Fort Worth winters aren’t like the icy stretches of the Midwest or Northeast, but local pool owners still face nights of freezing temperatures and the occasional deep cold front. That raises the question: should you fully winterize your pool, or is it safe to keep it open year-round? The answer depends on your equipment, how you use your pool, and your comfort level with risk during Texas cold snaps.
What Winterizing Means
When professionals talk about winterizing, they usually mean one of two approaches:
- Full winterization: Lowering water levels, blowing out and plugging lines, adding winterizing chemicals, draining pumps and filters, and covering the pool until spring. This method is common in colder climates where pools sit frozen for months.
- Winter-ready operation: Leaving the pool open, maintaining balanced water, and relying on automation or manual circulation to keep water moving when temperatures dip below freezing.
In North Texas, most homeowners choose winter-ready operation, though full winterization is still useful in certain situations.
Climate Considerations in North Texas
Fort Worth’s climate typically brings a mix of mild days and several freezing nights each season. Average January lows hover around the mid-30s, with first frost usually hitting in late November and the last one arriving by mid-March. While many winters pass with little drama, events like the 2021 deep freeze remind us that prolonged cold paired with power outages can cause major pool damage.
This means the region’s climate supports keeping pools open, but homeowners should also prepare for the outliers.
How Modern Equipment Protects Pools
Most new pool automation systems come with freeze protection. When air temperatures drop into the 30s, the system automatically runs the pump and cycles valves to keep water moving through pipes and equipment. Circulating water is much less likely to freeze, which reduces risk of cracked pipes and damaged filters.
Saltwater systems add another factor. Once water temperatures fall near 50 degrees, chlorine generation shuts down. That doesn’t harm the system, but it does mean chlorine levels must be maintained with liquid sanitizer or tablets through the colder months.
When Full Winterization Makes Sense
While not common in Fort Worth, full winterization may be the right choice if:
- Your equipment lacks freeze protection.
- You’ll be away from the property for extended periods and can’t monitor the system.
- Your pool is above-ground, leaving pipes more exposed.
- You’re especially concerned about power outages during long freezes.
In these cases, the traditional drain-down and cover approach offers peace of mind.
The Case for Staying Open
For most in-ground pools in Tarrant County, it makes sense to keep the pool open. Lower chlorine demand in cold water makes chemical care easier, and freeze protection systems keep circulation steady. Staying open also means you avoid the work of closing down and the cost of reopening once spring arrives.
Adding a safety or mesh cover creates a hybrid plan: you still benefit from freeze protection and water circulation, while reducing debris and UV exposure. It also helps if you want a cleaner pool when the warm weather returns.
Practical Steps for Winter-Ready Pools
If you plan to keep your pool open, follow a few simple steps:
- Test and balance the water before cold weather sets in.
- Make sure freeze protection is active and air sensors are working.
- Keep baskets and filters clean so water flows easily.
- Supplement chlorine manually once the salt system goes offline.
- Create an outage plan; know how to drain pumps and filters if the power goes out during a freeze.
These precautions go a long way in protecting both the pool and equipment.
Preparing Your Pool for the Cold Months
Fort Worth winters bring variety, with most nights staying mild but the occasional freeze sneaking in. Pools that are properly maintained with circulation and balanced chemistry usually ride through the season without trouble, while full winterization provides extra insurance for those leaving town or dealing with older systems. Whichever option you choose, the important step is to prepare before cold weather settles in so your pool remains protected.
AquaWorkz Pool Co. provides winter services tailored to local conditions, from equipment checks and water balancing to complete seasonal closures. Our team makes sure your backyard investment is secure through the colder months. Contact us today to schedule your winter pool service.
