How to Prepare Your Pool for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm
Living in South Florida means enjoying beautiful weather and outdoor living for much of the year, but hurricane season requires extra preparation. Strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and flying debris can cause serious problems for your home and swimming pool.
Even with proper preparation, a severe hurricane or tropical storm can affect any pool. After the storm passes, you will likely need to clean and inspect your pool before using it again.
Hurricanes can introduce dirt, leaves, branches, silt, bacteria, and other debris into your pool. Taking a few precautions before the storm arrives can help protect your pool equipment and make cleanup easier afterward.
1. Turn Off the Pool Equipment
Before the storm arrives, turn off the power to your pool equipment. This includes the pump, filter, heater, lights, and other electrical equipment.
If flooding is possible, turn off the equipment at the appropriate electrical breaker. Do not operate electrical equipment if water has reached the equipment or electrical connections.
2. Protect Your Pool Equipment
If possible, protect exposed pool equipment from heavy rain, wind, and flying debris. Avoid covering equipment in a way that prevents proper ventilation or creates a safety hazard.
After the storm, inspect the equipment carefully before turning anything back on.
3. Remove Loose Items From Around the Pool
Bring patio furniture, umbrellas, pool toys, decorations, planters, and other loose items indoors or secure them properly.
Strong hurricane winds can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. Removing these items also reduces the amount of debris that can end up in your pool.
4. Add Extra Chlorine Before the Storm
Adding chlorine before a major storm can help maintain proper sanitation if rain and debris enter the pool.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and maintain appropriate water chemistry. Avoid adding excessive chemicals without knowing the correct dosage for your pool.
5. Don’t Empty Your Pool
Do not drain your swimming pool before a hurricane.
Heavy rain can raise the groundwater level around your property. An empty or partially drained pool can experience significant pressure from surrounding groundwater, which may cause the pool structure to shift, lift, or become damaged.
Keeping the pool filled with water generally provides important support for the pool structure.
6. Protect Your Safety Fence and Screen Enclosure
Inspect your pool fence, gates, screen enclosure, and surrounding structures before the storm.
Secure anything that could become loose during high winds. If your screen enclosure has removable panels or other storm-specific precautions recommended by the manufacturer or installer, follow those instructions.
Never put yourself at risk trying to protect property when dangerous weather is approaching.
After the Hurricane
Once the storm has passed and it is safe to go outside, inspect your pool and surrounding equipment carefully.
Remove large debris from the pool, check the water level, inspect the equipment, and test the water chemistry before swimming.
If the pool has been contaminated by floodwater, sewage, or significant debris, do not swim until the water has been properly evaluated and treated.
A professional pool service or pool contractor can help determine whether your pool equipment, structure, and water chemistry need additional attention.
Keep Your Pool Safe During Hurricane Season
Preparing your pool before a hurricane can reduce potential damage and make the cleanup process much easier. A few simple steps—such as turning off equipment, securing loose items, maintaining proper water chemistry, and keeping your pool filled—can make a significant difference.
If your pool has experienced damage after a hurricane or tropical storm, Aquafresh Pools & Spa can help you evaluate the condition of your pool and determine what repairs or cleanup may be necessary.
Stay safe, prepare early, and never put your safety at risk to protect your pool.