Tropical Storm and Hurricane Pool Preparation: A Guide for St. Petersburg Homeowners

When a storm is heading toward Florida, there’s plenty to think about. Hurricane pool preparation is probably somewhere on your list between securing the house and making sure you have enough supplies.

At POOLSEYE, we want to help you prepare with confidence. A few decisions made before the weather arrives can help protect your pool and equipment—and prevent expensive mistakes.

Storm preparation can feel like a lot. This hurricane pool preparation checklist helps St. Petersburg homeowners take it one step at a time.

Your safety comes first. Complete hurricane pool preparation before conditions become dangerous, follow local emergency instructions, and call 911 in an emergency.

Hurricane Pool Preparation: Before the Storm

1. Bring loose poolside items into secure storage.

Put away chairs, umbrellas, pool toys and other items that could blow around.

Do not put patio furniture in your pool. It can damage the finish and leave permanent stains. POOLSEYE does not remove furniture from pools. UF/IFAS guidance

2. Plan an equipment shutdown if flooding is expected.

If your backyard could flood or your equipment could become submerged, turn off the circuit breakers supplying your pool equipment while the area is dry and safely accessible.

Unsure which breakers to use? Contact us ahead of time. Never handle breakers with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface. Electrical safety guidance

A longer shutdown can make water recovery harder, but safety comes first.

3. Get advice before lowering your pool’s water level.

Do not significantly drain your pool to make room for rain. Saturated ground can put pressure on an empty or partially drained pool and cause costly damage.

Contact POOLSEYE before making a storm-related adjustment. UF/IFAS recommends keeping pools full before a storm. Florida pool storm guidance

4. Finish pool preparation before dangerous weather arrives.

While conditions are still safe, take photos of your pool and equipment. They can help document changes after the storm.

Once conditions deteriorate, stay inside. Never go outside during the storm to adjust the water level, check equipment or remove debris.

After the storm

5. Check that the area is safe before approaching your pool.

Stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas that could be energized. Electrical safety guidance

Leave submerged or water-damaged equipment off. Looking dry does not mean it is safe. Have a qualified electrician or licensed contractor qualified to evaluate the affected electrical components inspect them before restoring power. Water-damaged equipment guidance

6. Take photos and tell us what happened.

From a safe location, note:

• Whether water reached the equipment.
• Whether power is available.
• Any large objects or unusual debris in the pool.
• Whether floodwater or storm surge entered the pool.

Send that information to POOLSEYE so we can discuss the next steps.

7. Remove small debris once conditions are safe.

Skim accessible leaves and small debris. Leave heavy or hazardous objects for appropriate professional help.

Remember: POOLSEYE does not remove submerged furniture.

8. Wait until the pool is ready before swimming.

Clear-looking water alone isn’t enough. Before anyone swims, the pool needs:

• Hazardous debris removed.
• Working filtration and treatment equipment.
• Verified safe water chemistry.

These checks align with Florida health officials’ post-hurricane swimming guidance.

If floodwater entered the pool or equipment was submerged, contact us before restarting equipment or attempting treatment.

When should you call POOLSEYE?

Contact us if you notice any of these after the storm:

• Flooded equipment: Water reached or submerged your pool equipment.
• Pump problems: The pump won’t prime, water isn’t circulating, or it sounds unusual.
• Electrical concerns: A breaker trips, pool lights flicker, or wiring appears damaged.
• Equipment faults: Your heater, salt system or automation isn’t working normally.
• Visible damage: You notice broken pipes, new leaks or damaged equipment.
• Water that isn’t recovering: Your pool remains cloudy or green, or floodwater entered it.

Leave flooded or visibly damaged equipment off. If a breaker trips or equipment smells like it’s burning, stop using the system. Don’t repeatedly reset the breaker or restart equipment to see whether the problem clears. Water-damaged electrical components need professional evaluation before power is restored. Electrical safety guidance

Send us your address, a brief description and photos taken from a safe location. We can discuss the next steps and explain the scope and cost of any recommended pool equipment work.

For an immediate emergency, call 911.

Plan Your Hurricane Pool Prep Ahead of Time

Could elevating your equipment be an option? If your equipment sits in an area prone to flooding, POOLSEYE can assess your property and explain the scope and cost of any recommended work.

Make equipment elevation part of your hurricane pool preparation well before a storm is approaching. When time is limited, an equipment project may not be feasible before the weather arrives.

For water collecting near your home or yard and deck drainage concerns, contact a qualified drainage professional.

Questions? Contact POOLSEYE.

We’re a family-owned, Florida state-licensed and insured pool service company based in St. Petersburg. We provide weekly cleaning in St. Petersburg and nearby communities, with availability based on your location, plus equipment repairs, upgrades and installations across a wider area of Pinellas County.

After a storm, inviting someone onto your property can feel like a bigger decision—especially if your home or backyard has sustained damage. We respect that trust. Our technicians are background checked and held to high standards for professionalism, communication and care for your property. We text before arrival and explain the recommended work and cost, so you know who’s coming and what to expect.

Text or call 727-291-2187, or email service@poolseye.com. Our service request form is another convenient option to get in touch with the team!

Florida state-licensed pool contractor • CPC1459394 • Insured