Should I Run My Pool Pump During a Hurricane?

Short answer: No. Turn off your pool pump at the circuit breaker before a hurricane arrives. Running pool equipment during a tropical storm or hurricane is dangerous and can destroy your equipment. Here's exactly what to do before, during, and after the storm.

Why You Should NOT Run Your Pool Pump

1. Power Surges Destroy Motors

During hurricanes, power lines get knocked down and restored repeatedly. Each surge and brownout stresses your pump motor. Voltage spikes can fry the capacitor, windings, or control board instantly. Even with a surge protector, the electrical chaos during a major storm can overwhelm protection devices.

2. Debris Clogs the System

Hurricane winds throw leaves, branches, shingles, and random debris into your pool. If the pump is running, all of that gets sucked toward the skimmer and pump basket. A clogged basket causes the pump to cavitate (run dry), which burns out seals and can seize the motor within minutes.

3. Electrocution Hazard

Standing water from flooding combined with damaged electrical systems creates electrocution risks. If water reaches your pool equipment pad while it's energized, anyone nearby—including emergency responders—could be electrocuted. This isn't theoretical; it happens after storms.

4. You Won't Be There to Monitor It

If you've evacuated (which you should for a major hurricane), you can't check on your equipment. A pump running unsupervised during a storm is a recipe for expensive damage.

Before the Hurricane: Preparation Checklist

24-48 Hours Before

• Turn off the pump at the circuit breaker. Don't just use the timer—flip the breaker.
• Turn off the heater, salt cell, and any automation. If you have a pool controller, switch it to "off" or "service mode."
• Lower water level 1-2 feet. This makes room for rainwater. Don't drain completely.
• Superchlorinate the pool. Add 2-3x normal chlorine. The storm will dilute it, and you'll have some protection against algae.
• Remove loose items. Pool floats, toys, skimmer lids, solar covers—anything that can blow away.
• Secure patio furniture. Bring it inside or strap it down. Don't throw it in the pool unless you have no other option.
• Trim nearby trees. Loose branches will end up in your pool or on your equipment.

Do NOT:

• Drain your pool. An empty pool can "pop" out of the ground from rising groundwater pressure. Seriously.
• Cover your pool. High winds will shred the cover and create dangerous flying debris.
• Wrap your equipment in plastic. This traps moisture and causes more damage, not less.

During the Hurricane

Stay inside. Don't go out to check on your pool. Even in the "eye" of the storm, conditions can change rapidly. Your pool can wait.

After the Hurricane: Recovery Steps

Step 1: Safety First

Before touching anything electrical, make sure there's no standing water around your equipment pad. Check for downed power lines anywhere near your property. If you see sparking or smell burning, stay away and call your power company.

Step 2: Assess Debris

Use a leaf net to remove large debris—branches, leaves, shingles, whatever blew in. Don't turn on the pump until you've cleared the surface and emptied the skimmer basket.

Step 3: Check Equipment

Look for visible damage: cracked pipes, shifted equipment, flooded motor housings. If water got inside the pump motor, don't try to run it—you'll need a professional to assess it. Check your pool heater for flood damage as well.

Step 4: Restore Power Carefully

Once you've confirmed no water intrusion and baskets are clear, flip the breaker back on. Listen for unusual noises when the pump starts. If it hums but doesn't start, or makes grinding sounds, turn it off immediately and call for pool equipment repair.

Step 5: Address Water Chemistry

Your water is likely diluted from rain, full of debris particles, and possibly contaminated. You'll need:

• Heavy shocking (3-4x normal chlorine)
• Run pump 24+ hours to filter debris
• Test and balance pH and alkalinity
• Possibly drain some water if the level is too high

If your pool is green after the storm, don't panic. It's recoverable. Most pools can be cleared within 3-7 days with proper treatment.

What About Tropical Storms and Heavy Rain?

For regular afternoon thunderstorms, you don't need to turn off equipment. But for named tropical storms or any system expected to drop 4+ inches of rain:

• Turn off equipment at the breaker
• Superchlorinate beforehand
• Clear debris before restarting

Learn more about handling green pools after storms.

Insurance Considerations

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers hurricane damage to pool equipment. However, damage caused by running equipment during a storm—which you could have prevented—might be denied. Document everything with photos before and after.