What to Do with a Florida Pool During a Hurricane: Tips for Hurricane Proofing
Living in Florida means being prepared for the annual hurricane season, which typically lasts from June to November. While Floridians may be well-versed in securing their homes, it’s easy to overlook the need to protect backyard swimming pools from potential damage.
A pool can be a source of concern during a hurricane, with flooding risks, debris accumulation, and structural damage. However, proper preparation can help safeguard your pool and ensure a faster recovery after the storm passes.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do with your Florida pool during a hurricane and tips for hurricane-proofing it.
Do Not Drain the Pool
One of the most common misconceptions is that you should drain your pool before a hurricane to prevent flooding or contamination. However, draining your pool before a hurricane can cause more harm than good. Here’s why:
- Hydrostatic Pressure: A pool’s water provides weight that helps counterbalance the pressure from groundwater. Heavy rains from a hurricane can raise the water table, and without the weight of the water in your pool, the pressure could cause your pool to “float” or pop out of the ground. This can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.
- Debris Protection: Keeping water in your pool also helps protect the surface from flying debris. Floating objects or branches may land in the water rather than damaging the pool’s walls or deck.
Instead of draining the pool, keep the water level high enough to accommodate some rainfall without overflowing. If a hurricane is expected, you can lower the water level by 1 to 2 feet but never fully drain it.
Turn Off Electrical Equipment
Before a hurricane, it’s essential to turn off all pool-related electrical equipment, including pumps, heaters, and filters. Hurricanes often bring heavy rains and flooding, which can cause electrical equipment to short out if submerged or exposed to water. Follow these steps:
- Turn Off Circuit Breakers: Shut off the circuit breakers connected to the pool to ensure no power runs to the equipment.
- Disconnect and Store Portable Equipment: If possible, disconnect portable pool equipment like pool cleaners, skimmers, and lighting systems and store them in a safe, dry place.
You can prevent damage from power surges or water exposure by turning off and disconnecting electrical equipment.
Secure Pool Furniture and Accessories
Flying debris is a significant concern during a hurricane, and items like pool furniture, toys, floats, and umbrellas can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. To avoid potential hazards, make sure to secure or store all pool-related items:
- Remove and Store: Remove loose pool furniture, outdoor toys, and accessories. Store them indoors, in a garage, or a secure storage shed.
- Anchor Large Items: Secure large, heavy items that can’t be moved indoors, such as outdoor kitchens, grills, or large umbrellas, with heavy-duty straps or anchors.
Securing your pool area prevents damage to the pool and ensures that these items don’t damage your home or nearby structures.
Balance the Pool Water Chemistry
Before a hurricane, it’s a good idea to balance the pool’s water chemistry. Doing this helps protect the pool from contaminants and algae growth, which are common after storms. Here’s how to prepare your pool water:
- Super-Chlorinate the Water: Add extra chlorine or shock the pool to increase the chlorine level. This helps combat bacteria and algae that could be introduced by stormwater.
- Balance pH Levels: Make sure the pH level is balanced (between 7.2 and 7.6) to optimize the effectiveness of the chlorine and keep your pool safe from algae growth.
- Add Algaecide: Applying an algaecide before the storm can help prevent algae from taking over your pool in the aftermath of a hurricane.
Properly balanced pool water can significantly reduce post-hurricane maintenance and help keep your pool cleaner during recovery.
Install a Pool Cover (Optional)
Some pool owners consider using a pool cover to keep out debris during a hurricane. However, this can be a tricky decision. Standard pool covers are not designed to withstand extreme storm winds, and they may tear or become detached, causing additional damage. Heavy debris could also puncture the cover, rendering it ineffective.
This might be a good option if you have a hurricane-rated pool cover or an automatic one that can be secured tightly. Otherwise, leaving the pool uncovered is best, as removing debris from the water is easier than dealing with a damaged cover.
Trim Surrounding Trees and Shrubs
One of the best ways to hurricane-proof your pool area is by reducing the risk of falling branches or trees. Overgrown or weak trees and shrubs can quickly become airborne during high winds, landing in or near your pool and causing damage. Before hurricane season begins, take the time to:
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Cut back branches over the pool or deck area.
- Remove Dead or Weak Trees: Eliminate any trees or shrubs at risk of falling during a storm.
This simple preventative step can minimize the amount of debris in your pool and reduce the risk of structural damage.
Use Storm Drainage Solutions
Flooding is a common problem during hurricanes, and pool overflow is a real possibility. To mitigate flood risks in your pool area:
- Install Drains: Ensure your pool deck has proper drainage systems to handle large amounts of water. Clear any existing drains of debris before the storm.
- Pump Systems: Consider installing a pool overflow pump system to help remove excess water during heavy rains.
These drainage solutions help keep excess water from accumulating in and around your pool, reducing the risk of damage to your deck, landscaping, and pool equipment.
After the Hurricane: Pool Recovery Steps
Once the storm has passed, it’s essential to assess your pool for any damage and begin the recovery process:
- Remove Debris: Use a skimmer or net to remove leaves, branches, and other debris that may have landed in the pool. If large debris has fallen in, take extra care when removing it to avoid damage to the pool lining.
- Check Water Chemistry: Test the water to ensure that chlorine levels, pH, and other chemical balances are within the recommended range. You’ll likely need to shock the pool again to eliminate any contaminants introduced by stormwater.
- Inspect Pool Equipment: Once safe, check your pool’s electrical equipment and filter systems for water damage. Only restore power if the equipment appears dry and undamaged. If unsure, contact a professional for an inspection.
- Clean the pool Thoroughly: Run the filter continuously for at least 24 hours and backwash it as needed. A thorough cleaning is essential for restoring your pool’s clarity and sanitation.
Hurricane season in Florida can be unpredictable and damaging, but proper pool preparation can help protect your investment. By following these steps, you can minimize damage to your pool and ensure a quicker recovery after the storm. Taking preventive measures, such as trimming trees and installing drainage solutions, further enhances the hurricane-proofing of your pool area.
Being proactive will save time, money, and stress regarding post-hurricane cleanup and repairs.
If your pool has suffered the impact of a hurricane and you need help restoring it, contact Cox Pools today. In addition, if you need help preparing it for a potential hurricane headed your way, contact Cox.
