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Do NOT drain your pool
An empty pool can float out of the ground from the pressure of groundwater rising around it. Even for hurricanes, keep your pool full.
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Weather Guide
Every Houston pool owner needs a plan for hurricane season and the occasional hard freeze. Follow these steps to protect your investment when the forecast turns.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm
An empty pool can float out of the ground from the pressure of groundwater rising around it. Even for hurricanes, keep your pool full.
If heavy flooding is forecast, lower the water level about a foot below the skimmer to give room for rainfall without overflowing across your deck and yard.
At the breaker, shut off power to the pump, heater, salt system, and lights. If flood water reaches the equipment pad, powered equipment can be permanently damaged.
Super-chlorinate (shock) the pool the day before the storm to help handle the extra organic material - leaves, debris, and runoff - that will land in the water.
Bring in pool toys, floats, ladders, cleaners, umbrellas, patio furniture, and anything that could become a projectile in high winds.
A cover will be shredded by the wind and debris - and worse, its anchors can tear out and damage your deck and coping.
Remove large debris with a leaf net first. Never run the pump with heavy debris in the skimmers or main drain. Vacuum, brush, and shock before returning to normal operation.
Hard Freeze
Moving water resists freezing. When temperatures drop below freezing, run your pool pump 24/7 for the entire cold event.
Run spa spillovers, waterfalls, deck jets, and bubblers so every line has moving water. Standing water in a plumbing line is what cracks pipes.
Set every valve to a partially-open position so water can flow through all lines - suction and return, spa and pool.
Cold water is aggressive. Slightly raise calcium hardness, alkalinity and pH the day before to protect plaster and equipment.
Wrap exposed above-ground plumbing with foam pipe insulation or towels. Do not cover the heater exhaust or pump vents.
If the pump stops for more than a few hours below freezing, remove the pump drain plugs to release trapped water and prevent the housing from cracking.
Emergency service
Houston Cool Pools’ service team handles emergency repairs after major weather events. Call the office and we’ll get you on the schedule.
Call 281-645-6631Houston Cool Pools
“Building our reputation one pool at a time.”
Serving Houston since 1996 · (281) 645-6631