Preparing Your Pool for Summer Storms: Tips for Homeowners in Conroe & Surrounding Areas

Homeowners in Conroe, The Woodlands, North/Northwest Houston, Tomball, TX and surrounding areas know that summer storms can strike with little warning—bringing heavy rain, high winds, hail, and even brief tornado warnings. Without proper preparation, your pool and surrounding landscaping can suffer damage: clogged filters, cracked decks, loose tile, flooded equipment pads, and water chemistry chaos. At Suns Out Buns Out Pools Company, we’ve helped hundreds of local families safeguard their backyard oases against storm damage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a pre‑storm checklist, emergency actions during the storm, and post‑storm recovery steps—so you can protect your pool, your investment, and your peace of mind.

Why Storm Preparation Matters in Southeast Texas

• Rapid Water Chemistry Swings: Heavy rain dilutes chlorine and upsets pH, leading to algae blooms and cloudy water.

• Debris Hazards: Branches, leaves, and loose outdoor furniture can damage pool liners, tile, and decking surfaces.

• Equipment Vulnerability: Pumps, filters, heaters, and electrical controls left exposed can short out or suffer mechanical failure when submerged.

• Structural Risks: Saturated soil can shift, undermining pool decks and causing cracks in concrete or stone.

Proper preparation minimizes downtime, avoids costly repairs, and ensures your pool is ready for safe enjoyment as soon as the skies clear.

Pre‑Storm Checklist (1–3 Days Ahead)

1. Balance Your Water Chemistry

   • Adjust pH to 7.4–7.6, alkalinity to 100–120 ppm, and chlorine to 2–4 ppm.

   • Add a shock dose of calcium hypochlorite or non‑chlorine shock to build a sanitizer reserve that can withstand dilution from rain.

2. Lower the Water Level

   • Drain 4–6 inches of water below the tile line or skimmer mouth to allow for storm surge without overflowing the deck.

   • Use a submersible pump or your pool’s pump/filter system.

3. Secure or Store Loose Items

   • Remove pool toys, floats, umbrellas, and outdoor furniture to a covered area (garage or shed).

   • Tie down lightweight pergola curtains or shade sails.

4. Protect Equipment

   • Elevate pumps, filters, heaters, and electrical panels on concrete blocks at least 12 inches above ground level.

   • Cover equipment with waterproof tarps, secured tightly with ratchet straps.

   • Disconnect and store removable automation controllers or smart sensors indoors.

5. Inspect and Reinforce Decking & Coping

   • Check for hairline cracks in concrete decks and stone coping; seal with flexible, UV‑resistant caulk (available through our Pool Decking service).

   • Tighten any loose pavers or tiles; use polymeric sand to fill joints.

6. Trim Overhanging Branches

   • Cut back dead or weak limbs within 10 feet of the pool area to prevent impact damage.

7. Cover Your Pool

   • If you have a solid safety cover, install it per manufacturer instructions to keep debris out and protect the surface.

   • For mesh covers, ensure they are rated for heavy debris and secure every anchor point.

8. Prepare a Storm Kit

   • Keep on hand: submersible pump, extra hoses, water‑resistant gloves, waterproof flashlights, chemical test strips, shock treatment, algaecide, tarp, and ratchet straps.

Emergency Actions During the Storm

1. Stay Clear of the Pool Area

   • High winds can turn deck debris into dangerous projectiles. Wait until winds drop below 20 mph before inspecting.

2. Monitor Water Level

   • If water rises above the deck, use your storm kit pump to prevent water from flooding equipment pads or basement areas.

3. Check Equipment Shelter

   • Ensure tarps and covers remain secured. Re‑anchor if straps come loose—but only if it is safe to do so.

4. Avoid Pool Chemicals

   • Do not attempt to rebalance chemicals during driving rain or lightning. Wait until the storm passes and water is calm.

Post‑Storm Recovery (Within 24–48 Hours)

1. Debris Removal

   • Skim leaves and large debris from the surface with a leaf net. Remove branches and organic matter from the bottom with a pool vacuum.

   • Clear gutters and drainage channels around the pool deck to restore proper runoff.

2. Inspect Equipment

   • Check the pump, filter, heater, and automation controls for water intrusion.

   • Look for unusual noises or reduced flow—schedule immediate repair via our Residential or Commercial teams if needed.

3. Test and Rebalance Water

   • Use test strips or a liquid test kit to measure pH, chlorine, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid.

   • Shock the pool with 1 lb of chlorine shock per 10,000 gallons if chlorine levels fell below 1 ppm.

4. Inspect Tile & Grout

   • Look for cracked or lifted tiles, especially at the waterline. Re‑seal minor cracks with waterproof sealant; schedule professional regrouting if larger sections are damaged (see our Pool Tile service).

5. Examine Decking & Coping

   • Check for shifting pavers, cracked concrete, or loose coping stones. Fill paver joints with polymeric sand or contact us for deck repair solutions on our Pool Decking page.

6. Run Filtration Continuously

   • Keep the pump and filter running 24/7 for 48 hours after the storm to clear turbidity and circulate fresh chemicals.

7. Inspect Structural Integrity

   • Walk the deck perimeter and pool shell looking for new cracks or settling. Document any changes with photos. If you notice significant movement, call Suns Out Buns Out Pools Company for a professional inspection.

8. Clean and Service Filter

   • Backwash sand or DE filters until discharge water runs clear. Clean or replace cartridge filters as needed.

Seasonal Storm‑Prep Maintenance Plan

Task	Frequency	DIY vs. Pro	Notes
Water chemistry check	Weekly (pre‑storm)	DIY	Maintain sanitizer reserve before storms.
Deck & coping inspection	Quarterly	DIY	Seal small cracks; call pros for larger repairs.
Equipment elevation & cover	Annually (spring)	Pro assistance	Ensure blocks and tarps are in good condition.
Branch trimming & landscaping	Bi‑annual	Pro or DIY	Schedule arborist for large trees.
Full system tune‑up & inspection	Annually	Pro	Book our Pool Remodels & Renovations team for comprehensive service.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting Too Long to Lower Water: Letting water rise above skimmer level can flood equipment and force water under the deck, causing soil heave.

• Using Harsh Chemicals Immediately: Dumping large doses of acid or bleach can further destabilize water balance and damage finishes.

• Neglecting Equipment Covers: Unprotected motors and controls are the most common storm casualties.

• Ignoring Early Deck Cracks: Small cracks quickly widen under saturated soil—address them before the next storm.

Why Choose Suns Out Buns Out Pools Company?

• Local Expertise: We understand the unique challenges of Southeast Texas weather—designing storm‑resilient pool systems for The Woodlands, Conroe, North/Northwest Houston, Tomball, TX, and beyond.

• Comprehensive Services: From Pool Decking repairs to Pool Replaster recovery and equipment protection, we handle every aspect of storm prep and recovery.

• Rapid Response: Our emergency hotline (832‑879‑3069) is monitored 24/7 during storm season for priority service.

• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees—our quotes cover labor, materials, and post‑storm cleanup.

Next Steps: Storm‑Proof Your Pool

1. Download Our Free Storm‑Prep Checklist from the Gallery.

2. Schedule a Pre‑Storm Inspection: Call 📞 832‑879‑3069 or request online at sunsoutbunsoutpools.com.

3. Enroll in Our Maintenance Plan: Get quarterly deck checks, bi‑annual tune‑ups, and priority storm‑response service.

By following these guidelines—and partnering with Suns Out Buns Out Pools Company—you’ll ensure your pool weathers summer storms with minimal damage and maximum readiness for post‑storm enjoyment. Let us help you protect your backyard paradise!