Hurricane Season Pool Prep: A Central Florida Homeowner's Checklist

If you own a pool in Central Florida, hurricane season isn't optional to plan for, it's part of owning a pool here. A little preparation before a storm can save you from costly repairs afterward. Here's what to do before, during, and after a storm rolls through. Before the Storm Don't drain your pool. This is the single most common mistake homeowners make. An empty pool is actually more vulnerable — without the weight of water, the pool structure can shift or even pop out of the ground from groundwater pressure. Keep it full. Lower the water level slightly. A few inches below normal gives room for heavy rainfall without overflow, without draining the pool. Turn off and cover pool equipment. Shut down and unplug pumps, heaters, and automation systems. If you have a cover for your equipment pad, use it — exposed electrical components are vulnerable to flooding and debris. Secure loose items around the pool area. Furniture, planters, decorations, and pool toys can become projectiles in high winds. Bring them inside or store them securely. Add extra chlorine before the storm. Heavy rain dilutes your pool chemistry fast. A slightly higher chlorine level beforehand helps the water stay balanced through the storm. After the Storm Don't turn equipment back on right away. Check for visible damage first — flooding, debris, or downed power lines nearby can make it unsafe to restart your system immediately. Clear debris before running the filter. Leaves, branches, and dirt can clog and damage your filtration system if you run it before clearing the bulk of the debris out. Test and rebalance your water. Heavy rain almost always throws off your pool chemistry. Test your levels and rebalance as needed before swimming. Inspect for cracks or shifting. After any major storm, it's worth having a professional take a look — especially if you notice new cracks, unusual staining, or equipment that isn't working like it used to. When to Call a Professional If your pool equipment took on water, your pool deck shows new cracking, or something just doesn't look right after a storm, don't wait. Small issues after a storm can turn into major ones if they go unaddressed through the rest of hurricane season. The Pool Repair Guy has helped Central Florida homeowners get their pools storm-ready — and storm-recovered — for over 26 years. We serve Orlando, Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, and the Space Coast. Call (407) 898-5000 for a pre-storm inspection or post-storm repair estimate. www.poolrepairguy.com

Hurricane Season Pool Prep: A Central Florida Homeowner’s Checklist