During the February 2021 winter storm Uri — often called Snowmageddon — Texas pool owners experienced firsthand what can happen when pools and spas aren’t prepared for extreme weather. That rare blast of prolonged freezing temperatures caused catastrophic damage across the state. Pumps cracked, plumbing lines burst, heaters split open, and entire systems failed. The cost to repair or replace equipment soared into the millions, leaving many homeowners scrambling for months. For service pros, the lesson was clear: winterizing isn’t just a cold-climate concern. Even regions that don’t often freeze can be caught off guard, and preparation is the only safeguard.

That’s why as the busy swim season winds down, service professionals across the country turn their attention to one of the most critical jobs of the year: closing pools and spas. Done correctly, this process preserves water quality, protects valuable equipment, prevents costly freeze damage, and sets the stage for a smooth spring opening. Done poorly — or skipped altogether — it can mean cracked plumbing, corroded heaters, stained or etched surfaces, and water so degraded that it takes weeks of extra work to restore.

In cold regions, the risks are obvious. Any water left in plumbing or equipment can freeze, expand, and cause thousands of dollars in damage. But as Snowmageddon proved, unpredictable weather patterns mean no area is immune. Even in milder climates, winterization provides critical benefits: it controls algae, reduces staining, and minimizes chemical costs when it’s time to reopen.

We’ve seen similar lessons outside of Texas. In 2014, the “polar vortex” that swept across much of the Midwest and Northeast sent temperatures plummeting for weeks on end. Service companies were flooded with emergency calls about cracked filters, frozen pumps, and split heater manifolds — damage that could have been avoided with thorough preparation. For spas, where water is kept at higher temperatures and subjected to heavier bather loads, careful closing is essential to ensure sanitation, protect plumbing, and maintain heater integrity.

Beyond physical protection, closing makes economic sense. Replacing a frozen pump or broken filter tank is far costlier than hiring a pro for winterizing services. For technicians, this creates a clear opportunity to emphasize the value of professional care. Many homeowners who attempt DIY closings end up missing key steps — like properly blowing out lines or balancing water chemistry — leading to headaches in the spring. Your expertise prevents those costly mistakes.

The fundamentals of winterizing remain consistent: balance the water, clean thoroughly, lower the water level, blow out the lines, add winterizing chemicals, and secure the cover. But today’s pools often include waterfalls, fountains, automation systems, solar heaters, or other specialty features. Each element adds complexity to the process. Skilled technicians know that no two closings are the same — every pool and spa requires a customized plan that considers design, equipment, and regional climate.

Spas, too, bring their own challenges. Compact yet complex, they contain dense plumbing systems that must be fully drained or blown out. Their heaters and pumps, though smaller, are often more vulnerable to freeze damage. A thorough spa closing ensures that when the customer is ready to soak again, the spa is safe, clean, and damage-free.

One factor that should never be overlooked is water chemistry at the time of closing. As water temperature drops, the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) shifts, making water either more corrosive or more scale-forming depending on its balance. Adjusting pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels before shutting down can go a long way toward protecting plaster, vinyl, or fiberglass surfaces over the winter.

Winterizing pools and spas is both a challenge and an opportunity for service pros. It requires attention to detail, technical expertise, and adaptability to varied equipment and climates. But it also allows you to strengthen customer trust. When spring comes and your clients uncover clean, damage-free water, they’ll know who made it possible.

And if there’s one thing Snowmageddon and other historic cold snaps have taught us, it’s that preparation is never wasted. Whether you’re closing pools in Minnesota or maintaining accounts in Texas, the unexpected can and does happen.

The best defense is a thorough closing, done right the first time, which is what we’re covering in this issue of Service Industry News. Common Winterizing Mistakes

Closing down a pool or spa for the winter may seem straightforward, but many homeowners make costly errors that can lead to damage, headaches, and expensive repairs come spring. Winterizing mistakes can cost thousands of dollars in equipment and structural repairs.

For service professionals, educating customers about these common errors not only prevents damage but also builds trust and reinforces the value of professional winterization services.

When you service accounts, it’s worth reminding pool and spa owners of the pitfalls you avoid when preparing for cold weather.

• Skipping Water Balancing One of the most frequent oversights is failing to properly balance the water before shutting down. If pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness are off, corrosion or scaling can take hold while the system sits idle. Untreated water also increases the chances of algae growth once temperatures rise. A good winter close means adjusting chemistry first, then shocking and adding a winter algaecide.

• Not Blowing Out the Lines Frozen plumbing is every pool owner’s nightmare. Simply lowering the water level isn’t enough in climates that see hard freezes. Without blowing out the lines and sealing them with plugs or gizmos, trapped water can expand, crack pipes, and damage fittings. For spas, extra care must be taken with jets, air lines, and equipment.

• Neglecting the Equipment Pad Homeowners often drain their pumps, filters, and heaters but forget small but critical details. Leaving drain plugs in place, skipping lubrication on pump lids and O-rings, or not removing chlorinator lines can cause problems later. In regions where rodents seek shelter, unprotected heaters and control boxes can even become nests.

• Using the Wrong Cover — or Using It Wrong Covers are not one-size-fits-all. A solid cover left unsecured can sag, tear, or collapse under snow load. A mesh cover without proper tensioning may let in too much debris. Safety covers installed improperly pose hazards for children and pets. A quality cover, fitted correctly, protects the investment all winter long.

• Forgetting About the Waterline Leaves, pollen, and debris left at the waterline can stain plaster, vinyl, or tile during the off-season. Many homeowners neglect this final cleanup step, which can add hours of scrubbing at spring opening. A thorough brushing and vacuuming before closing makes a big difference. • Ignoring Mid-Winter Checkups Winterizing isn’t always “set it and forget it.” Heavy snow, strong winds, or prolonged rain can shift covers, add stress to anchors, and alter water levels. A quick mid-season inspection can prevent small issues from becoming big repairs.

• Waiting Too Long to Close Many homeowners procrastinate, waiting until freezing weather sets in. By then, water chemistry is already out of balance, debris has built up, and the risk of freeze damage is higher. Closing early — when water is cool but before it freezes — is the safer move.