Don't Drain Your Pool Yet: Why Water Level Matters in Texas Winters
Texas Winter Pools Work Different Than Northern Pools
People moving from colder states like New York or Michigan are used to draining pools before winter. But Texas winters are not the same. Here in North DFW TX, we might get freezing temps for a few nights but then it warms right back up. The soil expands, rain falls, then freezes, then warms again.
That means draining your swimming pool can do real damage fast. A lot of pool owners search pool care near me or pool company near me right after freezing nights because they suddenly see cracks or water loss.
Texas rule for winter pool care
Never drain your pool for winter.
Even dropping the level too low can damage plaster, pumps, pipes, heaters, tiles, and even cause the pool shell to float. Wild, right. But it happens here when ground water pressure changes.
Why You Should Not Drain Your Pool in Winter
Lets get clear. Keeping water in your pool during winter does a few extremely important things
1. Maintains structural strength
The pool walls and plaster need water pressure pushing inward. Without water, soil pressure and shifts can push the pool structure upward. Yes, swimming pools can literally pop out of the ground in Texas clay soil.
2. Protects plaster from cracking
Cold air + no water = dry plaster cracks. And cracked plaster repairs in Allen TX and McKinney TX are not cheap. Some homeowners spent $8,000+ after draining their pool during the 2021 freeze.
3. Keeps pipes primed
When water stays in the system, it protects plumbing seals and equipment. Draining the pool and then freezing temps hit? That is a big problem.
4. Prevents pump and filter damage
Without water inside equipment, seals dry, motors overheat when turned back on, and debris settles in pipes. That is why when people look for pool service cleaning or swimming pool cleaning service, we see a huge spike in early February.
5. Freeze guard systems need water
Freeze guards only work if they have flowing water to move and warm the pipes.
Texas winter rule
Water + movement = protection.
The Water Level Sweet Spot
Do not drain the pool. But what water level SHOULD you keep
Keep the water halfway up the tile line. That gives the system enough water to filter and circulate and keeps plaster covered. If you are unsure, a simple search like pool cleaning service near me can bring techs like Hydra to check your levels.
What Happens if You Drain Your Pool In Texas Winter
Homeowners who look online and see winter pool videos from Illinois or Ohio do not realize those dont apply here. In North DFW TX, draining a pool can lead to
Cracked plaster
Floating pool shell
Warped coping and tile pop
Frozen exposed pipes
Destroyed pool pumps
Heater damage
Huge repair bills
We saw homeowners in Murphy TX and The Colony TX pay up to $12,000 after draining their pool during cold weather.
A typical emergency search order goes like this
pool in near me
pool company near me
swimming pool companies near me
pool co near me
near me pool
pool filter cleaner near me
all because someone thought draining the pool was smart.
Freeze Protection. Water Saves You Money
Pipes freeze faster when they are empty. This sounds backwards but empty pipes freeze much faster than full moving water ones. Water acts like a thermal blanket.
From pool engineering data
Water moving through pipes at 20F or above is unlikely to freeze
Empty pipes in 29F freeze within hours
Your pump running a few hours overnight during freeze warnings is cheaper than replacing equipment.
After the 2021 storm, Texas pool freeze claims increased 250 percent.
When Is It OK To Lower the Water Level
Lowering the water slightly is ok but only in certain cases
Heavy leaf season
Water line cleaning
Tile bead blasting
Need to prevent overflow before storms
BUT only lower the water a few inches and raise it right after. Never fully drain without a pro. Most homeowners who try DIY draining end up calling pool service near me after things go wrong.
Winter Water Chemistry Still Matters
A lot of people think winter means no pool chemicals. Nope. Texas still gets sunny warm days that let algae grow. Pools turn green even in November or December.
Winter chemistry checklist
Chlorine 1 to 2 ppm
pH 7.2 to 7.6
Alkalinity 80 to 120 ppm
Add winter algaecide
Maintain CYA levels if pool is exposed to sun
Shock once a month
Hydra customers who use our chemical only plan rarely deal with winter algae. If you skip care, you will definitely be Googling pool cleaning or pool care near me by January.
Filter Care and Pump Settings
Winter pump schedule in Plano TX and Frisco TX
4 to 8 hours daily minimum
Longer during freeze alerts
Use freeze protection mode if available
Clean filters even in winter. A clogged filter increases freeze risk and algae growth. Many folks buy supplies from swimming pool supplies near me or pools stores near me, but they never use the products right. A pool filter cleaner and brushing schedule goes a long way.
If your filters are dirty and you do not wanna deal with it, schedule swimming pool cleaning service from Hydra.
Pool Cover or No Cover
Covers help reduce leaves and evaporation but can create problems if installed wrong. Moisture trapped under cover = winter algae.
If you shop online or at swimming pool stores close to me, make sure you get a breathable winter-rated cover.
Best results:
Secure cover tight
Remove leaves weekly
Air circulation underneath when possible
We can also install pool covers safely so you dont risk issues.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro in Winter
You can DIY winter pool maintenance but most homeowners forget winter still needs weekly pool checking. One freeze night can cause expensive issues.
You need a pro if
Chemistry keeps drifting
Pump making noise
You see air bubbles
Water dropping fast
You see small green spots
We get tons of calls from people who waited too long because they thought winter was easy. Winter is actually when pools silently get damaged.
Why Hydra is the Best Winter Pool Service Choice in North DFW
Hydra Pool Services is not some big corporation. We are local. We know this Texas freeze nonsense inside and out. We help pools in:
Frisco TX
Plano TX
Allen TX
McKinney TX
Murphy TX
The Colony TX
North DFW TX
We offer
Weekly winter cleaning
Chemical only plans
Winter prep visits
Freeze monitoring
$100 off first month deals
So next time you think of searching pool service near me or swimming pool service near me, remember Hydra is right here already doing it for your neighbors. You deserve peace of mind. Let us handle the pool. You just enjoy the fire pit and hot cocoa season.
Conclusion
Dont drain your pool for Texas winter. Keep water in. Keep it balanced. Keep circulation going. And get help if you do not have time. Texas winter water level rule
Half tile line always. Simple and effective. If you want your pool safe through winter, search pool care near me or skip all that and call Hydra directly. We handle the details and you get a perfect pool ready for spring. Schedule your winter visit now and protect your pool from freeze monsters.
Book now. Save $100. Stay stress free. Your future self will thank you big time.
