The Hurricane Playbook: How to Prepare Your Gulf Coast Pool for Storm Season
Living in Mobile or Baldwin County, you know that hurricane season isn't just a date on the calendar—it’s a way of life. We’ve been building and servicing pools in this area since 1995, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned through storms like Ivan, Frederic, and Sally, it’s that a little preparation goes a long way.
When the sirens go off in Gulf Shores or the clouds start stacking up over Fairhope, the last thing you want to worry about is your pool. Here is exactly how to protect your investment before the wind picks up.
The Golden Rule: Why You Should Never Drain Your Pool Before a Storm
It’s the most common mistake we see homeowners make in Mobile and Baldwin County. You see a massive amount of rain coming, and you think, "I should drain the pool so it doesn't overflow." Stop right there. ### H3: Preventing "Floating Pools" in High Water Tables In areas with high water tables like Orange Beach, Perdido, and Daphne, the water in the ground creates immense pressure. Your pool stays in the ground because the weight of the water inside it acts as an anchor. If you drain it, that "anchor" is gone, and the groundwater can actually push the entire shell out of the earth. Keep your pool full—the weight of that water is its best defense.
Managing Your Pool Equipment and Electrical Systems
Your pump, heater, and salt cell are the "brain" of your pool, and they are also the most expensive parts to replace if they get fried by a surge or submerged in a flood.
Powering Down in Saraland and Spanish Fort
Before the storm hits, head out to your breaker box and turn off the power to all your pool equipment.
Turn off the pump: You don’t want it trying to prime or run if the intake gets clogged with debris.
Protect the motor: If you live in a low-lying area of Foley or Elberta that is prone to flooding, you might even consider wrapping your motor in waterproof plastic or, if possible, having a professional disconnected and moved to higher ground.
Handling Debris and Backyard Projectiles
A hurricane doesn't just bring rain; it brings "missiles." Anything left out in your yard in Lillian or Silverhill can end up at the bottom of your pool—or worse, through your screen enclosure.
Don’t Throw the Furniture in the Pool!
You might have heard the old "hack" to throw your patio furniture into the pool to keep it from flying away. We don't recommend this. The chemicals in the water can ruin the finish on your furniture, and the furniture can easily scratch or tear your pool's interior (especially if you have a vinyl liner). Instead, store your chairs, umbrellas, and toys in a garage or shed.
Post-Storm Recovery for Alabama Pools
Once the sun comes back out over Mobile Bay, your pool is probably going to look like a swamp. Don't panic—it’s fixable.
Cleaning and Rebalancing Your Water Chemistry
The massive influx of rainwater and organic "muck" from the trees will tank your chlorine levels.
Remove the big stuff: Use a net to get the branches and leaves out before they stain the floor.
Shock the water: You’ll likely need a heavy dose of chlorine to kill off any bacteria brought in by the storm.
Wait on the pump: Don't turn your equipment back on until you’ve inspected it for water damage. If the motor was submerged, it needs to dry out completely before it's powered up.
Why Experience Matters When the Storm Passes
At Pool Master Services Inc., we’ve seen it all. We don't just build these pools; we live in these communities. We know the stress that comes with Gulf Coast weather, and we build our pools to be as tough as the people who live here.
Start Planning Your Storm-Ready Backyard Today
If you want a pool that’s engineered to handle the "Real Deal" Alabama climate, let's talk. From Mobile to Orange Beach, we are the most trusted name in the area for a reason.
