To prepare your pool for a major hurricane, start by lowering the water level 12-18 inches below the skimmer, but don’t drain it completely. You’ll need to secure or remove all loose equipment, furniture, and chemical containers that could become projectiles. Adjust your pool’s chemistry with extra shock treatment and chlorine, maintaining pH between 7.2-7.6. Turn off all electrical equipment at the circuit breaker. These initial steps lay the groundwork for thorough storm protection.
Key Takeaways
- Lower pool water level 12-18 inches below the skimmer while keeping enough water to maintain structural integrity.
- Remove or securely store all pool equipment, furniture, and chemical containers to prevent storm-related projectile damage.
- Test and adjust chemical levels, including pH and chlorine, then run pump to circulate chemicals before shutting off power.
- Install and anchor pool covers securely with heavy-duty straps to protect against debris and contamination.
- Turn off all electrical equipment at the circuit breaker and disconnect automatic cleaners and removable pool accessories.
Understanding the Risks of Poor Pool Storm Preparation
When a hurricane approaches, inadequate pool preparation can lead to severe consequences for both your property and safety. If you don’t properly secure your pool area, flying debris can damage your pool’s surface, equipment, and surrounding structures. Loose furniture and accessories can become dangerous projectiles, potentially causing significant storm damage to your home or neighboring properties.
You’ll also risk contamination of your pool water from flood-related debris and chemicals, which can lead to costly repairs and maintenance. Many homeowners don’t realize that their insurance coverage may not fully protect against pool damage caused by improper storm preparation. Moreover, improperly maintained water levels during a hurricane can cause your pool to overflow or, conversely, create structural stress that could crack or damage your pool’s shell.
Essential Pre-Storm Water Level Management
Proper management of your pool’s water level stands as one of the most essential steps in hurricane preparation. Don’t drain your pool completely, as this can lead to structural damage when heavy rains and storm surge create intense groundwater pressure. Instead, lower the water level by 12 to 18 inches below the pool’s skimmer.
Monitor weather forecasts closely to time this adjustment correctly – you’ll want to complete this task before the outer bands of the hurricane arrive. If you’re in a storm surge zone, maintain a slightly higher water level to counteract the upward pressure from rising groundwater. Remember to turn off all electrical equipment, including pumps and lighting, once you’ve adjusted the water level. This careful balance helps protect your pool’s structure while preventing overflow during the storm.
Securing Pool Equipment and Accessories
Before a hurricane strikes, you’ll need to remove or securely store all loose pool equipment and accessories that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Store all removable items in your garage or a sturdy indoor location. Don’t forget to disconnect and safely store your automatic pool cleaner and its hose.
For equipment that can’t be moved, take these critical steps:
- Securely fasten pool covers using heavy-duty anchors and extra straps to prevent them from becoming airborne during intense winds
- Shut off power to all pool equipment at the circuit breaker, then wrap exposed equipment in waterproof material
- Remove or firmly tie down pool furniture, cleaning tools, skimmer nets, and chemical containers in your equipment storage area
These precautions will help protect both your property and your neighbors from wind-blown damage during the storm.
Proper Chemical Treatment Before the Hurricane
Since hurricanes often bring heavy rainfall that can dilute your pool’s chemical balance, maintaining proper water chemistry is crucial before the storm arrives. Test and adjust your pH levels to between 7.2 and 7.6, guaranteeing your pool water remains properly balanced during the storm. Add a shock treatment to raise the chlorine level slightly higher than normal, which will help combat the anticipated rainfall dilution.
Don’t forget to test the stabilizer and alkalinity levels, adjusting them to the upper end of their normal ranges. You’ll want to add extra chlorine tablets to your pool’s chlorinator to maintain sanitization throughout the weather event. Once you’ve completed the chemical treatment, run your pool pump for several hours to guarantee thorough distribution of all chemicals before the hurricane arrives.
Protecting Your Pool’s Electrical Systems
With your pool’s chemical balance secured, protecting the electrical components becomes your next priority. Proper electrical safety measures can prevent costly damage to your pool’s pump, lighting, and control systems during a hurricane. Turn off all power to your pool equipment at the circuit breaker, not just the control panel. Install surge protection devices if you haven’t already done so.
