Start from your pump manual and confirm you see flow at the return jets. A pro can check this for you. ### Will the pump protect my pool if the power goes out? No. A pump cannot run without power. Jandy's manual says freeze protection is for short freezes and does not guarantee protection during extended freezes or outages. Plan ahead for a shutdown and call a pool professional. ## Pool terms on this page - [Variable-speed pump](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/variable-speed-pump) - [Freeze protection](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-protection) - [Freeze guard](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/freeze-guard) - [Flow switch](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/flow-switch) - [Pool pump](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/pool-pump) - [Spa](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/spa) ## 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. [Hayward: Pool Freeze Protection Tips for Freezing Weather](https://www.hayward.com/blog/post/pool-freeze-protection-tips-for-freezing-weather) 4. [Pentair: Winter Weather Pool Protection](https://www.pentair.com/en-us/education-support/water-education-center/winter-storm-pool-protection.html) 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) - [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) - [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) - [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) - [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) - [Pool Heater Buyer's Guide: Gas vs Heat PumpA gas heater burns natural gas or propane and works in most air temperatures. A heat pump moves heat from the air into the water using electricity, and it is efficient in mild air but slows or stops in cold air. Hayward lists a 40 to 115 degree F air range for its heat pump.](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/guides/pool-heater-buyers-guide) ## 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)