Preparing your swimming pool for a hurricane involves more than just covering it or removing furniture. One of the most critical steps is knowing how to safely drain water from your pool before a hurricane hits. But before you pull the plug, let’s get one thing straight: completely draining your pool can cause serious structural damage. The key is to lower your pool water level, not empty it.
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It’s a common mistake: homeowners believe removing all the water will protect their pool from flooding. In reality, completely draining your pool before a storm can lead to major issues, including:
Instead, the safest strategy is to partially drain the pool, lowering the water by 1 to 2 feet, or just below the skimmer line, to prevent overflow without putting your pool at risk.
When a named storm or hurricane is forecasted to impact your area, it's crucial to begin preparing your pool well in advance. One key step in hurricane pool preparation is lowering the water level 12–24 hours before the storm hits. Avoid waiting until the last minute, as conditions can become hazardous quickly. Monitor weather forecasts closely and create a hurricane pool prep plan that allows you enough time to secure your pool equipment, remove loose items, and protect both your pool and property from potential damage.
For those pools that have a cartridge filter, there are two ways to achieve this.
1. Using the Drain Plug
2. Using the Drain Valve - If your system has a valve in between the pump and the filter.
If you're not sure how to drain your pool before a hurricane, our pool care experts can help you. We’re here to help you protect your pool and your property before and after the storm. Visit your local Pinch A Penny store to get a quote today so you're prepared for tomorrow.
