How to Protect Your Pool During Storms

Key Points

To protect your pool from storms, secure or remove the cover, clear the deck of loose items, lower the water level if heavy rain is expected, and shut off or unplug pumps and sensitive equipment before the weather hits. After the storm, inspect electrical components, rebalance and shock the water, remove debris, and clean or backwash the filter. These steps reduce damage, downtime, and cleanup costs.

What Is Pool Storm Prep?

Pool storm prep is a set of actions taken before, during, and after severe weather to prevent structural damage, electrical hazards, contamination, and costly repairs. In Georgia, even inland systems can face tropical remnants that dump inches of rain, knock out power, and drive debris into the water. Proactive prep safeguards plumbing and equipment, keeps water chemistry manageable, and speeds up post-storm recovery.

Key Benefits of Pool Storm Prep

• Lower risk of equipment failure. Powering down and protecting pumps, heaters, and automation helps prevent short circuits and burnout during outages and surges.
• Fewer costly repairs. Securing covers and hardware reduces damage from wind, flying objects, and overflowing gutters.
• Cleaner, faster recovery. Pre-shock and debris control minimize algae blooms and shorten post-storm cleanup.
• Safer backyard. Removing loose furniture and toys reduces projectiles that can injure people or puncture liners and covers.

Types of Storm Threats To Plan For

Heavy Rain and Flooding

Description: Rapid water rise, runoff, and diluted chemistry.
Best for planning: Lowering water level in advance, directing downspouts away from the pool, having a sump or cover pump ready.
Pros and cons: Lowering level helps prevent overflow but too much drawdown can stress liners or expose steps; follow manufacturer guidance.

High Wind and Flying Debris

Description: Branches, furniture, and hardware blown into the shell or against the cover.
Best for planning: Store movable items, secure ladders and handrails as recommended, use safety cover anchors correctly.
Pros and cons: Clear decks reduce impacts; over-tensioning covers can cause premature wear.

Lightning and Power Surges

Description: Outages, restarts, and voltage spikes.
Best for planning: Turn off and unplug pumps, heaters, and automation. Use surge protection on dedicated circuits.
Pros and cons: Prevents damage to controls; requires manual restart and inspection afterward.

How To Protect Your Pool From Storms

Step 1: Prep the area.
Put away furniture, toys, umbrellas, and cleaners. Trim overhanging branches when possible and clear gutters that dump into the pool area.

Step 2: Manage water level and chemistry.
Lower the water level per manufacturer guidance if heavy rain is forecast. Test and balance pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer. Add a preventative shock or enzyme treatment to help with organic load.

Step 3: Secure the cover correctly.
For safety covers, confirm anchor tension and replace worn straps. For solid covers, set up a cover pump so water does not pool on top. For above-ground winter tarps, check cable and winch tightness.

Step 4: Power down equipment.
Turn off and unplug pumps, heaters, automation panels, and salt cells. Close valves per your system layout. If flooding is possible, elevate portable equipment.

Step 5: After the storm, inspect and clean.
Verify electrical safety before restoring power. Remove large debris with a leaf rake, empty baskets, and backwash or clean the filter. Test and balance water, then shock to target levels. Document any damage before repairs.

Georgia-Specific Guidance: North-Central GA

• Storm pattern: Inland Georgia often sees tropical leftovers that bring long rain bands and scattered power outages. Plan for heavy debris and dilution rather than storm surge.
• Soils and runoff: Clay soils shed water quickly. Keep downspouts directed away from the pool and maintain a slight grade to prevent muddy runoff from washing into the basin.
• Trees and leaf load: Oaks, pines, and sweetgums shed large amounts of debris. Skim early, use a leaf rake for heavy loads, and clean cartridges promptly to avoid clogging.
• Power reliability: Have a safe shutdown routine and surge protection. Wait to restart equipment until breakers are stable and equipment is dry.
• Water discharge rules: Follow local city or county guidelines for dechlorinating water and where backwash or excess water can be legally discharged.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Leaving equipment running through the storm.
  Outages and surges can damage motors and controllers. Power down and unplug in advance.
• Over-lowering the water level.
  Excessive drawdown can stress liners or expose steps. Follow the cover and pool manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Using the cover as a debris catcher.
  Piled leaves and standing water strain seams and anchors. Pump off water and remove debris promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put furniture in the pool to keep it from blowing away?
No. Pool chemicals can stain or corrode furniture, and hard edges can damage surfaces. Store items indoors or secure them safely.

Is it okay to shock right before a storm?
Yes. A pre-storm shock helps manage the organic load that arrives with debris and rain. Re-test and adjust chemistry after the storm.

When is it safe to restart equipment?
After you verify there is no standing water around equipment, breakers are stable, baskets are cleared, and the pump and filter are intact. If unsure, consult a professional.

For Future Projects

If you’re planning a new build or renovation later on, some design choices can make storm recovery easier: automatic safety covers, overflow or slot drains, improved deck grading, elevated equipment pads, surge protection for automation, and variable-speed pumps. Contact our team to learn more about custom services!