Hurricane Season Pool Prep and After Storm Recovery in Spring Hill

Hurricanes and late summer storms are part of life on Florida’s Nature Coast. Wind, rain, power flickers, and flying debris can turn a clear, blue pool into a murky headache overnight. The good news is that a little preparation before the weather arrives, and a calm plan after it passes, keeps your water safe, your equipment protected, and your wallet happy. This guide walks you through what to do, what to avoid, and how to know when it is time to call a pro.

Why preparation matters in Hernando County

Rain dilutes sanitizer, wind loads your water with leaves and pollen, and power outages stall circulation. When chemistry dips and debris sits, algae moves fast. Getting ahead of the storm by tightening up the basics makes recovery much easier. You also reduce the chances of equipment damage, which is a much bigger bill than a routine cleanup.

What to do before the storm

A day or two before landfall, focus on balance and housekeeping. Test and adjust pH and alkalinity so they are within normal ranges. Bring chlorine up to the high end of the safe range. This gives you a little cushion for the fresh rainwater that is on the way. Scoop out leaves, empty skimmer and pump baskets, and give the walls and steps a good brush so anything clinging to the surface is loosened and easier to filter later.

Think about the backyard as a whole. Lightweight furniture becomes a problem when the wind picks up. Store chairs, toys, and umbrellas in the garage or lay heavier items flat on the ground. If you have a screened enclosure, latch doors and secure anything that can bump against the panels. Protect your equipment pad as well. If flooding is possible, power the system down at the breaker and cover the pump motor with a breathable cover that sheds rain but does not trap moisture.

Resist the urge to drain the pool. It is a common myth that lowering the water is safer. In our soil conditions, water in the pool adds weight. That weight helps keep the shell where it belongs. If you expect heavy rain, lowering the level a few inches is fine. Draining below the skimmer is not.

What to do during the storm

Safety comes first. Keep people, pets, and power tools away from the pool and the equipment pad. If you shut the system off, leave it off until you can inspect everything in daylight. Do not open skimmer lids or handle any electrical components while it is raining or lightning is nearby.

The first 24 hours after the storm

Once the weather clears and it is safe to step outside, take a slow lap around the pool and equipment. Look for broken branches, torn screens, and anything that fell into the water. Remove large debris with a leaf rake before you turn the system on. Check the breaker, the timer, and the pump for signs of water intrusion. If anything looks questionable, leave it off and call for service.

If the system checks out, start circulation and filtration right away. Empty baskets again, backwash sand or DE filters, or hose off cartridge filters to get rid of the first wave of storm debris. Test the water. Expect chlorine to be low and pH to be a little off. Dose sanitizer to shock level based on your pool size and product instructions, then brush the entire surface. Keep the pump running continuously for a full day if the water is cloudy.

The next 48 to 72 hours

This is the window where you lock in a clean recovery. Retest and rebalance. Pay attention to chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, and stabilizer. If the water still has a light green tint or a dusty look on the floor, continue filtration and brush again. Algaecide has a place when the pool is on the edge of blooming, but it is not a substitute for proper chlorine levels and strong circulation. If you cannot hold chlorine, or the pool tips fully green, schedule a professional green pool restoration. It is faster, safer, and often cheaper than chasing the problem with random products.

What not to do

Do not fully drain the pool to “start fresh.” That creates structural risk and can pop a pool out of the ground in saturated soil. Do not run the pump if the pad is under water or the motor sounds strained. Do not toss in household chemicals that were not made for pools. Scents, splashless thickeners, and additives can make matters worse. Do not seal the pool under a tight tarp. Covers that trap debris and block circulation invite algae.

A simple mental checklist you can remember

Think balance, baskets, and brush before the storm. Think safety, debris removal, and long filtration right after. Think retest, rebalance, and watch for early algae over the next two days. If the water turns or equipment looks stressed, bring in help.

Frequently asked questions

Should I drain my pool before a hurricane

No. Keep the water near normal operating level. Lowering it a little is fine if heavy rain is expected, but the water in the pool adds weight and helps keep everything stable. Draining below the skimmer creates more problems than it solves.

Is it safe to run the pump right after the storm

Only after you confirm the equipment is dry and undamaged. Check the breaker, pump, and any automation for signs of water or burned components. If everything looks normal, start the system and let it run continuously while you clear debris and clean the filter.

What should I do if the water turns green

Remove as much debris as possible, shock to proper levels, brush thoroughly, and run the system around the clock until it clears. If chlorine will not hold or the green gets worse, schedule a professional green pool recovery. Quick action saves time and money.

How long should I run the filter after heavy rain

Plan for a full day of continuous filtration. Clean baskets and the filter early in the process, then keep the water moving. Retest after 24 hours and adjust as needed.

Can I use household bleach in a pinch

Pool grade liquid chlorine is the better choice. If you must use bleach, it should be plain and unscented, with no splashless agents or additives, and you should dose carefully based on strength and pool volume.

Need help after this week’s weather

If you want a pro to handle storm prep or the cleanup, Tropic Life Pools can take it off your plate. We serve Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, and nearby neighborhoods with weekly service, one time cleanups, and green pool restorations. Reach out for a fast quote, and we will get you back to clear, safe water.