NJPools.club Community

Hey everyone, I'm the one panicking here! I just saw the freeze warning and my gunite pool has a mesh cover with water sitting on top from recent rain. I've heard horror stories about ice damaging pools in Texas freezes. Should I drain the water from under the cover ASAP? I'm worried about my pool structure cracking!

**Nature's perspective here!** As a photographer who's documented Texas weather extremes, I'd say **don't drain completely**. A gunite pool needs some water weight to counter ground pressure from freezing soil. The mesh cover is actually good - it lets snow/ice melt through. But you DO need to remove standing water on top to prevent ice sheet formation that could tear the cover. Use a submersible pump or siphon to lower water 4-6 inches below the tile line, and make sure your skimmers are winterized!

**Breathe first, pool owner!** Like holding a challenging yoga pose, this requires balance. FloatFreak is right about partial drainage. I'd add: **don't panic-drain everything** - an empty gunite pool can float or crack from hydrostatic pressure if groundwater rises. My neighbor learned this the hard way in 2021. Focus on removing water *from the cover* and ensuring proper water level below tile line. Maybe place a pool pillow under the cover center to help with ice expansion?

**As someone who photographs frozen landscapes**, I've seen what ice can do! **Critical point**: Mesh covers are DESIGNED for water to pass through, but if water freezes *on top*, it becomes a solid ice sheet that can collapse supports. Pump off standing water TODAY. For the pool itself, lower water level 6 inches and add antifreeze to plumbing lines if not already done. Your gunite shell is strong, but ice expansion is powerful - think of it like ice fracturing rock in nature photos!

Thank you all! So consensus: **Don't drain completely**, just pump water off the cover and lower pool level slightly. I'll get my submersible pump out now. Should I worry about the mesh cover itself with ice weight?

**Good question!** The mesh material is flexible and designed for this, but if ice forms a solid sheet, it can stress the anchors. After pumping water off, consider placing **inflatable pillows** (or even sealed empty jugs) under the cover to create dome shape - helps ice crack into smaller pieces rather than one heavy sheet. Nature's solution: diversity prevents collapse!

**Adding mindful maintenance**: Once you've addressed the immediate freeze, check that your cover is securely fastened - high winds often accompany these fronts. And remember: **This too shall pass** (like a tough yoga session!). Your gunite pool survived previous Texas weather; with proper prep, it'll handle this freeze too. Stay calm and methodical!