Protect pool electronics by cutting power at the breaker and installing surge protection – don’t risk costly storm damage.
- Waterproof all exposed electrical connections with appropriate covers and seal any conduits to prevent water intrusion
- Document your equipment’s current settings with photos before powering down – you’ll need these references for proper restart
- Unplug and store portable pool equipment like robotic cleaners, UV systems, and salt chlorine generators in a dry, secure location
Remember: Never attempt to restore power to pool equipment while standing in water or during the storm.
Clearing and Securing the Pool Area
As hurricane winds approach, loose objects around your pool can become dangerous projectiles that damage both your property and neighboring homes. Remove all pool furniture, equipment, and decorative items from the area, storing them securely indoors. Don’t forget to detach pool cleaning tools, skimmers, and maintenance equipment.
| Item to Secure | Storage Location | Priority Level |
|---|---|---|
| Pool Furniture | Garage/Basement | High |
| Pool Toys | Indoor Storage | Medium |
| Cleaning Tools | Utility Room | High |
Conduct a thorough debris removal sweep of the entire pool area, including fallen branches, leaves, and any loose materials. If you’ve got potted plants or ornamental features, relocate them inside. Check nearby trees for dead limbs that could break free during the storm and remove them if possible. Remember, anything left unsecured can become a hazard during hurricane-force winds.
Post-Storm Pool Recovery Steps
Once the hurricane has passed and it’s safe to venture outside, your primary priority is inspecting your pool for storm damage and contamination. Don’t rush to start your pool cleaning process immediately – carefully assess the situation initially. Document any visible damage for insurance purposes and verify there aren’t any downed power lines near the water.
- Begin debris removal from the surface using a net or skimmer, working methodically from one end to the other. Don’t drain the pool, as surrounding groundwater pressure could damage the structure.
- Test the water chemistry before restarting any equipment. You’ll likely need to super-chlorinate and rebalance the chemicals.
- Inspect all electrical equipment, including pumps and filters, for water damage. Don’t turn on any equipment until it’s been checked by a qualified professional if you suspect damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Completely Drain My Pool Before a Hurricane?
Don’t completely drain your pool before a hurricane it’s actually dangerous for pool maintenance. When you drain it fully, the hydrostatic pressure from groundwater can cause your pool to “pop” out of the ground. Instead, lower the water level by 1-2 feet below the skimmer. This hurricane preparation step helps prevent overflow while maintaining enough weight to keep your pool anchored. You’ll also want to add extra chlorine to combat debris contamination.
How Long Can Pool Pumps Run Underwater During Flooding?
Don’t let your pool pump run underwater during flooding it’s not designed for underwater operation and can be extremely dangerous. You should immediately turn off all flooded equipment at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical hazards and equipment damage. Even brief exposure to flood water can destroy your pump’s motor and electrical components. After flooding subsides, have a licensed pool professional inspect and service all equipment before restarting.
Can Pool Covers Withstand Hurricane-Force Winds?
Standard pool covers aren’t designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, and you shouldn’t rely on them during severe storms. Even secured mesh safety covers can tear or become projectiles in winds exceeding 74 mph. For hurricane preparation tips, it’s best to remove your pool cover entirely before the storm hits. If you’re concerned about pool cover durability, store it in a safe, indoor location until the severe weather passes.
Will My Pool’s Warranty Be Voided After Hurricane Damage?
Your pool warranty coverage for hurricane damage depends entirely on your specific policy terms and proper hurricane preparation. Most manufacturers won’t void warranties for natural disasters, but they’ll closely examine if you followed recommended safety protocols. Before filing warranty claims, document all pre-storm preparations and post-storm damage with photos and videos. It’s essential to review your warranty documentation now, before a storm hits, to understand exactly what’s covered.
Should I Add Extra Chlorine Shock Treatment During a Hurricane?
Don’t add extra chlorine shock treatment during a hurricane. While you might think higher chlorine levels offer protection, it’s actually counterproductive. Heavy rains will dilute your pool water anyway, and excess chemicals could become hazardous if the pool overflows. Instead, as part of your storm preparation, maintain normal chlorine levels before the hurricane arrives. You’ll need to rebalance your pool’s chemistry after the storm passes when it’s safe to do so.
