How to Prepare Your Pool for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season and your pool

Hurricane season in South Florida runs from June 1 through November 30. A prepared pool usually comes through a storm in better shape than a neglected one. This checklist is general guidance. Follow local officials' instructions first, and ask your pool professional about your specific setup.

Before the storm

Do not drain the pool

This is the most common mistake. Groundwater and saturated soil push up on an empty pool, and in high-water-table areas that pressure can damage or even lift the shell. Keep the pool full. Many pools have a hydrostatic relief valve, and a pool should not be drained without checking groundwater first. If you are not sure, ask a professional before you touch the water level.

Think about the water level

Heavy rain can overflow a pool onto the deck. Some owners lower the level slightly ahead of a storm. Do not take it far. Ask your pool professional how much is safe for your pool.

Remove loose items

• Bring in furniture, umbrellas, toys and floats.
• Store planters, decorations and other loose objects.
• Take down shade sails and awnings.
• Do not throw patio furniture into the pool. It can scratch and stain the finish and damage the pool.

Screen enclosures

Inspect your enclosure for loose panels or damaged frames. Many enclosures are not designed to survive hurricane-force winds. Some owners cut panels to reduce wind load and protect the frame. Talk to your enclosure company before storm season so you know the plan. See our screen enclosure guide.

Protect your equipment

• Turn off the breakers for the pump, heater, lights and automation before the storm arrives.
• Cover exposed equipment with waterproof material, secured tightly.
• Remove and store removable parts such as a salt cell or chemical feeder if you can do so safely.
• Consider surge protection for your equipment panel.
• Photograph your equipment pad, pool and enclosure for insurance records.

Chemicals before the storm

• Shock the pool: Add extra chlorine, because rain and debris will dilute it.
• Balance the water: pH, alkalinity and stabilizer should be in range before the storm.
• Store chemicals indoors: Keep them dry and secure, and never store chlorine and acid together.

During the storm

Stay inside and away from the pool. Flying debris and lightning make it dangerous. The pool can wait.

After the storm

• Safety first: Watch for downed power lines before you approach. If you see any, call your utility and stay away.
• Remove large debris: Use a net, not the pump, for branches and leaves.
• Inspect equipment: Look over the pump, filter, heater and electrical connections for damage before powering up. If equipment got wet, have it checked by a professional first.
• Restart carefully: Turn equipment on one piece at a time, starting with the pump. Listen for unusual noise and look for leaks.
• Shock and run the pump: Shock to treat contaminants, and run the pump long hours for the first few days while you clean and rebalance.
• Clean the filter: Storm debris will clog it quickly.
• Retest chemistry: Adjust pH, alkalinity, chlorine and stabilizer once debris is out.
• Watch for leaks: If the water level drops unusually after the storm, a leak detection test can find the cause.

Insurance tips

• Review your policy before storm season to see what pool damage is covered.
• Screen enclosures may be treated differently from the pool itself. Ask your agent.
• Flood damage often requires a separate flood policy.
• Keep photos and receipts for the pool, equipment and enclosure.
• File claims promptly.

If your pool or equipment is damaged, send us photos through the contact page. We repair pool equipment and surfaces across Palm Beach and Broward counties, including Boca Raton.