When a hurricane is on the horizon, protecting your home and family is the top priority, but if you own a swimming pool, it also deserves some attention to keep it protected during the storm. Pools are often overlooked when prepping for severe weather, but failing to secure them properly can lead to costly damage to the pool, equipment, and even your surrounding property.

“Should I drain my pool before a hurricane?” is a common question, and you want to make sure you’re taking the right steps before a storm arrives to minimize risks, avoid unnecessary repairs, and help your pool recover faster once the weather clears. Whether you’re considering a hurricane pool cover or you just want to know what kinds of chemicals to add, you want to have peace of mind.

Here’s what to know about everything you need to do to prepare your pool for a hurricane, from balancing chemicals to protecting equipment to safely handling outdoor furniture.

 

Do Not Drain the Pool

So, should draining your pool before a hurricane be on your to-do list? Actually, no. A common misconception is that lowering or draining your pool water will protect it during heavy rain. In reality, draining your pool can cause serious problems. Groundwater levels rise during hurricanes, and without the weight of water inside, your pool shell can actually lift or “float” out of the ground, leading to permanent structural damage.

Instead of draining the water, keep the pool filled to its normal level. If you’re expecting extreme rainfall, you can lower the water slightly (6 to 12 inches), but never empty the pool. Then, allow your pool’s overflow or drainage system to handle the excess water.

 

Balance and Shock the Water

Hurricanes often bring debris, bacteria, and contaminants into your pool. To get ahead of this, you’ll want to balance your water chemistry before the storm arrives. Take time to adjust pH, alkalinity, and chlorine to recommended ranges, and shock the pool with a chlorine-based shock treatment about 24 hours before the hurricane. This can help sanitize the water and fight off contaminants that might wash in.

If possible, add a pool algaecide to prevent algae blooms in the days following the storm. When you have well-balanced water, it’s easier to clean the pool and recover healthy levels after the hurricane passes.

 

Turn Off Power and Protect Pool Equipment

Electrical safety is crucial during severe weather, and your pool pump, heater, and other equipment are vulnerable to both power surges and flooding. To reduce risk, take the following steps:

  • Turn off the power at the circuit breaker to all pool equipment.
  • Disconnect and store small electronic components indoors if possible.
  • For pumps, heaters, and filters that are fixed in place, wrap them in heavy-duty plastic or waterproof covers to protect against rain and debris.
  • If you have a gas heater, shut off the gas supply as an added safety precaution.

Keeping your pool equipment safe is important, so you won’t have to replace it due to hurricane damage.

 

Remove or Secure Pool Accessories

Anything loose around your pool can quickly become a dangerous projectile in hurricane-force winds. Patio furniture, umbrellas, toys, skimmers, and even lightweight planters should all be addressed.

To do that, bring in pool toys, floats, cleaning equipment, and lightweight furniture. If you have heavy items like patio chairs, tables, or grills, they should be stored indoors or in a secure garage if possible.

If you can’t bring heavy furniture indoors, put it in the pool. Fully submerged, it’s less likely to blow away or cause damage. Just be sure to avoid sharp objects that could damage the pool’s surface.

 

Secure the Pool Cover, or Skip It

Many pool owners assume using a hurricane pool cover is a smart move during a storm. However, in a hurricane, pool covers can actually do more harm than good. High winds can rip or tear the cover, and flying debris can puncture it. Removing a damaged cover afterward is time-consuming and costly.

If you want to use a hurricane pool cover, secure it tightly with water bags or tie-downs, and avoid using solid safety covers, as water accumulation can cause them to collapse. For many homeowners, it’s better to leave the pool uncovered, deal with debris later, and save the cover from damage.

 

Protect the Surrounding Area

Beyond the pool itself, think about the surrounding yard and patio. Trim tree branches that could break and fall into the pool, and clear gutters and drains so water doesn’t back up into your pool area. Also, be sure to store chemicals, cleaners, and maintenance products in a dry, elevated area where they won’t spill or contaminate floodwaters.

debris in swimming pool after a hurricane

Inspect and Recover Safely After the Storm

Once the storm has passed, it’s not always safe to dive right back in. First, assess the situation carefully by checking for electrical hazards. Don’t turn the equipment back on until you’re certain it’s safe and dry.

Then, remove debris manually. Use nets or rakes to clear out branches, leaves, and larger objects, and avoid using your pool pump until large debris is gone. You’ll also want to test and rebalance water. You’ll likely need to add chlorine, adjust pH, and possibly shock the pool again. Inspect all the pool equipment and look for signs of water damage or malfunction before restarting pumps, filters, or heaters.

Beyond the basics, take time to:

  • Check water levels – Heavy rainfall can dilute chemicals and raise levels too high, while strong winds may lower them by blowing water out. Adjust as needed.
  • Clean and brush pool surfaces – Dirt and fine debris can cling to walls and floors. A thorough brushing helps circulation and prevents staining or algae growth.
  • Run the filtration system – Once safe, let the filter run continuously for at least 24 hours to help restore clarity and balance.
  • Re-test frequently – Pool chemistry can shift for days after a hurricane. Test daily until the water stabilizes.

 

Smart Cleanup with Q360+

For pool owners with Blue Square Manufacturing’s Q360+ In-Floor Pool Cleaning System, post-storm cleanup becomes much easier. This system uses built-in floor nozzles to push debris toward the drain, reducing manual labor and helping circulate chemicals more evenly. It’s designed for efficiency, making recovery from storms faster while keeping your pool swim-ready with less effort.

Preparing your pool before a hurricane may seem like extra work, but it can save you significant time, money, and stress after the storm.

 

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