Hey everyone, Tom Clow here from Float On Pools & Spas. Look, living in Ormond Beach, we get to enjoy gorgeous weather most of the year. We've got the sun, the beach, and of course, our beautiful pools. But there's one time of year that always makes us a little nervous, right? That's hurricane season. From June 1st to November 30th, we're on high alert, and if you've got a pool, you know this means extra work.
I've been doing this for a long time, helping folks in Ormond, Daytona, and Palm Coast keep their pools sparkling. I've seen firsthand what a hurricane can do to an unprepared pool. It's not pretty. We're talking about thousands of dollars in damage, sometimes even more. The good news is, with a little planning and some elbow grease, you can significantly reduce the risk. This isn't about panicking, it's about being smart. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty of getting your pool ready when a storm is headed our way.
Should You Drain Your Pool Before a Hurricane?
This is probably the most common question I get when a hurricane is approaching. And the answer, for most folks, is a resounding no. I know it sounds counterintuitive, like draining it would prevent overflow, but it's actually super dangerous for your pool structure. Think about it, an empty pool is like an empty boat. It's going to want to float.
Here's the thing, when the ground gets saturated from heavy rains, the water table rises. That water creates immense hydrostatic pressure underneath your pool shell. If your pool is empty, that pressure can literally lift the entire shell right out of the ground. I've seen this happen at least 50 times over the years. It's a nightmare scenario, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 to fix, sometimes even requiring a complete pool replacement. You definitely don't want that.
Instead, you want to keep your pool as full as possible, sometimes even overfilling it a bit. The weight of the water inside the pool helps counteract that upward pressure. If you have a screen enclosure, you can lower your water level by maybe 12 inches, but no more than that, to prevent water from splashing out and tearing your screen. For most pools, though, keeping it full is the way to go.
What About My Pool Equipment and Chemicals?
Your pool equipment is expensive, and it's vulnerable. We're talking about your pump, filter, heater, salt system, and automation panel. The first thing you should always do is turn off all power to your pool equipment at the breaker. This is critical. You don't want power surges or flooding to fry your electronics. A new pump can cost you $800, a heater $4,000, and a full automation system can run $6,000. It's not worth the risk.
If you have the ability, and it's safe to do so, consider disconnecting and storing smaller, more portable equipment like robotic cleaners or even smaller pumps in a secure, dry place. For larger, fixed equipment, you can wrap them in heavy-duty tarps and secure them with bungee cords or rope. This won't make them waterproof, but it offers some protection from flying debris and direct rain.
As for chemicals, you absolutely need to secure them. Loose chlorine tablets, liquid shock, or acid bottles can become dangerous projectiles or spill, causing chemical burns or environmental hazards. Store all chemicals in a high, dry, and secure location, preferably in a shed or garage where they won't be exposed to floodwaters or flying debris. Make sure they're tightly sealed. We don't want any accidental mixing of chemicals, that's a whole other problem.
How Do I Secure My Pool Deck and Surrounding Area?
This is where a lot of the real damage happens. Anything that isn't tied down or brought inside can become a missile in hurricane-force winds. I've seen patio furniture end up three blocks away, no joke. It's not just about your stuff, it's about protecting your home and your neighbors' property too.
Here's a quick checklist for your pool deck and yard:
- Patio Furniture: Bring everything inside. Chairs, tables, umbrellas, cushions, even small decorative items. If it can't come inside, stack it tightly and secure it with heavy-duty straps or rope.
- Toys and Floats: All pool toys, floats, and noodles need to be stored indoors. They're light and will be gone with the first gust of wind.
- Grills: Secure your grill. If it's a small portable one, bring it inside. Larger grills should be covered and secured, or at least moved to a sheltered area.
- Trash Cans: Empty and bring them inside. Seriously, a full trash can becomes a battering ram.
- Plants and Planters: Move potted plants indoors or into a sheltered area. Large, heavy planters might be okay, but smaller ones will definitely move around.
- Loose Items: Anything else that isn't bolted down needs to be secured or brought in. Think about garden tools, hoses, bird feeders, wind chimes, you name it.
It might take you a good 3.5 hours to get all this done for an average backyard, but it's time well spent. The cost of replacing a broken window or a damaged fence from flying debris is way more than the effort of securing your yard. If you need a hand with any pre-storm checks or want to ensure your equipment is in tip-top shape before the season really kicks off, give us a call at Float On Pools & Spas. We're always here to help our Volusia County neighbors.
What About After the Storm?
Once the storm has passed and it's safe to go outside, don't just jump right into cleanup. First, check for downed power lines or any other immediate hazards. Safety first, always.
Then, assess your pool. You'll likely find a lot of debris, leaves, branches, maybe even some unexpected items. The first step is to carefully remove all large debris using a leaf net or skimmer. Don't turn on your pump until you've cleared out as much as possible. Running a pump with a clogged skimmer basket or pump basket can damage it.
Your water chemistry will probably be way off. Heavy rain dilutes chemicals and introduces all sorts of contaminants. You'll need to test your water and likely shock your pool. We're talking about adding exactly 2.3 pounds of granular shock for every 10,000 gallons of water, sometimes more, depending on the severity. It's usually a good idea to bring a water sample to a professional (like us!) for a comprehensive analysis. We can tell you exactly what your pool needs to get back to normal. We've got the tools and the expertise to get your water sparkling clean again, usually within a day or two of treatment.
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute
The truth is, hurricane season is a marathon, not a sprint. We might have a quiet year, or we might get hit with multiple storms. The key is to be prepared. Don't wait until a hurricane watch is issued to start thinking about your pool. Have a plan, know what you need to do, and gather your supplies beforehand.
By following these steps, you're not just protecting your pool, you're protecting your investment, your property, and your peace of mind. We're all in this together here in Volusia County, and at Float On Pools & Spas, we're dedicated to keeping your pool healthy and safe, come rain or shine, or even a hurricane. Stay safe out there, everyone.
Need help getting your pool hurricane-ready or dealing with post-storm cleanup? Don't hesitate to reach out to Float On Pools & Spas. We offer pre-storm checks, equipment securing, and expert post-storm recovery services for pools across Ormond Beach, Daytona, and Palm Coast. Call us today!