How Freeze Damage Affects Your Pool

Understanding the real impact of freezing temperatures on your pool and why protection is urgent this season

This year, cold weather arrived earlier on Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod. With colder nights already in November, the risk of freeze damage increases, especially when the pool or spa has not been protected with a professional pool closing. Below are the most common questions homeowners ask and how freezing temperatures truly affect your pool.

What is freeze damage in a pool?

Freeze damage happens when water freezes inside unprotected areas of the pool system such as:

• suction and return lines

• filters and pumps

• heaters, chlorinators and salt systems

• behind tiles, grout and coping

When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure. This pressure can cause:

• cracked PVC pipes

• broken fittings and unions

• fractures in pumps and filters

• tiles popping off or loosening along the coping

  
  

Can cold weather really break my pool pipes?

Yes. If winterization does not completely remove water from the plumbing lines, the remaining water can freeze and cause:

• cracked underground pipes

• damaged valves and fittings

• leaks that are difficult to detect
  

This leads to faster water loss, air entering the pump and reduced filtration performance. In most cases, professional pool repair is required.

Does freezing weather affect the pool structure?

Yes. The freeze and thaw cycle can:

• create micro cracks in concrete or gunite pools

• loosen grout and tiles

• shift coping stones or create hollow sounding areas

In fiberglass pools, freeze damage may appear as:

• tension marks

• small surface distortions

  
  

Over time, these issues require pool renovation and affect the overall appearance of your outdoor living area.

Can freeze damage ruin my pump, filter or heater?

Yes. This is often the most expensive type of damage. Water trapped inside equipment can freeze and lead to:

• cracked pump housings

• fractured filter tanks

• damaged heater heat exchangers

• broken internal parts in valves and chlorinators

  
  

Sometimes a single freezing night is enough to compromise an entire piece of equipment.

Can freeze damage affect the deck and outdoor area?

Yes. Water that infiltrates joints, concrete pores or gaps between pavers can freeze and expand. This can cause:

• loose pavers or deck stones

• uneven surfaces

• opened expansion joints
  

These issues impact comfort, safety and the aesthetics of the entire outdoor space.

How do I know if my pool already has freeze damage?

Common signs include:

• water level dropping faster than normal

• damp spots near the equipment pad

• pump noise that is unusual or difficulty priming

• constant air bubbles coming from the returns

• tiles, coping or surrounding stones becoming loose

  
  

If you notice any of these signs, a full technical inspection is recommended.

What should be done now to prevent freeze damage?

With colder temperatures arriving earlier this season, you should schedule a winter pool closing immediately, including:

• complete water chemistry adjustment

• lowering the water level to the correct height

• blowing out all plumbing lines and applying pool safe antifreeze when required

• draining and protecting the pump, filter, heater, chlorinators and salt systems

• choosing the best approach for the spa, either keeping it in use with freeze protection active or closing it together with the pool

• installing and adjusting the safety cover correctly

  
  

These steps significantly reduce the risk of structural damage and equipment failure.

Why choose Millers Pools and Spa?

Millers Pools and Spa performs pool maintenance, spa maintenance, pool closing and pool opening with technical precision and the same high level of attention for every client.

Our service always considers:

• the type of pool and surface

• the garden and outdoor layout

• installed equipment and usage habits
  

Our mission is to protect your investment, prevent freeze damage and ensure that your pool is ready as soon as warm weather returns. We take care of your pool all year long, with all the attention and care it needs.

Schedule your winter closing?

Prevent this winter from causing hidden damage to your pool or spa. Contact Millers Pools and Spa and let our team take care of your pool throughout every season. From winterization and winter maintenance to pool opening and pool cleaning in summer, we make sure your only task is to enjoy your home, your family and the best of Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod.