The Florida hurricane season goes from June 1 to November 30 every year. During this time, pool owners need to be extra careful. A bad storm can damage the pool, break equipment, and cause flooding around the house.
The good news is that getting a pool ready for a hurricane does not take long. A few simple steps before the storm can save a lot of money and stress after it. Florida has more than 1.5 million residential pools, and every single one of them faces the same risks each storm season. Knowing what to do and what not to do makes a big difference in how the pool holds up when a storm rolls through.
Why the Pool Needs Attention Before a Storm
Most people worry about their windows and roof before a hurricane. The pool gets forgotten. But an unprepared pool can cause big problems. Here is what a storm can do:
- Heavy rain washes dirt, bugs, and bacteria into the water
- Strong winds turn chairs, toys, and tools into flying objects
- An empty pool can pop right out of the ground when the soil gets soaked
- Power surges can burn out the pump, heater, and lights
- Wind can rip apart a screen enclosure around the pool
Ignoring the pool before a storm can lead to thousands of dollars in damage.
Step 1: Do NOT Drain the Pool
This is the most important rule. A lot of pool owners think draining the pool before a hurricane is the safe thing to do. It is not. It can actually make things much worse.
Here is what happens when a pool is drained before a storm:
- The ground soaks up rainwater and gets very heavy
- That wet ground pushes up against the bottom and sides of the pool
- The water inside the pool is what keeps the shell in place
- Without that water, the pool can crack, tip, or float up out of the ground
- This is called a “pool pop” and it can destroy the entire pool
There is another risk too. If the storm changes direction and not much rain falls, a drained pool can cause the pump to run dry. When the pump runs without water, it can burn out or even start a fire. Refilling the pool after that can add hundreds of dollars to the water bill. Keep the pool full. It is that simple.
Step 2: Lower the Water Level a Little
The pool should stay full, but the water level should come down a bit before the storm. Dropping it about 6 to 12 inches below the normal level is enough. Here is why:
- Florida storms can drop many inches of rain in just a few hours
- A pool that is already full will overflow when the rain hits
- The water spills onto the deck, the yard, or into the house
- Dropping the level a little gives the rain somewhere to go
A garden hose can be used as a siphon to drain some water into the yard. Leave it near the pool edge so it is easy to use quickly if the water starts rising during the storm.
Step 3: Fix the Pool Chemistry Before the Storm
Before a storm hits, pool owners should test and adjust the water. Rain brings in all kinds of things, like dirt, leaves, bugs, and runoff from the street. Good chemistry before the storm makes cleanup much easier after. Here is what to check:
- Keep the pH between 7.2 and 7.6
- Keep alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm
- Keep calcium hardness between 200 and 400 ppm
- Add a full shock dose of chlorine
- Add algaecide to stop green water and algae from forming after the storm
- Run the pump for a few hours to mix everything in well
Stock up on pool chemicals before the storm is announced. Stores sell out fast once a hurricane warning goes up. Keeping water balanced is also something that matters well beyond storm season, and pool water quality without harsh chemicals is a topic worth reading up on.
Step 4: Trim Trees and Clear the Area
Anything near the pool that is not tied down can become a danger in strong winds. Before a storm arrives, pool owners should:
- Cut back any branches hanging over the pool, screen enclosure, or house
- Remove any dead limbs from trees nearby
- Bring these items inside or into the garage:
- Pool floats and toys
- Lounge chairs, tables, and outdoor furniture
- Umbrellas and sun shades
- Pool cleaning tools and poles
- Potted plants near the pool
- Automatic pool cleaners
If there is no space inside, placing furniture gently into the pool is a last resort. Just remember to take everything out as soon as the storm is over. Pool chemicals can stain and corrode furniture if it sits in the water too long. One important note: never put propane tanks in the pool. Chain them upright to something solid and keep them away from the house.
Step 5: Turn Off and Cover the Pool Equipment
All pool equipment should be turned off before the storm arrives. Running the pump or heater during a hurricane can cause clogs, flooding, and electrical damage. Here is what to do:
- Switch off the pump, heater, lights, and any automatic systems at the main circuit breaker
- Check if the pool system has a hurricane or storm mode and turn it on if available
- Wrap the pump motor, heater, and timer box with waterproof material and tie it down
- If the equipment area is likely to flood, take the pump motor inside
- Cover any open electrical boxes with waterproof tape or plastic wrap
- Turn off the gas supply if there is a gas heater
- Check that hurricane straps on equipment are tight and not rusted
- Remove diving boards or slides if there is a chance they could break loose in the wind
Taking care of pool equipment before a storm is one of the best ways to protect a long-term investment. Small habits throughout the year also go a long way, and preventive pool care is something every Florida pool owner should get familiar with.
Step 6: Do Not Put a Cover on the Pool
It might seem like a good idea to cover the pool before a storm. It is not. Here is why:
- Strong winds will tear a pool cover right off
- A loose cover can fly through the air and hit something or someone
- If the cover fills up with rainwater, it can sag down and trap someone underneath
- Dirty water after the storm is easy to fix. A broken cover and structural damage are not.
Leave the pool open. The water will get messy, but that can be cleaned up.
Step 7: Get the Screen Enclosure Ready
Screen enclosures around pools are very common in Florida. They catch wind like a big sail and can collapse or tear apart in a hurricane. Before a storm, pool owners with screen enclosures should:
- Check the frame for loose parts, rusty bolts, or missing pieces
- Trim back plants and branches near the enclosure
- Remove screen panels on opposite sides of the enclosure to let wind pass through more easily. This reduces pressure on the frame and can stop it from collapsing
- Find out the wind rating of the enclosure and what strength storm it was built for
- Have a screen specialist look it over before hurricane season begins each year
Older enclosures that were not built to current Florida codes may not survive a strong storm no matter what is done. Knowing the condition of the structure ahead of time helps with planning.
Step 8: Clean Up Safely After the Storm
Once the storm is over and it is safe to go outside, take the cleanup one step at a time. There is no need to rush. First, check the area for:
- Downed power lines near the pool or equipment
- Animals in or near the pool. After a storm and flooding, snakes, alligators, frogs, and turtles often end up in unexpected places in Florida
Once the area is safe, follow this cleanup order:
- Take out the big debris first: Use a net or skimmer to pull out leaves, branches, and anything else before turning the pump back on. Big debris can clog the filter and suction lines
- Check all the equipment: Look over the pump, filter, heater, and electrical connections for damage before turning anything on. If any equipment was underwater, have a professional check it first
- Be careful with the breakers: Make sure everything is dry and all covers are back on before switching the power back on
- Drain the water back to normal: Bring the pool level back down to the middle of the tile or halfway up the skimmer. Watch the pool while draining and do not leave it alone
- Test and treat the water: The chemistry will be off after the storm. Shock the pool again and adjust the chemicals as needed
- Run the filter: Keep it going for at least 24 hours. It may need to be cleaned out several times
- Be careful with pressure washing: If the deck or house is being washed down, keep the spray away from the pool. The water can carry chemicals and fine debris into the pool and cause more problems
Shock treatments will kill most bacteria, algae, and viruses. But they will not get rid of fertilizers or other chemicals that may have washed in from the yard or street during flooding. If there is any doubt about the water being safe, wait for a professional to check it before anyone swims. Keeping up with seasonal pool maintenance throughout the year also makes post-storm recovery a lot less stressful.
Preparing Before the Season Starts
The best time to prepare for hurricane season is before a storm is even on the forecast. At the start of each season, Florida pool owners should:
- Put together a storm supply kit with extra chlorine, shock treatments, algaecide, and pH adjusters
- Check all pool equipment and fix anything that is not working properly
- Trim trees and remove dead branches before the season begins
- Find out the wind rating of the screen enclosure
- Keep a simple checklist on hand so nothing gets forgotten when a storm is coming
Pool care does not stop when hurricane season ends. Staying on top of maintenance all year makes it easier to handle a storm when one arrives. Routine pool upkeep after installation is a solid starting point for any pool owner in Florida.
Be Ready Before the Storm
Hurricane season happens every year in Florida. The steps above are not complicated. Most of them take less than a few hours to complete. Keeping the pool full, dropping the water level a bit, fixing the chemistry, clearing away loose items, shutting off equipment, and checking the screen enclosure are all things any pool owner can do.
Having a plan ready before a storm is the best way to protect the pool and get back to normal as quickly as possible after it passes. Anyone looking into pool construction, repair, or resurfacing in Florida can find more information on the Aqua Elite Pool.