Hurricane Season Pool Preparation: How to Protect Your Pool Before the Storm

Living in Florida means enjoying beautiful pools year-round—but it also means preparing for hurricane season. While many homeowners focus on boarding windows and stocking emergency supplies, your swimming pool deserves attention too. Taking a few preventative steps before a storm can help minimize damage, reduce cleanup time, and protect your pool equipment.

Here are our top tips for preparing your pool before a hurricane arrives.

1. Balance Your Pool Water

A properly balanced pool is your first line of defense. Heavy rain, debris, and power outages can quickly throw off your water chemistry.

Before the storm arrives:

• Test and balance your pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels.

• Shock the pool 24 hours before the storm if time allows.

• Add an algaecide to help prevent algae growth during extended power outages.

Starting with clean, balanced water makes post-storm recovery much easier.

2. Lower the Water Level—But Don't Drain the Pool

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is draining their pool before a hurricane.

Never completely drain your pool.

A full pool provides weight that helps prevent it from lifting or "floating" out of the ground when groundwater levels rise after heavy rainfall.

If recommended for your specific pool type, lower the water only slightly (typically 6–12 inches below the skimmer), but always follow your pool builder's recommendations.

3. Remove Outdoor Furniture and Accessories

High winds can turn everyday backyard items into dangerous projectiles.

Before the storm:

• Remove patio furniture.

• Store umbrellas.

• Take down pool toys and floats.

• Remove planters and decorations.

• Secure grills and outdoor equipment.

Anything that can blow into the pool can damage the liner, tile, decking, or equipment.

4. Do NOT Cover Your Pool

It may seem like covering your pool would keep debris out, but during a hurricane, pool covers often become giant sails.

Strong winds can:

• Tear the cover.

• Damage anchors.

• Pull equipment into the pool.

• Cause more damage than leaving the pool uncovered.

  
  

Most pool professionals recommend leaving the pool uncovered during a hurricane.

5. Turn Off Pool Equipment

When severe weather is approaching:

• Shut off power to the pump.

• Turn off heaters.

• Turn off automation systems.

• Switch off breakers if flooding is expected.

Electrical surges and flooding can severely damage expensive pool equipment.

6. Protect Your Pool Equipment

If possible:

• Wrap exposed equipment with waterproof tarps.

• Secure the coverings tightly.

• Move portable equipment indoors.

• Remove automation controllers if flooding is expected.

Pool pumps, filters, and heaters are major investments worth protecting.

7. Trim Trees and Landscaping

Loose branches are one of the biggest sources of pool debris after hurricanes.

Before the storm:

• Trim dead branches.

• Remove weak limbs.

• Pick up loose yard debris.

• Secure hanging plants.

Reducing yard debris now can save hours of cleanup later.

8. Take Photos Before the Storm

Document your pool and equipment before the hurricane arrives.

Photograph:

• Pool equipment

• Screen enclosures

• Decking

• Fencing

• Pool surface

• Landscaping

These photos can be extremely helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.

9. Wait Until the Storm Passes Before Cleaning

Never attempt to clean your pool during severe weather.

After the storm:

• Inspect for downed power lines.

• Check equipment before restoring power.

• Remove large debris first.

• Test the water chemistry.

• Clean baskets and filters.

• Run the filtration system once power is safely restored.

If floodwater entered your pool, additional cleaning and chemical treatment may be necessary.

10. Schedule a Professional Pool Inspection

Even if everything looks normal, hurricanes can cause hidden issues.

A professional inspection can identify:

• Equipment damage

• Plumbing leaks

• Electrical concerns

• Water chemistry problems

• Filter issues

Catching problems early can help prevent costly repairs later.

After the Storm, We're Here to Help

Storm cleanup can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to tackle it alone. Whether your pool needs debris removal, water balancing, equipment inspections, or a complete cleanup, Xpert Pool Service is ready to help restore your pool quickly and safely.

Our experienced technicians proudly serve homeowners throughout Brevard County with reliable weekly pool service, equipment inspections, and professional storm recovery assistance.

Need Help Preparing Your Pool?

Don't wait until a hurricane is in the forecast. Preparing your pool now can save you time, money, and stress later.

Contact Xpert Pool Service today for a complimentary pool evaluation and let us help you keep your pool protected all hurricane season long.

Hurricane Preparation Checklist

✔ Balance pool chemistry

✔ Shock the pool

✔ Add algaecide

✔ Remove patio furniture and pool accessories

✔ Do not drain the pool completely

✔ Turn off pool equipment before the storm

✔ Protect pumps and equipment if possible

✔ Trim nearby trees and remove loose debris

✔ Take photos for insurance documentation

✔ Schedule a post-storm pool inspection