Hurricane Season Pool Prep Checklist for Central Florida

A hurricane pool prep checklist for Central Florida comes down to three things: keep the pool full, secure everything that can fly and cut power to the equipment before the storm, then clean up step by step once it’s safe. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and every big storm brings torn screens, debris, diluted chlorine and power outages. This checklist covers what to do before, during and after a storm. If the water turns green afterwards, our green pool recovery service in Kissimmee can bring it back.

Before the Season Starts

Use the calmer weeks of spring to get ahead:

• Check your screen enclosure. Replace torn or loose panels now; weak spots tend to fail first in high wind. Our guide to pool screen enclosure repair vs replacement helps you decide what’s needed.
• Trim trees and palms near the pool and enclosure to reduce flying branches.
• Know your equipment. Make sure the pump, filter and timer are in good shape, and know where your breakers are.
• Balance the water. Starting the season with balanced water makes recovery easier after a storm.
• Stock basic supplies: a test kit, a leaf net and a skimmer pole.

Before the Storm: 48 to 24 Hours Out

• Don’t drain your pool. The water helps hold an inground pool in place, and an empty pool can be damaged by a high water table and heavy rain. If you think the level needs to come down, follow your pool builder’s guidance.
• Bring in loose items. Furniture, umbrellas, toys, cleaners and decorations can become projectiles. Storing them indoors is the safest choice.
• Turn off power to the pump, heater and lighting at the breaker before the storm arrives.
• Protect exposed equipment without covering motors in a way that traps heat once they run again.
• Close and latch the screen enclosure doors.

During the Storm

Stay inside and stay safe. Don’t go outside to check the pool or the enclosure while the wind is still blowing.

After the Storm: Step by Step

Once it’s safe to go outside:

• Look before you step in. Check for downed power lines, damaged frames and broken glass. Don’t go under an enclosure that looks bent or unstable.
• Photograph the damage to the enclosure, deck and equipment before cleaning up.
• Remove large debris from the pool with a net, before running the pump.
• Check the equipment for water damage before restoring power. If the equipment pad flooded, have it inspected by a licensed professional before turning anything on.
• Restore power and run the pump once it’s safe, and clean the baskets and filter often during the first days.
• Test and balance the water. Rain and debris drop chlorine fast. Brush the walls and vacuum as the water clears.
• Bring the water level back to normal if it rose with the rain.

If the pool is already green, don’t drain it. Most green pools can be recovered with shock treatment and filtration. Read more about why pools turn green.

How Pool Soldier Handles Hurricane Season

We want to be clear about what we do, so there are no surprises:

• No special hurricane package. We don’t sell an additional storm-prep service. Instead, our team prepares for the season and keeps all of our pool owners informed as storms approach.
• No pool closing. We don’t offer pool closing services.
• No priority list. We don’t run a priority list, but after a hurricane our team works to get every pool back in order.
• Possible extra charges. Depending on how much a pool was affected by the storm, the cleanup may carry an additional charge. We’ll let you know before doing any extra work.

The photos we share of post-storm work are real, taken by our team.

Screen Enclosure Damage After a Storm

Torn panels and screens pulled out of their channels are some of the most common storm problems in Central Florida. An open enclosure lets in leaves, bugs and animals, so it’s worth fixing quickly. We replace screen panels; if the aluminum frame is bent or broken, that needs a licensed company. Keep in mind that our screen warranty doesn’t cover hurricane damage. See our pool screen repair in Kissimmee service.

Don’t Forget the Deck

After the cleanup, decks and pavers are often covered in mud, leaves and stains, and mildew grows fast in the damp weeks that follow. A professional wash restores the surface: see our pool deck pressure washing service.

Let Weekly Service Carry You Through the Season

A pool that’s balanced every week handles a storm better and recovers faster. If you live out of state or own a vacation rental, weekly service also means someone local sees your pool regularly, with a photo report of each visit. See our pool maintenance plans in Kissimmee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I drain my pool before a hurricane?

No. Draining an inground pool can damage it. Keep it full and follow your pool builder’s guidance if you think the level needs to come down.

Should I turn off my pool pump during a hurricane?

Yes. Turn off power to the pump, heater and lights at the breaker before the storm.

Do you offer a hurricane prep service or pool closing?

No. We don’t offer an additional hurricane service or pool closing. We prepare for the season and keep our pool owners informed.

Will post-storm cleanup cost extra?

It can. Depending on how much the pool was affected, there may be an additional charge.

My pool turned green after the storm. What should I do?

Remove debris, check equipment before restoring power, then balance, brush and filter. If it doesn’t clear, call us for a green pool recovery.

Get Help After the Storm

Whether your pool needs a cleanup or your screen needs new panels, tell us what happened and we’ll tell you what it takes.