With our first freeze warning of the season here in Coastal Carolina, it’s important to take a few proactive steps to protect your backyard investment. Even though our climate is milder in Hampstead, Surf City, Topsail, Holly Ridge, and Jacksonville, freeze damage can still occur when temperatures dip below freezing. Frozen water expands and can stress plumbing lines, pumps, heaters, and filters.
These tips apply to in-ground fiberglass pools and stand-alone hot tubs that are not winterized.
Top 10 Freeze Protection Tips for In-Ground Fiberglass Pools and Stand-Alone Hot Tubs
1. Keep Your Pool Pump Running
Circulating water is much less likely to freeze. During a freeze warning, set your pump to run continuously. If your system has freeze protection automation, make sure it is enabled.
2. Check Your Water Level
Your pool’s water line should sit about halfway up the skimmer opening. If the level drops too low, the pump may pull in air and lose prime, increasing the risk of freeze damage.
3. Verify That All Valves Are Open
Open water lines allow circulation. Closed valves trap water and increase freeze risk. If your heater has not been winterized, ensure water is still flowing through it.
4. Inspect and Clean Pump and Filter Baskets
Remove leaves, pine needles, and debris. Restricted water flow causes strain and can reduce circulation during freezing temperatures.
5. For Pools with Heaters: Turn the Heater Off, But Allow Circulation
Do not heat the pool during freezing temperatures. Warmer water increases evaporation and heat loss. Instead, turn the breaker off to the heater, while keeping valves open so water continues circulating through the heater.
6. Stand-Alone Hot Tubs: Keep the Cover On and Heat On
Keep the spa powered on and the cover secured to maintain warmth. Most spa control systems will automatically circulate when temperatures drop — confirm this feature is active.
7. Clean and Secure Spa Covers Against Wind
Coastal gusts can lift or shift hot tub covers. Make sure straps are clipped and secure.
8. If Power Goes Out, Drain Pool Equipment
Turn off breakers to pool equipment, depressurize the system, and remove the drain plugs from your pump, filter, and heater. Loosen unions to relieve internal pressure.
If unsure, call PPS and we will walk you through the steps over the phone.
9. Quick Emergency Checklist (Before a Freeze)
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Pump running continuously
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Freeze protection activated (if equipped)
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Water level at mid-skimmer
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All valves open
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Equipment free of debris and circulating as normal
10. Enjoy the Holiday Season
Once these steps are in place, you can relax. These simple actions help protect your investment and prevent costly repairs.
Coastal Carolina Note
Even though freezes here usually don’t last long, just one hard freeze is enough to damage plumbing, pumps, filters, and heaters. Acting early is always the safest approach.
Stay warm and take care of that backyard oasis.
Pools, Patios, and Spas | Hampstead, Surf City, Topsail & Coastal NC