While Texas winters are milder than northern states, freeze events can still damage your pool equipment. Proper winterization protects your investment and makes spring opening much easier. Here's everything Arlington, TX pool owners need to know about winterizing their pools.
When Should You Winterize Your Pool in Texas?
Unlike colder states where pools must be winterized by October, Texas pool owners have more flexibility. In the Arlington, Mansfield, and Grand Prairie areas, we typically recommend winterizing between November 15th and December 15th.
Watch for these signs it's time to close your pool:
- Consistent nighttime temperatures below 40°F
- You're done swimming for the season
- First freeze warning in the forecast
Pro Tip: Many Arlington homeowners keep their pools open year-round with freeze protection equipment. If you choose this route, your pump should run automatically when temperatures drop below 35°F.
Step-by-Step: How to Winterize Your Pool
Step 1: Clean Your Pool Thoroughly
Before closing, give your pool a complete cleaning. Remove all debris, brush the walls and floor, and vacuum thoroughly. A clean pool over winter prevents staining and algae growth when you reopen in spring.
- Skim surface debris
- Brush walls and floor
- Vacuum to waste
- Clean filter thoroughly
Step 2: Balance Your Water Chemistry
Properly balanced water prevents corrosion, scale buildup, and algae growth during the off-season. Test and adjust your water to these levels:
Step 3: Shock and Winterize
Add a winterizing chemical kit to prevent algae and staining. In Texas, we recommend a non-copper algaecide to avoid staining from our intense spring sun. Follow product instructions for your pool size.
Step 4: Lower the Water Level
Lower water 4-6 inches below the skimmer opening. This prevents freezing damage to your skimmer while keeping enough water to support the cover and maintain pool structure.
Important: Never completely drain a pool in Texas clay soil. The hydrostatic pressure can cause your pool to pop out of the ground. Always leave at least 1/3 of the water.
Step 5: Drain and Protect Equipment
This is the most critical step for Texas winters:
- Drain pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator completely
- Remove drain plugs and store in pump basket
- Blow out return lines with shop vac (or call us)
- Add pool antifreeze to lines (not automotive antifreeze)
- Install freeze plugs in returns and skimmer
Step 6: Cover Your Pool
Install a quality winter cover that fits properly. In Texas, debris covers work well for our mild winters. Ensure the cover is secure enough to withstand winter storms but allows water drainage.
DIY vs. Professional Winterization
While some Texas homeowners winterize their own pools, professional service offers advantages:
DIY Winterization
- • Lower cost ($50-100 in chemicals)
- • Time intensive (4-6 hours)
- • Risk of equipment damage
- • No warranty protection
Professional Service
- • All chemicals included
- • Done in 1-2 hours
- • Equipment damage warranty
- • Spring opening discount
Winter Pool Care in Texas
Even closed pools need occasional attention during Texas winters:
- Check water level monthly: Add water if it drops below skimmer level
- Remove standing water from cover: Prevents sagging and mosquito breeding
- Inspect after storms: High winds can damage covers in Texas
- Monitor freeze warnings: Be ready to run pump if temps drop suddenly
When to Call a Professional
Consider hiring Project 36 Services for winterization if:
- You're unsure about blowing out lines
- Your pool has complex automation systems
- You've had freeze damage before
- You want the peace of mind warranty provides
Need Help Winterizing?
Project 36 Services offers professional pool winterization in Arlington, Mansfield, and Grand Prairie. Our winterization service includes everything in this guide plus a damage warranty.