Should I drain my pool pump before winter?

Yes, drain all water from the pump body, filter, and plumbing lines, then open drain plugs and let everything dry out. Store the pump indoors if possible, or at least cover it. Don’t rely on running the pump overnight—it can fail when power goes out or a timer breaks, leading to cracked housings and expensive repairs. Insulation helps in mild climates but isn’t a substitute for draining.