Hurricane Pool Safety: How to Secure Your Pool Before a Storm
As hurricane season approaches, ensuring your pool is prepared to withstand the extreme weather conditions often accompanying tropical storms is crucial. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flying debris can severely damage your pool and surrounding areas. Taking proactive steps to secure your pool before a hurricane hits can minimize damage, protect your investment, and make the recovery process much smoother once the storm passes.
Our “Hurricane Pool Safety Prep Guide: Do’s and Don’ts” is a detailed guide on preparing your pool for a hurricane, ensuring safety and longevity.
Do: Lower the Water Level (But Not Too Much)
One of the most common questions pool owners have is whether to lower the water level in their pool before a hurricane. The answer is yes but with caution.
Lowering the water level a few inches can prevent flooding and allow for heavy rain without causing overflow. However, you should only drain your pool partially. Completely emptying your pool can lead to significant structural damage, as an empty pool is susceptible to popping out of the ground due to pressure from rising groundwater during a storm. Keep the water level a few inches below the skimmer, but not lower than that.
Tip: Always consult your pool professional for accurate information regarding hurricane pool safety prep and determining the correct water level. They will guide you based on your specific pool type and local conditions.
Don’t: Cover the Pool
While pool covers are typically used to keep debris out, they can become a liability during a hurricane. High winds can quickly turn a pool cover into a large sail, causing it to tear, get displaced, or even pull out surrounding anchors. A damaged pool cover is costly and won’t protect your pool during the storm.
Instead of covering your pool, focus on securing loose items around your yard to minimize debris flying into your pool.
Do: Balance Pool Chemicals
Before a hurricane arrives, it’s essential to balance the pool’s water chemistry. Add extra chlorine or shock to prevent contamination from debris and rainwater. A properly chlorinated pool can help fight off bacteria and algae growth, especially after the storm when your pool might sit unattended.
Ensuring your pool has the proper pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels before the storm strikes will make cleaning and maintenance much easier after the storm.
Pro Tip: Algaecides can be added to your pool as an additional layer of protection, but do so a day or two before the storm to allow for proper circulation.
Don’t: Leave Pool Equipment Unprotected
Hurricane-force winds can cause severe damage to pool equipment like pumps, heaters, and filters. One of the best ways to protect this equipment is to disconnect and store it in a safe, secure location. If moving the equipment indoors isn’t feasible, cover it with waterproof materials or a heavy-duty tarp to protect it from flying debris and flooding.
Additionally, turn off the power to your pool’s electrical components. Lightning strikes and power surges during hurricanes can damage your pool’s electrical systems, so cutting off power to the pool is essential for safety.

Do: Secure Loose Items Around the Pool
Loose objects around your pool, such as patio furniture, toys, umbrellas, and even potted plants, can become dangerous projectiles during a hurricane. Strong winds can pick up these objects and cause significant damage to your pool’s surface, screen enclosures, or windows.
Store these items indoors or tie them down securely to prevent them from being swept away by the storm. If you have heavy items that can’t be moved, such as grills or large planters, ensure they are correctly anchored.
Don’t: Ignore the Surrounding Area
When doing hurricane pool safety prep, never forget about the surrounding elements. The area surrounding your pool is just as crucial during hurricane prep. Trim back any trees, shrubs, or branches that could break off and damage your pool area. Dead or weak branches are especially vulnerable to strong winds.
If you have pool fencing, check that it is secure and sturdy. Broken fencing can pose a safety hazard during and after the storm.
Do: Use a Pool Pump Timer
Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to return to your property, you may not want to run your pool pump immediately. Floodwaters can bring contaminants, including dirt, mud, and chemicals, into your pool. Running the pump while debris is in the water can clog the system, causing further damage.
Instead, install a pool pump timer before the storm. This lets you control when the pump starts running, ensuring you turn it on early enough. Once the debris is removed and the water has been tested, you can gradually start circulating the water.
Don’t: Neglect Pool Clean-Up After the Hurricane
The aftermath of a hurricane is as important as the hurricane pool safety prep. However, it can be overwhelming, but don’t delay in cleaning your pool once the storm passes. Start by removing large debris like branches, leaves, and foreign objects that may have fallen into the pool. A pool skimmer can help with this initial clean-up.
Next, test the water’s chemical balance. You may need to shock the pool again to restore chlorine levels and prevent algae growth. If the water is cloudy or has turned green, consult a pool professional to determine the appropriate treatment.
Once debris is removed and chemicals are balanced, check the pool equipment. If the power has been restored, ensure your pool pump and filter work correctly. If there is damage, contact a professional immediately to repair or replace any broken equipment.
Do: Call a Professional for Inspection
Even after following these hurricane pool safety prep steps, it is wise to have a professional inspect your pool post-hurricane. Pool specialists can detect any hidden damage, such as cracks or leaks, that may not be immediately visible. They can also assist in rebalancing your pool’s water chemistry and ensuring your equipment is functioning correctly.
A professional inspection can address any issues early, saving you from more extensive, costlier problems down the line.
Don’t: Skip Regular Pool Maintenance During Hurricane Season
Hurricane pool safety and preparation for your pool take time. Throughout hurricane season, make it a habit to regularly check your pool’s water levels, chemical balance, and equipment. This ensures your pool is always in optimal condition and ready to withstand extreme weather.
Proper ongoing maintenance will protect your pool during hurricanes, extend its lifespan, and reduce the need for costly repairs.
By following this hurricane pool safety prep guide, you can minimize the impact of a storm on your pool and enjoy a quicker recovery afterward. Taking these steps before the hurricane hits will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
For expert advice and pool services before and after the storm, contact JT’s Custom Pools. Our team of professionals is ready to help ensure your pool stays protected during hurricane season. We provide pool maintenance, inspections, and repair services to help you get back to enjoying your pool as soon as possible.