Should You Drain Your Pool Before a Hurricane? The Gulf Coast Pool Owner's Storm Checklist

A storm is in the Gulf and the forecast cone is pointed at us. You're boarding windows, filling gas cans, and looking at the pool wondering: should I drain it?

Short answer: no. Here's what to do instead, from a builder who designs pools for the Gulf Coast.

Save this checklist. Hurricane season on the Texas coast runs June 1 through November 30.

Before the storm

1. Don't drain the pool

This is the big one. The University of Florida's extension service advises against emptying your pool before a hurricane. A full pool is more stable, and heavy rain on the outside of a partly drained pool can crack it. On the Gulf Coast, saturated soil can even push on an empty shell. Read Should I Drain My Pool?

2. Turn off power to the equipment

Shut off the pump, heater, lights and salt cell at the breaker before the storm arrives. Running equipment during flooding or power surges can damage it.

3. Bring in everything loose

Furniture, floats, umbrellas, toys and shade sails can become flying debris. Store them inside. Don't throw patio furniture in the pool. It can scratch or chip the finish.

4. Shock the water

Add extra chlorine before the storm to help fight the contamination that comes with runoff.

5. Leave the cover off

Most covers aren't made for hurricane winds and debris. The exception is a safety cover built to hold up in storms. When in doubt, ask us.

After the storm

• Stay safe first. Watch for downed power lines and standing water near electrical equipment.

• Check equipment before turning it on. If it was underwater, have it inspected before restoring power.

• Net out the debris. Don't run the pump until the big stuff is out.

• Lower the water only if it's overflowing, and only to normal level, never below the skimmer.

• Rebalance and shock. Test the water, clean the filter, and run the pump until it clears.

Building new? Build for storms

A pool on the Gulf Coast should be designed for storm season, not just for sunny days. Where the equipment sits and how high, how the yard drains, how the deck slopes, and how the shell handles groundwater all matter when the rain comes sideways. That's how we design every pool. Near the water? Read Building a Pool in a Flood Zone

Ready to see it in your backyard?

Planning a pool that's built for the Gulf Coast? Call or text 409-986-7600, or request your free design. We'll come out, photograph your backyard and design your pool right into the picture, so you can see it before anything is built.

– Shane, Aquatic Pools