When a hurricane is on the horizon, most homeowners know to stock up on supplies and secure their homes—but what about your swimming pool? Proper pool hurricane preparation not only helps protect your pool from damage, but it also makes cleanup easier and faster when the storm has passed. Whether you’re a new pool owner or a seasoned pro, here’s how to make sure your pool is hurricane-ready, with must-have pool storm prep products and tips to protect your investment.
One of the most common mistakes is draining your pool ahead of a hurricane. While it may seem logical, draining your pool before a major storm can actually cause structural damage. An empty or partially drained pool is more likely to “pop” or lift out of the ground due to rising water tables during heavy rain. Instead, Lower the water level slightly—no lower than the bottom of your skimmer—and focus on chemical prep and debris prevention.
Before a hurricane hits, it’s crucial to balance your pool chemicals and add a sanitizer like Suncoast Gold Liquid Chlorine or Suncoast Supershock. This helps prevent bacteria and algae growth while the pump is offline and contaminants enter from stormwater and debris.
If your pool is will remain stagnant during and after the storm, treat it with Suncoast All-In-One Algaecide. This will help suppress algae blooms caused by heat, organic matter, and reduced filtration.
Secure Pool Equipment and Outdoor Items High winds can turn everyday items into projectiles. As part of your hurricane pool preparation checklist:
After a storm, the first step to recovery is removing debris. Every pool owner should keep the following pool maintenance tools ready:
These tools are your first line of defense to get large debris like leaves, branches, and dirt out of your pool.
Post-storm cleanup can be messy. A manual pool vacuum with hose gives you complete control over debris removal, especially for fine silt or sand. For a hands-off approach, invest in an automatic pool cleaner, which can save time and reduce strain.
If your pool water turns cloudy or murky, a natural pool enzyme or ultimate water clarifier can dramatically speed up the cleanup. Suncoast Natural Pool Enzyme works to break down organic contaminants and help your filter work more efficiently, while Suncoast Ultimate Water Clarifier is a coagulator that helps clump together tiny particles so your pool filter can catch them and remove them from the water.
Taking the time to prepare your pool for a hurricane can save you hundreds in repairs and hours of cleanup. With the right products and a solid plan, your pool can weather the storm and be back in action quickly. If you need help replacing equipment or cleaning up after a hurricane, contact your local Pinch A Penny for expert help.
Caring for Your Pool Equipment Through Proper Pool Chemistry
Proper water balance goes a long way!
