As hurricane season looms, Port St. Lucie homeowners know the importance of diligent storm preparedness. While securing your home’s interior is vital, your outdoor space and pool often present unique challenges and potential hazards during high winds and heavy rains. The good news? Much of the essential hurricane prep for these areas can be handled with a DIY approach.
This guide breaks down securing your outdoor space and protecting your pool into three simple, actionable steps, ensuring your property on the Treasure Coast is as ready as it can be.
Step 1: Declutter & Secure All Loose Outdoor Items
High winds can turn even seemingly innocuous items into dangerous projectiles. This first step is all about removing or heavily securing anything that isn’t bolted down.
Bring it Inside (The Golden Rule): The safest place for lightweight outdoor furniture, cushions, umbrellas, decorative items, potted plants, garden tools, toys, trash cans, and recycling bins is inside your garage, shed, or home. Do NOT place these items in your pool – pool chemicals can damage furniture, and the items themselves can damage the pool’s finish.
For Heavier Items (If Indoors Isn’t an Option):
Grills & Fire Pits: If too heavy to move inside, ensure propane tanks are turned off and disconnected. Anchor the grill securely to a sturdy structure (like a house wall, deck railing, or robust tree) using heavy-duty straps or chains. Cover with a tight-fitting, weatherproof tarp.
Large Planters & Statues: Group them tightly in a sheltered corner, preferably against a sturdy wall. Tie them together with strong ropes or bungee cords, and if possible, anchor them to a permanent fixture. Adding sandbags to the base can provide extra weight.
Outdoor Rugs: Roll them up and bring them indoors to prevent them from becoming saturated, damaged, or airborne.
Awnings & Canopies: Retract any retractable awnings. Dismantle and store pop-up canopies or tents. If a permanent awning cannot be removed, ensure it is fully secured and check all fasteners.
Yard & Landscaping Clean-up:
Trim Trees & Shrubs: Cut back any dead, weak, or overhanging branches that could break off and damage your home, pool, or neighboring properties. This is a crucial step for Port St. Lucie hurricane safety.
Clear Gutters & Drains: Ensure all gutters, downspouts, and yard drains are free of debris. This prevents water from pooling around your home’s foundation or overflowing into your pool area during heavy rainfall.
Step 2: Prepare Your Swimming Pool for the Storm
Your pool requires specific attention to prevent structural damage and reduce post-storm cleanup. The biggest misconception? Draining it.
DO NOT DRAIN YOUR POOL! (Crucial Tip): An empty or partially drained pool can actually “pop” out of the ground due to hydrostatic pressure as groundwater levels rise during heavy rains. The water in the pool provides essential weight to hold the structure down.
Super Chlorinate: Add extra chlorine (or shock) to your pool. This helps combat the influx of contaminants (rain, dirt, debris) and prevents algae bloom, which can rapidly turn your pool green, especially if power outages prevent pump circulation. Add algaecide as well for added protection.
Power Down Equipment: Turn off all electrical components for your pool system at the circuit breaker (pump, motor, heater, lights, chlorinators). This protects against power surges and equipment damage if flooding occurs.
Secure Pool Equipment: If possible, cover delicate pool equipment (pumps, filters) with tarps or heavy plastic sheeting, secured tightly with rope or duct tape. For ground-level equipment prone to flooding, consider surrounding it with sandbags as a temporary barrier.
Remove Pool Accessories: Store all pool toys, floats, skimmer baskets, cleaning equipment, and loose deck furniture indoors. Do not leave them in the pool.
DO NOT Cover Your Pool: While it seems counterintuitive, most pool covers are not designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and can be severely damaged or ripped off, potentially causing additional debris. It’s often easier and cheaper to clean debris from an open pool after the storm.
Step 3: Final Checks & Proactive Prevention
Before the storm hits, a few final checks ensure you’ve covered all your bases for outdoor space security.
Review Your Property Line: Take a final walk around your entire property, including fences and gates. Ensure they are securely latched or tied down if they could swing open.
Garage Doors: If your garage door is not hurricane-rated, consider a bracing kit. These are relatively inexpensive DIY installations that can prevent the door from caving in, which can compromise your entire home’s structure.
Photography Documentation: Before the storm, take clear photos and videos of your entire outdoor space, furniture, and pool area. This visual record is invaluable for any potential insurance claims after the storm.
Stay Informed: Monitor official weather updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities. Follow evacuation orders if issued.
Conclusion: Your Home, Your Safe Haven
DIY hurricane preparedness for your outdoor space and pool is an essential aspect of being a responsible Port St. Lucie homeowner. By following these three easy steps – decluttering and securing loose items, properly preparing your pool, and conducting final checks – you significantly reduce the risk of property damage and enhance overall storm readiness. While some aspects of hurricane hardening require professional expertise, proactively managing your outdoor environment empowers you to safeguard your investment and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being thoroughly prepared for whatever nature brings to the Treasure Coast. Don’t wait until a hurricane is at your doorstep; start your checklist today!