Drain your pool pump before winter hits.

Yes, that’s the simplest and most reliable way to prevent freezing. If you can store the pump indoors for the season, do it. If not, at least drain all water from the pump body, filter, and plumbing lines. Open the drain plugs and let everything dry out. A few bucks on a pump cover is cheap insurance against cracked housings and busted seals.

Running the pump overnight during a freeze warning works sometimes—until the power goes out or the timer fails. I’ve seen too many people wake up to a fountain of water and a $500 repair bill. Don’t gamble on it.

Insulating the pump and pipes helps if you’re in a mild climate, but it’s not a substitute for draining. If you absolutely can’t drain (say, because of solar panels or a complicated setup), get a freeze-protection thermostat that kicks the pump on at 35°F. But that’s plan B.

Future you will thank you when spring comes and you just plug it back in.