Hurricane on the Horizon? How to Prepare Your Pool Before the Storm

Living in South Florida means enjoying beautiful weather and backyard pools almost year-round. But when hurricane season heats up, pool owners need to take a few extra precautions to protect their investment.

With a hurricane approaching, now is the time to make sure your pool, equipment, and surrounding area are storm-ready.

At Plantation Pools, we want to help you protect your pool before the storm and get it back to normal as quickly as possible afterward.

1. Don't Drain Your Pool

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make before a hurricane is draining their pool. Your pool needs the weight of the water to help counteract pressure from saturated soil and rising groundwater. Draining it could cause serious structural damage, including lifting or cracking.

Our advice: Keep your pool filled to its normal operating level. If you are concerned about flooding, consult a pool professional rather than draining it yourself.

2. Secure Your Pool Furniture and Accessories

Strong winds can turn patio furniture, umbrellas, pool toys, and even lightweight equipment into dangerous projectiles.

Before the storm arrives:

• Bring chairs, tables, umbrellas, and cushions indoors.

• Remove loose pool toys, floats, and accessories.

• Secure anything that could blow into your pool or damage the surrounding area.

• Store removable pool equipment in a safe, dry location.

Avoid placing furniture in the pool. Metal furniture can rust, stain, or damage your pool's finish.

3. Turn Off Pool Equipment Before the Storm

Your pool pump, heater, and other electrical components can be vulnerable to flooding, power surges, and storm damage.

Before hurricane conditions arrive, shut down your pool equipment at the appropriate circuit breaker if it is safe to do so. Do not handle electrical equipment while standing in water.

If your equipment becomes submerged, have it inspected by a qualified professional before restarting it.

4. Check Your Pool's Water Chemistry

Heavy rainfall can dilute pool chemicals and introduce dirt, debris, and contaminants.

Before the storm, test your pool water and bring the chemistry into its recommended range. Properly balanced water can make post-storm cleanup easier.

Avoid adding excessive chemicals or mixing treatments in anticipation of the storm.

5. Protect Your Pool Screen Enclosure

If your pool has a screened enclosure, inspect it for loose items or existing damage. Secure nearby objects that could strike the structure during high winds.

Do not attempt to climb onto or dismantle your enclosure as a storm approaches. Follow the manufacturer's guidance and leave structural preparations to qualified professionals.

6. After the Storm: Getting Your Pool Back to Normal

Once conditions are safe, inspect your pool and surrounding area before restarting equipment or swimming.

Start with these steps:

• Remove leaves, branches, and debris using a skimmer or pool net.

• Check the pool surface, tiles, and surrounding deck for visible damage.

• Inspect equipment for flooding or storm damage.

• Test and rebalance the water chemistry.

• Clean the skimmer and pump baskets when safe.

• Have damaged or submerged electrical equipment professionally inspected.

If your pool water is cloudy, green, or contaminated, professional cleaning and treatment may be necessary before swimming.

Plantation Pools Is Here to Help

Preparing your pool before a hurricane can help minimize damage, reduce cleanup, and make recovery easier.

Whether your pool needs storm-related cleanup, equipment repairs, water balancing, or ongoing maintenance, Plantation Pools is here to help South Florida homeowners get back to enjoying their pools.

Need help getting your pool back in shape after the storm? Contact Plantation Pools to schedule professional pool service.