8 Ways To Prepare Your Pool For a Hurricane

September 14, 2023

Preparing your pool for a hurricane is important to minimize damage to your pool and its surrounding area, as well as to ensure safety.

Wilmington, North Carolina, as a coastal city along the Atlantic Ocean, is especially susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms. Our team has compiled a list of steps to help ensure the safety of your pool when a hurricane or tropical storm approaches. Here are steps you can take to prepare your pool for a hurricane:

1) Secure Loose Items: Remove any loose items from around the pool area. These can become projectiles in high winds and cause damage to the pool or your home. If you have heavy pool furniture, secure it or move it indoors to prevent it from becoming airborne during the storm.

2) Trim Trees and Plants: Trim back any trees or branches that could potentially fall into the pool during high winds. This not only protects the pool but also prevents debris from contaminating the water.

3) Turn Off Pool Equipment: Shut off the pool pump and any other electrical equipment related to the pool. Disconnect the power to reduce the risk of electrical damage or injury.

4) Secure Pool Cover: If you have a pool cover, secure it tightly to prevent it from being blown away. You can use pool cover anchors or heavy objects around the edges to keep it in place.

5) Remove Pool Accessories: Take out pool accessories like ladders, diving boards, and toys. These can become dangerous projectiles during strong winds.

6) Chemical Balance: Our team can adjust the pool's chemical balance to prevent algae growth and contamination during and after the storm. 

7) Evacuate Water: If you are concerned about heavy rainfall and flooding, we typically tell clients to drain the pool to the bottom of the waterline tile or down 3 inches. Do not completely drain the pool, as it can cause damage to the pool structure.

8) Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the hurricane's progress and any evacuation orders issued for your area. Follow local authorities' instructions for evacuation if necessary. Rest assured our team will be there to assist with any issues after the storm passes. Property can be repaired or replaced, but your safety and the safety of your loved ones cannot. After the hurricane has passed, it's important to assess the pool for any damage and ensure it is safe for use. Be cautious when removing debris from the pool, and check for any structural damage or contamination. It may also be necessary to re-balance the pool's chemicals and clean the water before it's safe for swimming again. 

Coastal Poolscapes commitment to excellence extends beyond creating stunning pools; we also offer a range of comprehensive pool service and maintenance plans. Plus, when the storm clouds gather, trust us to safeguard your investment with our expert hurricane preparedness services. Reach out today for a free service quote, and let us keep your pool in perfect condition year-round!

Coastal Poolscapes is a full-service luxury custom pool builder located in Wilmington North Carolina. We design and build high-quality, technologically advanced, custom in-ground pools. We are currently servicing the greater Cape Fear Region. This includes Wilmington, Jacksonville, Surf City, Hampstead, Carolina Beach, South Port, Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Porters Neck, Ogden, Burgaw, Rocky Point, Wallace, Holly Ridge, Castle Haynes, Figure 8 Island, Bald Head Island, Leland and Shallotte! Create special memories this summer with a new custom pool and transform your outdoor living space into a fun aquatic playground that brings friends and family together. Our specialty is in design and detail, resulting in swimming pools and spas that have that ‘wow’ factor.