Hurricane season in South Florida brings strong winds, torrential rain, and the potential for serious property damage: including your backyard pool. This comprehensive hurricane season pool checklist will help you protect your swimming pool before, during, and after a storm.
At M&M Pool & Spa Services, we specialize in helping Florida pool owners secure their pools during hurricane season, offering expert advice and professional pool maintenance across Miami-Dade and surrounding areas.
Living in Florida means being no stranger to powerful storms. While most homeowners secure windows, doors, and outdoor furniture, many overlook the importance of preparing their pool.
A neglected swimming pool can become a safety hazard, lead to significant repair costs, and create long-term maintenance problems. Following a strategic pool checklist not only protects your investment but also ensures a faster recovery after the storm passes.
To help you weather the storm, the experts at M&M Pool & Spa Services have compiled the most important steps every pool owner should follow.
While it may seem logical to drain water from your swimming pool ahead of a storm, it’s a major mistake. Draining can cause structural damage due to hydrostatic pressure from rising groundwater, which may “pop” the pool shell out of the ground. Instead, lower water levels slightly—no more than 1–2 feet—if your pool is likely to overflow.
Shut off power to all pool equipment at the circuit breaker, including the pump, heater, chlorinator, and lighting systems. Heavy rains combined with electrical systems can be dangerous. Secure the power both for safety and to prevent equipment from short-circuiting or becoming damaged by flooding.
Your backyard pool area likely includes poolside furniture, toys, umbrellas, and garden tools. These objects can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Bring all loose items inside or secure them tightly in a sheltered area.
Cover your pool pump and motor with a waterproof tarp and secure it in place with bungee cords. Alternatively, invest in a custom-fit equipment cover to shield components from rain and flying debris. For extra protection, elevate your pool pump if it’s located in a flood-prone area.
Before the storm, “shock” your pool with chlorine and balance the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Adding extra sanitizer can help reduce the chances of contamination from rainwater or debris. Do not cover your pool with a standard pool cover: it could be blown away or damaged.
Take before-and-after photos of your backyard pool, equipment, and surroundings. These can be helpful for insurance claims in case of hurricane-related damage. After the storm, conduct a full inspection of your pool’s structure and equipment.
Once it’s safe to go outside, follow these steps to get your pool back in shape:
Use a leaf rake or skimmer to carefully remove large debris. Avoid running the pool pump until you’re sure it’s safe and the equipment is dry and clean.
Inspect the pump, filter, and electrical components for water damage or debris. If there’s any uncertainty around the condition of your equipment, contact M&M Pool & Spa Services for a professional inspection.
Using a reliable water testing kit, check your pool’s water chemistry. It’s likely that you’ll need to rebalance chlorine levels and other key elements.
After confirming that the water is clean and all equipment is functioning, turn your pool filtration system back on. Run it continuously for at least 24-48 hours to remove smaller particles and contaminants.
Learn More: Pool Storm Drainage Solutions: Protecting Your Backyard Pool in South Florida
South Florida, especially Miami-Dade County, experiences one of the most active hurricane seasons in the United States. Florida pools face high humidity, heavy rainfall, and the accumulation of wind-blown debris. Because of these unique climate challenges, it’s especially important for Florida pool owners to follow a clear, thorough hurricane season pool checklist.
At M&M Pool & Spa Services, we’ve worked with hundreds of backyard pool owners across Miami, Kendall, Coral Gables, Hialeah, and Homestead to prepare their swimming pools for storms. Our quick-response team offers pre- and post-hurricane services to ensure your Florida pool is protected and resilient against extreme weather.
Preparing your pool for hurricane season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let the experts at M&M Pool & Spa Services guide you through each step or handle the process entirely. We offer customized hurricane readiness packages, post-storm cleanups, and expert-level pool maintenance across South Florida.
A hurricane doesn’t just threaten your home: it can also inflict serious damage on your pool. Following this detailed hurricane season pool checklist will help minimize storm-related issues and shorten your pool recovery process. If you’re located in Miami-Dade or anywhere in South Florida, don’t wait until it’s too late. Trust M&M Pool & Spa Services to help you protect your backyard oasis this hurricane season.