Freezing temperatures and snowstorms can be tough on pools—especially in North Texas, where extreme cold often arrives suddenly. Even if your pool was running during the freeze, damage can still occur once temperatures rise and equipment restarts.

Before turning everything back on, it’s important to do a proper inspection. This checklist will help you identify potential freeze damage early and avoid costly repairs.

Why Post-Freeze Inspections Are Critical

When water freezes, it expands. If that happens inside pool plumbing or equipment, it can crack pipes, housings, and internal components—sometimes in places that aren’t immediately visible.

Many pool owners don’t realize there’s damage until they restart the system and notice leaks, low pressure, or equipment failure. A quick inspection now can prevent much bigger issues later.

 

Inspect Exposed Plumbing and Valves

Start with a visual check of all above-ground plumbing.

Look for:

• Cracks or splits in PVC pipes

• Bulging pipe sections

• Broken or leaking unions

• Cracked valves or valve handles

• Pipes that appear misaligned or shifted

Pay extra attention to areas that were not insulated or were exposed to wind.

Check the Pool Pump

Pool pumps are among the most common components to freeze-damage.

Inspect the pump for:

• Cracks in the pump housing

• Water inside the motor or electrical area

• Loose or broken drain plugs

• Signs of leaking around seals or fittings

If you see any cracks or active leaks, do not turn the pump on.

Examine the Filter System

Filters can trap water internally, making them vulnerable during freezes.

Depending on your filter type, check for:

• Cracked filter tanks

• Broken band clamps

• Leaking air relief valves

• Water is pooling beneath the filter

Cartridge and DE filters are especially prone to internal cracking that may not show until pressure builds.

Inspect the Heater (If Equipped)

Pool heaters are expensive and sensitive to freeze damage.

Check for:

• Start up the pump and let it run, inspecting for leaks

• Check the intake valve for damages 

• Inspect Vents are opertaing un-obstructed

• Note: if the temperature is still below 40 Degrees do not activate Heater

Never fire a heater if you suspect freeze damage—it can cause severe internal failure.

 

Check Automation, Salt Systems & Sensors

Cold weather can affect electronics and sensors.

Inspect:

• Salt cell unions and housings

• Flow switches and temperature sensors

• Automation panels for error messages

• Wiring that may have been exposed to moisture

If freeze protection failed to activate, it’s a good idea to verify sensor placement and settings.

Look for Changes in Water Level

After equipment checks, monitor the pool water level.

Watch for:

• Rapid or unexplained water loss

• Wet spots near the pool deck or yard

• Air enters the system once restarted

These can indicate underground plumbing damage caused by the freeze.

Rebalance Water Chemistry After Snow

Snow, rain, and extended circulation can throw water chemistry off balance.

Once equipment is confirmed safe:

• Test chlorine levels

• Check pH and alkalinity

• Inspect CYA levels

• Address cloudiness or debris

Proper chemistry helps protect surfaces and equipment as your pool returns to normal operation.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice:

• Visible cracks or leaks

• Equipment that won’t prime

• Issues you don’t recognize

• Water loss you can’t explain

It’s best to stop and call a professional before further damage occurs.

When You’re Not Sure, Ask!

Post-freeze issues aren’t always easy to spot. Some damage doesn’t show up until the equipment is running again or the water pressure changes. If something doesn’t look right, it’s better to pause and get a second set of eyes on it rather than risk making the problem worse.

If you have questions or want help double-checking your equipment after a freeze, the team at Simplified Pools is always happy to help. Whether it’s a quick water test, a system check, or just answering a question, we’re here as a resource for local pool owners.

You can reach out HERE or stop by if you need guidance—we’re glad to help you make sure everything is running safely as temperatures warm back up.