Preparing Your Pool for Hurricane Season: A Step-by-Step Guide

Living in Southwest Florida means enjoying year-round pool access, but it also means being prepared for hurricane season, which runs from June through November. While many homeowners think about shuttering windows and securing furniture, your pool deserves just as much attention when a storm is on the horizon.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to protect your pool, equipment, and investment from heavy rain, wind, and power outages during hurricane season.

💧 1. Don’t Drain Your Pool

Contrary to what many believe, draining your pool is not a good idea during a storm. The underground water table can rise due to heavy rainfall and cause an empty (or even partially drained) pool to pop out of the ground.

✅ Leave your pool full, it provides weight and stability during high winds and rain. Per building code, your pool deck and surrounding areas are designed to direct water away from the pool. Your pool will not lead to flooding of your home.

📚 Explore more how keeping your pool filled protects it during storms from the Florida Swimming Pool Association

⚗️ 2. Balance and Shock the Water

Before the storm hits, test and balance your pool’s water. Proper pre-storm sanitation helps prevent algae and bacteria from contaminating your pool with rainwater or debris.

✅ Add extra chlorine (shock) a day before the storm to prevent algae or bacterial growth from organic matter introduced by wind and rain.

📚 Learn more how storm prep should include pre-chlorination from the In The Swim

🔌 3. Turn Off and Protect Equipment

Pool equipment is vulnerable to power surges, wind, and flooding. Take these precautions:

✅ Turn off the power to your pump, heater, chlorinator, and automation systems at the breaker.

🪑 4. Remove or Secure Loose Items from the Area Surrounding your Pool

Flying objects are a major hazard in high winds. Remove anything that isn’t bolted down:

✅ Store pool toys, patio furniture, umbrellas, and cleaning tools inside.
✅ Remove skimmer lids and store them to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
✅ Don’t place furniture in the pool – components can quickly rust in chlorinated pool water causing staining and damaging your furniture.

🌳 5. Trim Surrounding Trees and Landscaping

Prevent branches and leaves from falling into your pool and damaging the surface or equipment by trimming any overhanging trees or bushes regularly. Strong hurricane winds can turn even small branches into damaging projectiles, which may clog filters, tear pool screens, or scratch plaster and pebble surfaces.

🧹 6. After the Storm: Inspect, Clean, and Rebalance

Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside:

✅ Remove debris from the pool and surrounding area.
✅ Inspect equipment and make sure it is not submerged in water before turning it back on.
✅ Test water chemistry and rebalance as needed.
✅ Shock the pool again if there has been significant contamination or downtime.

📚 Discover more how to clean and re-establish balanced water after a storm from Clarkson Pools

✨ Conclusion: Weather the Storm with Confidence!

Hurricane season doesn’t have to spell trouble for your backyard oasis. With the right precautions, like balancing your water, securing equipment, and removing loose items, you can safeguard your pool, extend the life of your system, and avoid costly post-storm repairs.

Ready to protect your pool like a pro? On‑Time Pool Service offers expert guidance, reliable maintenance, and storm-ready solutions, so your pool stays safe, clean, and stress-free before and after the storm.

Why Choose On-Time Pool Service?

As a state-licensed and certified pool contractor (CPC#1459543), On-Time Pool Service offers Sarasota-area pool owners expert, transparent, and reliable care. Whether it’s regular service, diagnostics, repairs, upgrades, or renovations, we provide everything you need to enjoy your pool all year long—without the hassle.

We specialize in:

Weekly pool service and cleaning: Regular maintenance to keep your pool in perfect condition.
Pool equipment repairs and diagnostics: Expert repairs for all your pool equipment, ensuring longevity and performance.
Pool automation and upgrades: Advanced automation solutions for convenient and efficient pool management.
Pool renovations and remodeling: Enhance the look and functionality of your pool with a new surface, tiles, coping, and even pavers.

With On-Time Pool Service, you get trusted service backed by professional certifications, extensive experience, and a commitment to keeping your pool in top condition.

🌐 Check out our services page on our website to explore more how we can assist or use our online instant estimate tool for a quick personalized quote based on your specific pool needs.

Contact Us

Ready to keep your pool in top condition? Contact On-Time Pool Service for a professional check-up on your pool!

📞 (941) 224-0404

📨 info@ontimepoolservice.com

📍4047 Bee Ridge Road. Suite A, Sarasota, FL. 34233

Let On-Time Pool Service help you enjoy a safer, healthier, and more beautiful swimming experience — all year long!

Helpful Resources

For more information on pool care, equipment, and maintenance, check out these independent trusted resources: