There are two really common, really expensive hurricane-pool mistakes South Florida homeowners make:
- Draining the pool — thinking an empty pool is a safer pool. It isn't. Groundwater pressure from rising water tables can literally push an empty pool out of the ground, destroying $30,000+ of construction.
- Covering the pool — thinking a cover protects the water. It doesn't. Covers become airborne projectiles in 100+ mph winds and can cause serious property damage.
Don't do either. Here's what to actually do — before, during, and after the storm.
1. Pre-Storm Checklist (48 Hours Before Landfall)
This is the window when proper prep actually saves your pool and equipment. Don't wait for the wind to start. Here's the sequence:
🌀 48-Hour Pre-Storm Pool Checklist
- Shock the pool to 10 ppm chlorine — the night before the storm. Gives chemistry a buffer for incoming organic load.
- Run the pump 12+ hours to thoroughly mix shock and filter the water clean.
- Lower water level by 6 inches (not more — you need the weight) to leave room for rainfall without overflow.
- Do NOT drain the pool. A full pool resists hydrostatic uplift from rising groundwater.
- Remove every loose item poolside: poles, nets, hoses, skimmer baskets, ladder rails, floats, toys, pool furniture, umbrellas, chair cushions, grills.
- Store everything indoors — garage, shed, house. Assume anything left out will become a projectile.
- Turn off all pool-related breakers — pump, heater, salt system, pool lights. Labeled at your main breaker panel.
- Cover the pump motor with a heavy-duty plastic bag or waterproof tarp, secured with bungee cords. Extends motor life if rain gets in the equipment pad.
- Cover the control box / automation similarly. Water + electronics = thousands in damage.
- Do NOT put a cover on the pool. Covers are dangerous in high winds and rarely protect the water anyway.
- Photograph the equipment pad before the storm for insurance documentation.
Every hurricane season, we get calls from homeowners who drained their pool "to be safe." When groundwater rises during the storm, hydrostatic pressure pushes up on the empty pool shell — and pools have been known to pop out of the ground entirely, breaking plumbing and destroying decks. A full pool weighs 100,000+ pounds. Keep it full.
2. During the Storm
Once you've done the prep, leave the pool alone. The #1 rule during the storm: don't go outside to "check on" anything.
- Stay inside. Flying debris causes the most hurricane injuries.
- Ignore the pool. It's going to overflow, get dirty, and look terrible. That's fine. Everything is recoverable.
- If you see the pump running (power miracle), turn it off at the breaker immediately. Running pumps during lightning or debris-in-water is dangerous.
3. Post-Storm Recovery (First 24 Hours)
When it's safe to go outside — usually 2–4 hours after winds drop below 30 mph — here's the exact recovery sequence:
🌞 Post-Storm Recovery Checklist
- Do NOT turn on the pump yet. Debris in the skimmer and pump baskets will burn out the motor.
- Remove visible debris by hand — tree branches, leaves, palm fronds, trash. Take photos first for insurance.
- Clear skimmer & pump baskets completely. Anything large gets removed manually.
- Check equipment for damage. Pump motor, heater core, salt cell, timer box, pool light. If anything is obviously water-damaged, don't power it on.
- Turn breakers back on once equipment is clear and clean.
- Run pump continuously for 24 hours to circulate and start filtering.
- Shock to 10+ ppm chlorine. Hurricane water has massive organic load — bacteria, phosphates, fertilizer runoff.
- Add flocculant if very cloudy to drop fine debris to the bottom for vacuuming.
- Vacuum settled debris once water clears enough to see the bottom (usually 24–48 hours).
- Full chemistry rebalance after clarity returns. Test chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium, CYA. Expect everything to be off.
- Clean or backwash the filter after 48 hours — it'll be heavily loaded.
Don't want to deal with the cleanup yourself?
Florida's Best Pools handles post-hurricane recovery for pools across Boca, Delray & South Florida — same-day response.
📞 Call (954) 347-11204. The 5 Biggest Hurricane-Pool Mistakes
- Draining the pool — risks hydrostatic uplift. Never.
- Covering the pool — covers are projectiles in high wind. Also trap debris underneath where it's harder to remove.
- Running the pump during the storm — lightning + water + motor = shorted equipment.
- Turning the pump on immediately after the storm — debris-loaded baskets will burn out the motor in 20 minutes.
- Not shocking the water — hurricane water without shock grows algae within 48 hours, turning a bad situation into a $500+ green-pool recovery.
5. When to Call a Pool Professional
Some post-hurricane situations are beyond a DIY fix. Call us immediately if:
- Pool water is brown or black — massive organic load needs heavy shock + sequestrants.
- Equipment is visibly damaged — water-damaged motor, cracked pump basin, damaged heater core.
- Pool is full of large debris — branches, furniture, structural debris too heavy to remove by hand.
- Pool has overflowed onto the deck extensively — deck, equipment pad, and landscaping may need restoration.
- Pool turned green in the first 24 hours — algae bloom on top of storm damage requires professional green-to-clean service.
- You're short on time — full recovery is a 5–7 day project if done correctly.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Should I drain my pool before a hurricane?
No. Never. A full pool resists hydrostatic uplift pressure from rising groundwater. An empty pool can literally pop out of the ground. Only lower water by 6 inches to make room for rain.
Should I put a cover on my pool during a hurricane?
No. Covers become dangerous projectiles in high winds and trap debris underneath. Leave the pool uncovered.
What's the fastest way to clean a pool after a hurricane?
Professional service. Florida's Best Pools offers post-hurricane pool recovery with our Triple Guarantee — crystal clear within 24–72 hours or 100% money-back.
How much does post-hurricane pool recovery cost?
Post-hurricane pool recovery typically runs $500–$1,500, depending on debris load and whether equipment is damaged. See full pricing guide.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane pool damage?
Usually not the water damage or chemistry issues, but often yes for structural damage (cracked shell, destroyed equipment, deck damage). Photograph everything before and after for your adjuster.