The January 2026 ice storms caught a lot of people off guard.
Middle Tennessee doesn't usually stay cold. It swings. That's the problem.
It's not 20 degrees for a month. It's 60°… then 15°… then back up again. That rapid freeze-thaw pattern stresses plumbing and equipment way more than steady cold. We saw this constantly in Houston during rare freezes — and Nashville's swings are even more frequent.
Since those January storms, we've been talking to Nashville pool owners dealing with cracked pipes, dead pumps, and damaged equipment. Here's how to keep that from happening to you.
Nashville's Real Winter Problem: Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Water expands when it freezes. If it's trapped in pipes or equipment, it can crack PVC, blow apart unions, or damage pump housings as temps drop — then refreeze again in the next wave.
After the January 2026 ice storms, Nashville saw widespread power outages, broken tree limbs, and a lot of frozen and burst pipes — including around pools.
That kind of rapid freeze-thaw cycling is actually harder on your pool system than a steady northern winter. It's the swinging back and forth that does the damage.
Rule #1: Keep Water Moving
Moving water freezes slower than still water. That's your first line of defense.
Freeze Guards and Automation
A freeze guard is a sensor that tells your system, "Hey, it's cold — turn the pump on." Good ones kick your pump on automatically when the air temp drops near freezing and keep things circulating until temps come back up.
If you've got an automation system (Pentair, Hayward, Jandy), there's almost certainly a freeze protection setting you can check and test before winter really starts. Do it annually — sensors fail more often than people realize.
Manually Running the Pump
If you don't have a working freeze guard, or you just don't trust it after the January mess, you can manually run the pump during freeze warnings.
On nights when the forecast says "dropping into the 20s," just leave the pump on — even if it was 55 and sunny that afternoon in Belle Meade. Yes, your power bill goes up a little. It's still cheaper than replacing a cracked pump housing.
Power Outage Protocol (The Big One)
This is where most people panic. Power goes out, temps are dropping, and the pool equipment is just sitting there full of water.
Here's the emergency protocol:
1. Kill the Breakers
Turn off breakers to the pool equipment first. You don't want a pump trying to start on its own while half-drained or frozen when the power flickers back on — that's how you fry a motor.
2. Pull Drain Plugs
On the pump, filter, and heater, remove the drain plugs so any trapped water can get out. Most pumps have one or two small plugs at the bottom — same with many filters and heaters.
Getting that water out is the difference between "no problem" and "cracked housing."
3. Open All Valves
Put valves in a position that allows lines to drain where possible — usually fully open. On some setups, you'll actually hear water gurgle as it moves and finds low points. That's what you want.
Drain everything. Quickly. Water left inside equipment expands when frozen — that's how housings crack and unions blow apart.
Protect the Skimmer
The skimmer is one of the most vulnerable parts of your pool during a freeze. If water freezes inside that plastic box, it can crack the skimmer wall — a costly repair that often means cutting into the concrete deck.
Use a Gizzmo — a collapsible plastic tube that threads into the skimmer and absorbs ice expansion so it doesn't crack the skimmer body.
In a pinch, some people use a plastic bottle partially filled with antifreeze or pebbles and toss it in the skimmer. Not perfect, but better than nothing.
Snow on the Cover — Leave It Alone
If you get snow or ice on the cover during one of these storms, don't go out there with a shovel.
Covers — especially safety covers — are designed to carry weight. Shovels can snag and rip expensive mesh or vinyl. Let the snow melt naturally.
Managing Water Level During Winter Storms
In Nashville, winter storms often show up with a mix of rain, sleet, and ice. If the water gets too high — above the top of the skimmer — it can flood skimmer throats and make freeze issues worse. Too low, and you starve the system of water once things come back on.
During rainy winter stretches, keep water levels around mid-skimmer. If it's consistently too high, pump or drain a little off between storm systems.
Winter Freeze DOs and DON'Ts
DO:
Run your pump during freeze warnings so water keeps moving.
Check your freeze guard sensor at least once a year to confirm it actually turns the system on near freezing.
Keep your pool at proper water level — not overflowing, not below the skimmer.
DON'T:
Don't completely drain your pool. Ever. The ground can push an empty or near-empty pool upward — hydrostatic pressure is no joke, especially in areas with higher groundwater like parts of Middle Tennessee.
Don't ignore strange noises from your pump after a freeze — rattling, grinding, or humming can mean internal damage.
Don't wait until spring to address suspected freeze damage. Small cracks turn into big repairs fast. Those leaks and cracks get worse as pressure and temps change through the rest of winter.
When to Call a Professional
There are a few signs you shouldn't try to "wait out" after a cold snap:
- Equipment won't restart, trips the breaker, or hums but doesn't fully spin up
- Visible leaks around pipes, pumps, filters, or heaters once things thaw
- Sudden unexplained water loss — not just a little evaporation — showing up as wet spots around the equipment pad or in the yard
- Air bubbles in pump basket that won't clear
- You lost power for a long time during a deep freeze and couldn't drain things in time
After January 2026, Nashville pool owners across Belle Meade, Green Hills, Brentwood, Franklin, Sylvan Park, 12 South, and Bellevue reported all of this — cracked plumbing, broken filters, fried pumps, and more.
If you're not sure what you're looking at, it's much cheaper to have a pro inspect everything than to guess and hope.
Want Us to Check Your System?
If you'd rather have someone with 15+ years of hands-on pool experience look over your system, we're happy to help. Trident Aquatic Services offers freeze inspections around Greater Nashville so you're not wondering if the next cold snap is going to finish off your equipment.
Schedule a freeze inspection with Trident by calling (615) 747-POOL, and we'll make a plan that fits how you actually use your pool — not just a generic checklist.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional pool service. Pool chemistry and maintenance needs vary based on your specific pool type, equipment, and conditions. Always consult a licensed pool professional before making changes to your pool system. Trident Aquatic Services is fully insured and happy to assess your specific situation — just give us a call.