Lower your pool water 1-2 inches below the skimmer, remove all loose items like furniture and toys, turn off power to pool equipment at the breaker, and add extra shock treatment before the storm hits. Never drain your pool completely, as ground pressure from saturated soil during heavy rain can cause it to pop out of the ground. These steps protect both your pool structure and equipment from the high winds, flooding, and debris that nor’easters and hurricanes bring to New Jersey.
Why Storm Preparation Matters for New Jersey Pool Owners
New Jersey’s location makes it vulnerable to both nor’easters and hurricanes, with coastal storms tracking up the Atlantic and dumping heavy rain, strong winds, and debris across Morris, Essex, and Somerset Counties. These weather events can wreak havoc on unprepared pools, causing damage that ranges from contaminated water to cracked equipment and structural issues. Whether you own a vinyl liner, fiberglass, or gunite pool in Morristown, Chatham, or surrounding communities, proper preparation can save you thousands in repairs and get your pool back to swimmable condition faster after the storm passes.
Pre-Storm Pool Preparation Checklist
Adjust Your Water Level
Lower your pool water 1-2 inches below the skimmer opening or tile line. This gives the pool capacity to handle the several inches of rainfall these storms typically bring without overflowing. However, never drain your pool completely or even halfway. When the ground becomes saturated during heavy rainfall, the hydrostatic pressure from groundwater can push up against an empty pool shell and literally pop it out of the ground—a catastrophic failure that requires complete pool replacement.
Secure or Remove Loose Items
Walk your entire pool area and remove anything that could become a projectile in high winds. Store pool furniture, umbrellas, toys, cleaning equipment, pool netting, and decorative items in your garage or basement. If items are too heavy to move, like stone planters or permanent structures, secure them as best as possible. Even small items can cause significant damage to your pool liner or cover when hurled by 50+ mph winds common in these storms.
Protect Your Pool Equipment
Turn off all power to your pool equipment at the circuit breaker, not just at the equipment switches. This protects your pump, heater, chlorinator, and automation systems from power surges when electricity flickers during the storm or when power is restored afterward. For above-ground pool owners in Parsippany, Mendham, or Chester, consider disconnecting hoses and storing your pump indoors if possible.
Balance and Shock Your Water
Add extra chlorine shock (double your normal dose) 24 hours before the storm arrives. The heavy rainfall, windblown debris, leaves, and potential flooding will introduce massive amounts of contaminants into your water. Pre-shocking gives you a buffer and makes post-storm cleanup easier. If you have time, also balance your pH and alkalinity to normal levels.
What About Pool Covers?
This is where pool owners often make mistakes. For safety covers that are properly anchored, you can leave them on—they’ll protect your pool from the worst debris. However, if you have a standard winter cover or a cover that’s not firmly secured, remove it. High winds will turn an unsecured cover into a dangerous, heavy sail that can damage your pool, deck, or neighboring property. For hot tubs and spas in Summit, Bernardsville, or Madison, secure your cover with the provided locks or straps, or remove it entirely if it’s lightweight.
Post-Storm Recovery Steps
After the storm passes and it’s safe to go outside, inspect your pool area for damage before turning power back on. Remove any debris, check for cracks or damage to the pool structure and deck, and look for signs of flooding or soil erosion around the pool. Test and balance your water chemistry—it will almost certainly be off after the storm. Run your filter system continuously for 24-48 hours to clear the water.
If you notice green water, significant debris contamination, or any structural concerns with your vinyl liner or pool shell, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. The combination of contaminated floodwater and storm debris can introduce bacteria and hazardous materials that require professional treatment.
Professional Storm Preparation and Recovery Services
EverClear Pools & Spas serves Morristown, Parsippany, Livingston, Summit, Chatham, Madison, Bernardsville, Chester, Mendham, and surrounding Morris, Essex, and Somerset County communities with comprehensive storm preparation and recovery services. Our team can pre-treat your pool, secure equipment, and perform post-storm cleanup, water balancing, and damage assessment.
Don’t wait until the forecast shows a storm approaching—contact EverClear Pools & Spas today at https://everclearpools.com to discuss seasonal maintenance plans that include emergency storm preparation services. We’ll help protect your investment and ensure your pool is ready for whatever New Jersey weather throws at it.