It may be 70 degrees in Dallas today but it really is time for a Winter Up-date.  In North Texas we keep most pools open year-round.  This makes a Freeze protection system very important.  If your pool controller is a computerized type you need to check the programming and the programmed temperature of the freeze protection and make sure it is set to turn the pool on at 38 degrees.  The same thing with a manual system, set the dial for 38 degrees.  These manual type sensors are not real precision so you should expect up to a 5 degree plus or minus variable.  You want the pool circulating BEFORE the temperatures reach 32 and you start to get ice forming in the system. 
 
Just be aware of the temperature and try to notice when your pool is turning on.  If you have a really old manual system that looks rusted and is in sad shape, it may be worth updating.  Keep in mind you are relying on a piece of equipment that only has to work a few days a year.  If it doesn't work when needed you could end up with major repair issues from a freeze.  We did see many of these issues after a bad freeze last weekend.  
 
Any exposed lines such as a pool fill line that runs close to the surface from a faucet at the house to a fill line in the pool should be capped and insulated.  These pipes commonly freeze up.  Some fountains may be better shut of and capped.
 
Many times we have clients who forget to take their hoses in when winter hits.  (we never really no when whinter will hit in Texas, I'll give them that!) Pool owners are used to filling pools often and like to have the garden hose handy.  Problem is it will freeze up, so take the hose and lay it in the garage and cover the faucet with a styrofoam insulator.  Then when you need to fill the pool it may take a few more minutes but at least you can still fill it.
 
This leads me to the question I got a lot during this last heavy freeze.  Why am I adding so much water in these freezing temperature?  Does water evaporate when it's freezing?  Actually YES, it does there are some interesting things that happen during a freeze, where more molecules of water can be drawn up and away from the pool.  It is compared to the way ice cubes sometimes seem to shrink in the freezer.  I am not a real science buff but if you Google it, you will find some articles that explain.  Bottom line for pool owners, keep an eye on the water level year round.  It is not good to have air getting into the system, especially during a freeze. 

Texas Oasis Pools
9720 Coit Rd. Ste 220146
Plano, TX 75025
214-532-7971
Fax: 214-407-8044
www.TexasOasisPools.com