Hurricane Preparation Update: Important Pool Service Information
We know it’s a little early for hurricane concerns, but calls are already coming in, so we want to get this information out ahead of time. Based on current forecasts, it’s possible that Tuesday, September 30 may bring storm conditions. Weather websites are showing the potential for rain and wind Tuesday through Friday, so we’re sharing guidance from previous years to help everyone prepare.
As advisories change, please keep in mind that some gated communities will restrict access, which could mean your service day may shift depending on conditions. We appreciate your patience as we do our best to plan around the weather and prioritize safety.
Below is our general Tropical Storm / Hurricane information that we’ve refined over the years to protect your property and help us return your pool to normal as quickly as possible after a storm.
1) Why We Do NOT Drain Pools Before Storms
Pools will stay at normal water levels.
Draining is not recommended on Hilton Head Island because of hydrostatic pressure issues.
Think of your pool like a glass:
- If your glass is 80% full of clean water and you add dirty water, it takes longer for the water to turn dirty.
- If your glass is 20% full, the dirty water overwhelms it quickly.
Keeping your pool full helps minimize plaster discoloration and speeds up the cleanup process when we return.
Also, even if you didn’t have a pool—just flat ground—heavy rain would still cause flooding. Draining the pool does not prevent water accumulation. You don’t want your pool becoming a catch basin for storm runoff and debris.
2) Extra Chemicals Will Be Added Throughout the Week
We will be adjusting and adding chemicals as needed to each individual pool to give it the best chance of staying as clean as possible through the storm.
3) Pumps Will Stay On as Long as Electricity Is On
Our goal is to keep your pool in the best condition possible before and during the storm.
If electricity stays on, pumps stay on.
If debris starts falling due to high winds, the island will likely lose power anyway. When the power goes out, pumps stop automatically, so nothing gets clogged while electricity is off.
4) Heavy Rain Increases Pump Failure Rates
It is much more common for pumps to fail because they become submerged under stormwater, not because they briefly run with debris after power returns.
- If your equipment pad does not flood and the pump turns on after electricity returns, that’s a good sign—even if debris is present.
- If the pump is underwater, it will not turn on.
5) Please Do NOT Put Patio Furniture in the Pool
We kindly ask that you do not throw tables or chairs into the pool to keep them from blowing away.
That’s what garages and indoor spaces are for. Furniture in the pool can cause major damage.
6) We Still Work in Rain and Wind (But Stop for Lightning)
Our team works through rain and wind. Lightning is the only condition that forces us to pause for safety.
We will continue servicing pools—as long as your gated community allows access—to backwash, clean, and add chemicals to help carry your pool through the storm. The only exceptions are:
- Evacuation orders
- Communities restricting entry
- Dangerous conditions beyond our control
We appreciate your patience and understanding. Our goal is always to minimize storm impact and get your pool back to normal as quickly as possible afterward.
