Living in South Florida comes with the luxury of enjoying a backyard pool nearly year-round. However, it also means being vigilant when hurricane season arrives. If you’re searching for how to prepare your pool for hurricane season, you’re already taking a responsible first step.
At M&M Pool & Spa Services, we understand the importance of safeguarding your investment before, during, and after a storm. This guide will walk you through expert, step-by-step strategies to get your swimming pool storm-ready, minimizing damage and costly repairs.
Florida pools are particularly vulnerable during hurricane season (June 1st to November 30th), especially those in Miami-Dade and broader South Florida. High winds, torrential rain, flying debris, and power outages all pose serious threats to your pool system and backyard environment. Preparation isn’t just about protecting your pool—it’s also about protecting your home and your neighborhood from preventable hazards.
Begin by ensuring your pool water chemistry is balanced. Before a hurricane hits, it’s crucial to shock your pool with chlorine to prevent bacterial growth and algae blooms, which may result from contaminants blown in during the storm.
Use a pool test kit to check for proper pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. Preventing organic build-up now makes post-storm cleanup 10x easier.
One of the biggest mistakes pool owners in South Florida make is draining their entire pool before a storm. Doing so can cause the pool structure to ‘pop’ out of the ground due to underground pressure from rising water tables.
Lower your pool water level by 1 to 2 feet to prevent overflowing but maintain the pool’s structural integrity.
To avoid permanent damage from power surges and lightning strikes, turn off the circuit breakers to all pool equipment including pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators. Disconnect and cover electrical components with waterproof plastic covers if possible.
Poolside furniture, toys, skimmer lids, and even pool covers can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Store these items in your garage or shed until the storm passes.
It may be tempting to use a pool cover to protect the water from debris, but this can do more harm than good. Strong winds can tear your pool cover, and falling branches may cause irreparable damage. It’s better to skim out any debris after the storm than risk ruining your pool cover.
Some homeowners forget how important it is to properly safeguard pool equipment. If you can’t move it indoors, cover it securely with a heavy-duty plastic tarp. If flooding is common in your area, elevate the pump and filter if you have time and the resources.
Once it’s safe to go outside, your next steps should be:
Learn More: Storm-Ready Pool Covers Florida: Protecting Your Pool During Hurricane Season
In Miami-Dade, where hurricanes hit hardest, proper preparation is essential. M&M Pool & Spa Services offers specialized hurricane pool prep services for residents throughout the region, including Coral Gables, Homestead, Kendall, and Miami Beach. We know the challenges Florida pools face—from salt air corrosion to high flooding risks—and we’re here to help.
Don’t wait until a storm warning is issued. South Florida’s hurricane season is too unpredictable to take chances with your swimming pool investment. Get ahead with professional guidance and support from M&M Pool & Spa Services today.
Interested in keeping your pool in prime condition the entire season? M&M Pool & Spa Services provides comprehensive pool maintenance and emergency services tailored for Florida resorts, residential homes, and commercial properties. Contact our team at www.mmpoolspaservicescorp.com to learn more about how we can help prepare your backyard pool for hurricane season and beyond.
Is your swimming pool ready for the storm? Contact M&M Pool & Spa Services today for expert hurricane preparation services in Miami-Dade and the surrounding South Florida region.