Can You Fill or Drain a Pool During New Braunfels Drought Restrictions?

In dry years, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) puts the city into drought stages. Most people know these rules limit lawn watering. But they can also affect your pool. This guide explains what to check before you fill, top off, or drain a pool in New Braunfels.

How NBU Drought Stages Work

NBU drought stages are set by the water level in the Edwards Aquifer, measured at a well in San Antonio called J-17, along with flow at Comal Springs. When the aquifer drops, the city moves to a higher stage with tighter rules. When rain brings it back up, the rules ease.

Stages can change many times in one year. So the rule that applied last summer may not apply today. Always check the current stage on the NBU website at nbutexas.com before a big water job.

Filling a New Pool During Drought

In the past, the New Braunfels drought plan did not allow filling new pools during Stage 3. In 2023, the City Council changed the plan after pool builders raised concerns, so new pools could be filled under certain conditions. Because these rules can change again, new pool owners should check with NBU, and keep their building permit handy, before filling.

Topping Off an Existing Pool

In a hot New Braunfels summer, a pool can lose a lot of water to evaporation. Topping off an existing pool with a hose is usually handled differently than filling a brand new pool, but the details depend on the current stage. If you are topping off more than expected, you may have a leak, not just evaporation. Try the bucket test on our leak detection page.

Draining and Refilling a Pool

Draining a pool uses a lot of water, since you have to refill it. Before an acid wash or drain and refill, check the current drought stage. Never drain a pool you may not be allowed to refill, and never leave a pool empty for long. Ground water and clay soil can push on an empty pool shell.

Outside the City: Other Water Companies

Homes around Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, and Bulverde may get water from other companies, such as SJWTX (Canyon Lake Water Service Company), or from private wells. These have their own rules and stages. Check with your own water company.

Ways to Save Pool Water in a Drought

• Use a cover. NBU encourages covering pools with an evaporation cover when they are not in use. A cover can cut evaporation a lot.
• Fix leaks fast. A small leak can waste far more water than evaporation.
• Backwash less, clean smarter. Backwash only when filter pressure is 8–10 psi above clean. Cartridge filters can be hosed off instead of backwashed.
• Keep water balanced. Balanced water means you will not need to drain to fix high stabilizer or calcium later. See water chemistry balancing.
• Turn off water features. Waterfalls and sprayers lose more water to evaporation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I top off my pool during New Braunfels drought restrictions?

It depends on the current NBU drought stage. Rules change as the Edwards Aquifer level goes up and down, so check the current stage at nbutexas.com before topping off a lot of water.

Can I fill a new pool in New Braunfels during Stage 3?

In 2023, the City Council changed the drought plan so new pools could be filled under certain conditions in Stage 3. Rules can change, so check with NBU before filling.

How much water does a pool lose to evaporation in summer?

In hot, dry, windy weather, a pool can lose a noticeable amount each day. A bucket test helps show if the loss is evaporation or a leak.

Does a pool cover really save water?

Yes. A cover blocks sun and wind, which cuts evaporation. NBU encourages covers on pools that are not in use during drought.

Who sets drought rules near Canyon Lake?

Many Canyon Lake homes are served by SJWTX (Canyon Lake Water Service Company), which has its own drought stages. Homes on wells may follow different rules.

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