Preparing Your Pool for Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
Mon, July 28th, 2025
Smart Steps to Protect Your Pool—and Your Peace of Mind
Living in Florida comes with a lot of perks—sunshine, palm trees, and the luxury of enjoying your pool nearly year-round. But it also comes with a seasonal challenge: hurricane season.
Between June and November, tropical storms and hurricanes can bring high winds, heavy rains, flying debris, and power outages—all of which can cause serious damage to your pool and equipment if you're not prepared.
The good news? With a little planning and the right know-how, you can protect your investment and avoid costly repairs. At Sweetwater Pool Service, we’ve helped Florida homeowners navigate storm season for years. Here’s what we recommend.
🌀 Step 1: Don’t Drain Your Pool
It may seem logical to lower the water level in anticipation of heavy rain, but completely draining your pool is a bad idea—especially during a storm.
Why not?
- An empty pool can actually pop out of the ground due to pressure from rising groundwater
- Keeping water in the pool helps weigh it down and protect the structure
- Water acts as a barrier, absorbing flying debris and reducing surface damage
What to do instead:
Lower the water level by no more than 1–2 feet, just enough to prevent overflow—but leave the rest to nature and your drainage system.
🌴 Step 2: Remove Loose Items Around the Pool
Anything that’s not bolted down can become a flying hazard in high winds. That includes:
- Patio furniture
- Pool toys
- Umbrellas
- Grills
- Planters
- Skimmer lids
- Pool vacuums
Secure or store these items indoors before the storm. Even heavy items can become dangerous if winds are strong enough. Bonus tip:
Remove automatic cleaners and skimmer baskets from the pool and store them safely. You don’t want them to get damaged or clog your system.
⚡ Step 3: Protect Your Pool Equipment
Your pool pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, and automation systems are some of the most expensive parts of your setup—and the most vulnerable. Here’s how to protect them:
- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical surge damage
- If possible, cover equipment with a waterproof tarp or shield—but only if securely tied down
- Don’t wrap pumps tightly in plastic. It can trap moisture and cause electrical problems once the power comes back on
- Consider building or purchasing an equipment cover or enclosure for long-term protection
If flooding is likely, and your equipment is in a low-lying area, contact us about elevating or relocating components before storm season begins.
🌊 Step 4: Add Extra Chlorine—But No Algaecide
Before the storm hits, “shock” your pool with extra chlorine to help prevent contamination from rainwater, debris, and runoff.
Why skip algaecide?
While it seems helpful, algaecide can actually react poorly with storm debris and organic material, leading to foaming or chemical imbalances.
Instead, rely on chlorine shock and balanced water chemistry to carry you through.
And remember—your pool will need to be rebalanced after the storm too. Sweetwater Pool Service can handle post-storm water testing and treatment if needed.
🧼 Step 5: Remove Solar Covers, Ladders & Fragile Fixtures
Take time to detach:
- Solar blankets or covers
- Pool ladders or railings (if removable)
- Decorative features like fountains or lighting attachments
- Poolside speakers or electronics
Storm winds and debris can damage or dislodge these items, so it’s safer to remove them and store them indoors.
🌧️ Step 6: Secure the Pool Area
Double-check fences, gates, and screen enclosures. Make sure:
- Gates are latched or locked
- Screen doors are secured or removed
- Pool fencing is stable and anchored
If you have a screened lanai or enclosure, check for any existing tears or weak spots that could give way in high winds.
Also: if you’re using sandbags, don’t place them near drains or skimmer boxes where they can wash into the pool or clog systems.
🔌 Step 7: Prep for Power Loss
Florida storms often come with power outages—and a power cut means your pump won’t circulate water.
That’s why pre-storm chlorination is important, but you should also:
- Close any valves you don’t want exposed to backflow
- Make sure overflow systems are clear
- Turn off timers and automation features
- If you have a generator, know which pool components you can safely run
Once the storm passes, do not restart the system right away. Let a pro check for flooding, electrical safety, and debris before turning equipment back on.
🌤️ After the Storm: What to Do Next
Once it’s safe to go outside again, here’s what to check:
- Remove large debris like branches and leaves with a skimmer or leaf net
- Visually inspect for damage to your pool shell, decking, fencing, and equipment
- Check for electrical hazards—do NOT touch wet wires or flooded equipment
- Test your water or call us to do it for you
- Schedule a post-storm clean-up if needed—we’ll shock, vacuum, rebalance, and get everything back to normal
🌟 Bonus: Sweetwater’s Storm-Ready Service Plan
Want to take the guesswork out of hurricane prep?
Ask about our Storm-Ready Service Plan, where we:
- Safely prep your pool before a storm
- Inspect and restart your system after it passes
- Handle all cleaning, testing, and balancing
- Prioritize your service even when we’re fully booked
We’re here to make sure your pool is one less thing to worry about.
Final Thoughts
In Florida, storm season is part of life—but with the right precautions, your pool can weather it just fine. By taking action before the skies turn gray, you’re not just protecting your pool—you’re protecting your peace of mind.
- 💧Need help getting storm-ready?
- 📞 Call Sweetwater Pool Service today—we’re just a splash away