Freeze Protection for Your Pool: How to Set Your Equipment Correctly
When freezing temperatures are in the forecast, protecting your pool and equipment starts with one critical step: making sure your pump runs continuously. In coastal Georgia, freezes are uncommon, which means many pools aren’t set up properly when cold weather arrives — leading to avoidable and expensive damage.
At Jeff’s Pool & Spa Service, the most common freeze-related issues we see are caused by timers shutting pumps off overnight. This guide walks through what to do based on the type of system you have and how to identify it.
Why Continuous Run Time Matters During a Freeze
Water that is moving is far less likely to freeze. When a pump shuts off during freezing temperatures, water can sit inside pipes, filters, heaters, and valves. As that water freezes and expands, it can crack equipment and underground plumbing.
Our recommendation for any freeze event:
Set your pool pump to run 24 hours a day
Make the change before temperatures drop below freezing
Resume normal scheduling only after overnight temperatures are safely above freezing
How you do this depends entirely on your equipment.
Traditional Intermatic Timers (Mechanical Time Clocks)
Many pools use a mechanical timer, most commonly an Intermatic time clock, located near the equipment pad in a gray metal box.
What Are Timer Clips (Trippers)?
Inside the timer, you’ll see:
A round clock dial
One or two small metal clips attached to the dial
ON clip (usually labeled “ON”)
OFF clip (usually labeled “OFF”)
These clips physically turn the pump on and off as the dial rotates.
If the OFF clip is still installed, your pump will shut off during a freeze, even if it ran earlier in the day.
What to Do Before a Freeze (Most Important Step)
You have two safe options:
✅ Option 1: Set the Timer to Manual ON (Preferred)
Open the timer box
Flip the manual switch to ON
This bypasses the clips and runs the pump continuously
✅ Option 2: Remove the OFF Clip
Carefully loosen and remove the OFF tripper
Leave the ON clip in place
This prevents the pump from shutting off overnight
⚠️ Important Notes
Do not force the dial
Do not remove wiring
If you’re unsure which clip is which, leave it alone and contact us
Pool Automation Systems (Pentair, Hayward, Jandy)
Pools with automation systems often include built-in freeze protection — but these systems must be enabled and properly configured.
What to Check
Freeze protection is turned ON
Temperature threshold is set correctly (usually mid–30s)
The system has power and connectivity
The pump actually responds when temperatures drop
Even with automation, the safest option during a hard freeze is often to manually set the pump to run continuously.
Variable-Speed Pumps With Buttons or Displays
Some pools use variable-speed pumps without full automation. These pumps have:
A digital display
Physical buttons on the pump itself
Sometimes a mobile app
Freeze Preparation for These Pumps
Use the control panel to set manual or override mode
Program a 24-hour run or continuous operation
Avoid short run cycles during freezing nights
If your pump has a model number, the manufacturer’s website often has quick-start videos showing freeze settings.
Where to Find Help if You’re Unsure
If you don’t know what system you have or feel uncomfortable making changes, help is available:
Inside the timer box: Look for “Intermatic” labels
On the pump housing: Model numbers are usually on a sticker
Manufacturer websites & YouTube (search by model number)
Jeff’s Pool & Spa Service — we’re always happy to help
When freezing temperatures are approaching, asking early is far better than guessing.