How to Prepare your Pool for a Hurricane

May 10

Hurricane season is a fact of life in South Florida. If you own a pool in Martin County or Saint Lucie County, preparing it properly before a storm can prevent costly damage and ensure a quicker recovery once the skies clear. At Orchid Pools, we’ve seen firsthand how hurricane prep can protect your pool—and your investment. Here’s how to get your pool storm-ready.

1. Don’t Drain Your Pool

This is one of the biggest mistakes we see. Do NOT drain your pool before a hurricane.
An empty or partially drained pool can “pop” out of the ground due to pressure from saturated soil. It’s safer to keep the water in place to help weigh it down.

2. Balance Your Water Chemistry

Shocking your pool before a storm helps fight contamination from debris and dirty rainwater.

What to do:

Test your pool water
Shock with chlorine or non-chlorine shock
Adjust pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer levels
Add algaecide as a preventive step

3. Turn Off the Power

Before the storm hits, turn off the power to your pool equipment at the circuit breaker.

Why?
High winds and lightning can damage equipment or cause electrical hazards. Shutting it off protects the pump, heater, and automation systems.

4. Protect Pool Equipment

Pool pumps, heaters, and filters are vulnerable to flooding and flying debris.

Steps to take:

Remove any detachable parts (timers, lids, etc.)
Cover the pump and filter with a heavy-duty waterproof cover
Elevate equipment if flooding is a concern
Secure anything that might blow loose

5. Remove Loose Poolside Items

High winds turn patio furniture and pool toys into dangerous projectiles.

What to remove:

Lounge chairs and umbrellas
Floats, toys, and cleaning tools
Potted plants, grills, and other decor
Pro tip: Never store items in the pool—they can stain or damage the surface.

6. Trim Nearby Trees and Shrubs

Falling branches and leaves can clog your pool and damage the surface. If a storm is on the way, quickly trim overhanging limbs and remove dead vegetation.

7. Lower the Water Level Slightly (Optional)

If you expect heavy rain and your pool has poor drainage, you can lower the water level by 1–2 feet. Don’t go lower unless advised by a professional—it could increase the risk of structural damage.

After the Storm: What to Do Next

Once the storm passes, follow these steps to restore your pool:

Remove debris carefully (use a leaf rake, not the vacuum at first)
Inspect pool equipment before restarting anything
Rebalance chemicals — your water will likely need shocking
Clean your filter thoroughly
Schedule professional service if unsure about damage or water quality

Hurricane Prep for Pools in Martin & Saint Lucie County

At Orchid Pools, we help pool owners in Stuart, Palm City, Port Saint Lucie, and beyond prepare for and recover from Florida’s unpredictable weather. From storm prep visits to post-hurricane cleanups, we’ve got your back.

Need help preparing your pool for a hurricane?
Contact Orchid Pools today for expert service and guidance throughout hurricane season in Martin and Saint Lucie County. We’ll make sure your pool is ready for anything.

Ryan Cleary