North Texas pool care is a year-round commitment. Unlike northern states where pools close for months, DFW pools need attention in every season — just different types of attention. This month-by-month calendar covers exactly what your pool needs throughout the year, based on my experience maintaining pools across 23 DFW cities.

January: Deep Winter Protection

January brings the highest freeze risk in DFW. Your priority is protecting equipment and plumbing from freeze damage, which can cost thousands to repair.

Run pumps continuously when temps drop below 35°F — moving water resists freezing
Check freeze protection settings on automation systems (many default to 38°F — I set mine to 35°F for safety)
Insulate exposed plumbing and equipment if not already done
Maintain 1-2 ppm chlorine — algae slows but doesn't stop in cold water
Monitor water level — winter rains can overfill, while dry cold spells can lower levels
Inspect equipment after every hard freeze for cracks, leaks, or damage

February: Late Winter & Pre-Spring Prep

February is transitional — still freeze risk early, but warmer days start appearing. Start thinking about spring preparation.

Continue freeze protection protocols through mid-February
Schedule equipment inspection before swim season — catch problems now when pool companies aren't overwhelmed
Clean filter media (replace if older than 12-18 months for cartridge filters)
Test water chemistry more thoroughly — full panel including calcium, CYA, and TDS
Plan any repairs or upgrades for March-April completion

March: Spring Startup

March marks the real beginning of swim season prep in DFW. Water temperatures start climbing above 60°F, and with it, algae potential increases.

Perform a thorough spring opening: clean all surfaces, check all equipment, inspect for winter damage
Shock the pool with 3x normal chlorine dose to kill any dormant algae spores
Begin increasing pump run time — transition from winter 6-8 hours to spring 8-10 hours
Add fresh stabilizer (CYA) if levels dropped below 30 ppm during winter
Cedar pollen arrives in March — expect heavy surface debris and clogged skimmer baskets
Clean or replace O-rings and gaskets on pump lids, unions, and valve handles

April: Pollen Season & Rising Temps

April brings the worst of DFW pollen season — oak, pecan, and other tree pollens turn pools yellow-green and clog filters rapidly.

Clean skimmer and pump baskets 2-3 times per week during peak pollen
Run the pump longer (10+ hours) to keep up with organic load
Consider adding phosphate remover — pollen introduces phosphates that feed algae
Increase chlorine dosing as water temperatures climb into the 70s
Deep clean filter mid-month — pollen will clog it faster than normal
First swimming of the season — test water frequently as usage increases chemical demand

May: Swim Season Begins

Full swim season is here. Pools get heavy use, and maintenance intensity increases.

Run pump 10-12 hours daily — full water turnover is critical as temps rise
Test chlorine levels twice weekly — demand is increasing rapidly
Monitor CYA levels — stabilizer is now essential to protect chlorine from UV
Check salt cell output if using saltwater system — may need to increase generation percentage
Add algaecide as preventive measure before summer pressure begins
Inspect pool for any leaks — evaporation increases but shouldn't exceed 1/4 inch per day

June-August: Peak Summer

The most demanding period for DFW pool maintenance. Water temps hit 85-95°F, chlorine burns off fast, and algae pressure is at maximum.

Maintain chlorine at 3-4 ppm (upper range of normal)
Test pH weekly — it rises faster in heat. Keep muriatic acid on hand
Monitor water level weekly — evaporation can drop 1-2 inches per week
Clean filter every 2-3 weeks instead of monthly
Run pump 12+ hours daily, preferably during daylight for maximum UV filtration synergy
Watch for warning signs: cloudy water, chlorine that won't hold, green tinge on walls
This is when most pools turn green — consistency in maintenance is everything

September: Late Summer Transition

Still hot, but nights start cooling. Don't let your guard down — September is a common month for algae blooms as homeowners relax maintenance prematurely.

Maintain summer chemical levels through September
Begin reducing pump run time as water temp drops below 85°F
Watch for the first fall leaf drop — have a leaf net ready
Deep clean filter to remove summer buildup before fall
Inspect equipment — the intense summer can wear pump seals, motor bearings, and o-rings

October-November: Fall Transition

DFW's most beautiful pool months — comfortable water temps, crisp air, gorgeous swimming. But leaf management becomes the primary challenge.

Deploy leaf net over the pool during peak leaf drop if trees overhang
Clean skimmer baskets daily during heavy leaf fall
Reduce chemical dosing as water cools — but don't stop
Reduce pump run time to 6-8 hours as water drops below 70°F
Service heater before first cold snap if you plan to extend swim season
Lower water level slightly if expecting heavy fall rains
Last chance for any repairs or restoration before winter

December: Winter Mode

Water temp drops into the 50s. Chemical demand is lowest but doesn't disappear. Focus shifts to freeze protection.

Verify freeze protection automation is working — test before the first hard freeze
Maintain 1-2 ppm chlorine — algae growth slows but doesn't stop
Run pump 4-6 hours daily in normal weather
Run pump continuously when temps drop below 35°F
Check water level — too low exposes skimmer mouth, too high risks overflow in winter rains
Inspect all equipment for pre-winter wear and fix before holiday season

Let a Pro Handle the Calendar

Keeping up with seasonal pool care is a year-round commitment. At Jerico's Pools, I handle every seasonal adjustment, chemical change, equipment check, and emergency response as part of the $200/month maintenance plan — all chemicals included. I serve 23 cities across DFW and adjust service protocols for each season automatically. You never need to think about what your pool needs — I handle it.

Seasonal Pool Care Calendar for DFW Homeowners