Let’s be honest—winters here in Middle Tennessee are… complicated. One day it’s 60 degrees and sunny, and the next, the weatherman is predicting an ice storm across Rutherford and Williamson counties.

While we don’t typically get the heavy snowfalls of the north, our specific "freeze-thaw" weather cycles in Murfreesboro and Franklin can actually be tougher on swimming pools than constant cold. Rapid temperature drops can wreak havoc on plumbing, pumps, and tiles if you aren't prepared.

As your local pool experts, we want to make sure your investment survives the winter without a crack. Here is what you need to do when the forecast calls for snow, sleet, or freezing rain.

1. The Golden Rule: Keep the Water Moving

If you haven’t professionally winterized (closed) your pool and are keeping it open year-round, circulation is your best defense. Moving water is much harder to freeze than still water.

Check your Freeze Guard: Most modern automation systems we see in Franklin and Brentwood have freeze protection sensors. Ensure yours is active and set to kick on when the air temperature dips below 38°F.
Run it 24/7: If you don’t have automation, or if the sensor looks old, don’t risk it. Manually turn your pump on and run it continuously until the temperatures rise back above freezing.

2. Don’t Panic Over Snow on the Cover

If you have a safety cover installed, a layer of snow can actually look quite pretty. However, when that snow turns to heavy sleet or ice, homeowners often get anxious.

Put down the shovel: It is tempting to try and shovel snow off your pool cover, but please don’t. Shovels can snag and rip expensive mesh or vinyl covers.
Let it melt: Your cover is designed to handle a load. Let the snow melt naturally.
Watch the water level: In Murfreesboro, we often get rain mixed with our winter storms. If the water level inside the pool gets too high, it can touch the cover springs or overflow the skimmer. If you’re worried the water is getting too high, give us a call—we can pump it down to a safe level.

3. The "Power Outage" Protocol

This is the biggest fear for pool owners in Tennessee. If an ice storm knocks out power, your pump stops. If water sits still in your pipes at 20°F, it will expand and freeze, potentially cracking your pump housing or filter.

If the power goes out during a freeze:

Turn off the breakers: Flip the breaker to your pool equipment to OFF. This prevents a power surge from frying your pump when the grid comes back on.
Pull the plugs: If you can safely get to your equipment pad, remove the drain plugs on your pump, filter, and heater. This drains the water out of the machinery so it can't freeze and expand inside.
Open the valves: Open all valves to allow lines to drain as much as possible.

4. 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 involves cutting into the concrete deck.

The "Gizzmo" trick: We recommend installing a "Gizzmo" (a collapsable plastic tube) or even a clean plastic bottle half-filled with antifreeze/pebbles into the skimmer. If the water freezes, the ice will crush the bottle instead of cracking your skimmer.

5. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

The best way to handle Tennessee winter weather is to have a plan before the temperature drops. Whether you need a full pool closing service, a safety cover installation, or just a winter chemical checkup, we are here to help.

We live here, we work here, and we know exactly what Rutherford and Williamson County weather can do to a backyard oasis.

Worried about the next cold snap? Call ASP Murfreesboro today. Let’s keep your pool safe this winter so it’s ready for that first cannonball in May.