Why SWFL Pools Need Special Attention During Hurricane Season
Southwest Florida is one of the most hurricane-vulnerable regions in the United States. Collier and Lee counties have experienced direct or near-direct hits from major hurricanes including Irma (2017), Ian (2022), and Debby (2024). Even storms that don't make direct landfall can deliver 12+ inches of rain, 60+ mph wind gusts, and storm surge that devastates pools and equipment throughout the region.
A single hurricane or tropical storm can transform a perfectly maintained pool into a debris-filled, chemically contaminated hazard within hours. Branches, leaves, soil, storm surge water, bacteria, and unbalanced chemistry combine to create conditions that are unsafe to swim in and damaging to pool surfaces and equipment. Professional cleanup after a storm is not optional — it's essential for restoring a safe, functional pool.
☀️ Before the Storm — Pool Preparation Checklist
Proper pre-storm preparation can significantly reduce damage to your pool and equipment. Here's what we recommend and provide as a service:
Equipment & Safety
- Turn off and secure pool equipment (pumps, heaters, automation systems)
- Remove all loose pool furniture, toys, and accessories — store them indoors. Furniture becomes projectiles in hurricane-force winds
- Secure or remove pool cleaners, hoses, and floating devices
- Do NOT drain your pool — a full pool provides structural resistance against ground uplift
- Turn off electricity to pool equipment at the breaker
- Shut off gas to pool heater
Water Chemistry
- Super-chlorinate (shock) the pool 24–48 hours before the storm to build up a chlorine reserve
- Lower pH slightly to 7.2 (it will rise during the storm)
- Add algaecide as a preventive measure
- Keep filtration running as long as safely possible before shutting down
- Note current water level — you may need to lower it 3–6 inches to accommodate rain
🌀 After the Storm — Emergency Cleanup Checklist
Once the storm has passed and it's safe to be outside, pool restoration needs to happen quickly. Here's what our post-hurricane service covers:
Immediate Steps (Hours 1–24)
- Physical debris removal — remove ALL debris including branches, leaves, dirt, and any foreign objects before running equipment
- Visual equipment inspection — check pump, filter, heater, and salt cell for visible damage before restarting
- Water level assessment — if storm surge raised water above normal level, partial draining may be needed
- Restart filtration — run pump continuously (24h minimum) to begin clearing water
- Initial shock treatment — apply heavy shock to kill bacteria and contaminants introduced by storm water
Full Restoration (Days 2–5)
- Complete water chemistry analysis and rebalancing
- Algaecide treatment to prevent post-storm algae bloom
- Clarifier application and filter cleaning
- Brushing and vacuuming of all surfaces
- Equipment full inspection and test operation
- Follow-up chemistry verification before clearing pool for swimming
- Damage documentation for insurance claims (we can provide written service reports)
Our Post-Hurricane Emergency Service
When a storm hits SWFL, we prioritize emergency cleanup calls throughout our entire service area. We understand that after a hurricane, everyone needs help at once — and we do our best to respond to all our regular clients and new customers as quickly as possible.
Our post-hurricane service area covers all of our normal service territory: Naples, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Lehigh Acres, and Marco Island. Call (239) 944-6235 as soon as it's safe after a storm and we'll schedule your cleanup as quickly as possible.