Seasonal & DIY

Hurricane and Tropical Storm Pool Prep for the Gulf Coast

The instinct to drain a pool before a storm is usually the wrong one, and it's worth knowing why before a storm is already bearing down. The Woodlands Township Covenants require Design Review Committee approval for pool and backyard construction in nearly every village, and that review covers fencing, setbacks, and drainage as well as the pool itself.

Rectangular backyard pool with patio chairs alongside

Houston-area pool owners deal with tropical storm and hurricane season every year; a few specific steps matter more than general storm prep advice would suggest.

Do not drain the pool
A full pool provides hydrostatic pressure that helps hold a gunite shell in place against ground saturation; an empty pool in saturated soil is at real risk of "popping" out of the ground. This is the single most important thing to get right.
Secure or remove loose deck furniture
Loose furniture and umbrellas become projectiles in high wind; anything not heavy or anchored should be stored indoors or in a garage before the storm arrives.
Shut off power to pool equipment
Turn off the breaker to pump, heater, and lighting if flooding is expected, standing water and live electrical equipment is a serious hazard both during and after the storm.
Over-chlorinate before the storm if possible
A heavier-than-normal chlorine dose before heavy rain helps the water handle the dilution and debris that follow, though full rebalancing after the storm is still necessary.
Expect to rebalance everything afterward
Heavy rain dilutes chemistry significantly; test and rebalance alkalinity, pH, and chlorine as a first step once it's safe to access the pool again, treat it similarly to a spring opening.