Owning a pool in New Orleans is a true luxury, especially during our long, hot summers. But with that luxury comes responsibility—especially as hurricane season coincides with the warmest months. If you want your pool to be a sparkling retreat all season long, preparing for the unique combination of Louisiana's subtropical climate and the risks of storm damage is essential. Water Wise Pool Services is here to guide you every step of the way with proven practices for hurricane preparation, summer maintenance, and fast recovery after storms.

Why Pool Maintenance is Different in New Orleans

Our city's weather is legendary: scorching heat, high humidity, afternoon storms, and hurricane threats. Between June and November, New Orleans is in the heart of hurricane season, while the summer months see consistent highs in the upper 80s and 90s with frequent rain showers. This means your pool must handle:

• Rapid temperature swings
• Heavy rainfall and flooding
• Debris and algae blooms
• Potential power outages affecting filtration and pumps

Local factors—like our proximity to the Gulf and the unique challenges of below-sea-level living—make it even more important to have a solid plan for pool care and hurricane readiness.

Preparing Your Pool for Hurricane Season

When a storm is approaching, the right preparation can save you time, money, and frustration. Follow these expert steps to protect your pool and equipment:

1. Leave Your Pool Filled, Not Drained

• Never drain your pool before a hurricane. The weight of the water helps keep the pool structure in place and prevents it from "floating" out of the ground during flooding.

2. Balance the Water Chemistry

• Super-chlorinate your pool—add extra chlorine or shock to sanitize the water before storms arrive.
• Run the pump to distribute chemicals thoroughly. Turn off power at the circuit breaker before the storm hits.

3. Secure Equipment and Furniture

• Disconnect pool pumps, heaters, and electronics. Move them to a dry, elevated area if flooding is likely.
• Remove or secure loose items like patio furniture, pool toys, and chemical containers to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.

4. Turn Off and Protect Electrical Components

• Switch off circuit breakers for all pool equipment.
• Consider covering pumps and heaters with waterproof plastic, but ensure proper airflow is maintained.

5. Lower Water Level Slightly

• Only lower pool water a few inches if heavy rain is forecast and your pool is at risk of overflowing. Never empty it completely!

Summer Pool Maintenance: Beating the Heat & Humidity

Summer fun can quickly turn into frustration if your pool isn't prepared for the extremes of a New Orleans summer. Here's how to keep your pool sparkling:

1. Stay Vigilant with Chemical Balancing

• High temperatures cause chlorine to dissipate faster and can fuel algae growth, especially after rain.
• Test your water at least 2-3 times per week, and after every major rain event. Adjust chlorine, pH, and alkalinity accordingly.
• Don't forget to check calcium hardness and stabilizer (CYA) levels to prevent cloudiness and equipment damage.

2. Keep Your Filtration and Circulation Optimal

• Run your pump 8-12 hours a day during peak summer heat.
• Clean or backwash filters weekly. In humid and rainy weather, filters can clog quickly with debris and algae spores.

3. Watch Out for Algae Blooms

• Hot, humid conditions and heavy rain are prime triggers for algae.
• Brush walls and steps twice a week to break up potential growth.
• Use algaecide and keep chlorine at recommended levels to prevent blooms.

Storm Aftermath: Recovering Your Pool the Right Way

Once the skies clear, your pool may be left full of debris, cloudy water, and disrupted chemical balance. Here's your step-by-step post-storm recovery plan:

1. Clear Out Debris Safely

• Remove branches, leaves, and foreign materials using a skimmer net or pool rake.
• If you need to enter the pool, always wear shoes to avoid injury from hidden sharp objects.
• Don't run the pump until all large debris is cleared—to prevent clogging and equipment damage.

2. Inspect and Restart Equipment

• Check all electrical connections are dry before turning breakers back on.
• If your pump or heater was submerged, have it professionally inspected and serviced before use.
• Empty skimmer and pump baskets and open all valves for proper water flow.

3. Restore Water Chemistry and Clarity

• Test the water and balance pH, chlorine, and total alkalinity.
• Super-chlorinate and run the pump continuously until water is clear. Backwash or clean filters daily until debris load is gone.
• Take a water sample after several hours of circulation for professional analysis—this ensures the most accurate readings.

4. Inspect Fences, Gates, and Screens

• Repair or replace any safety barriers to prevent unauthorized pool access.

Preventive Maintenance: Out-Smarting New Orleans Weather

The best strategy for a hassle-free pool is regular, preventive maintenance—all year round. This is especially critical in a city where the climate can turn from sunny to stormy overnight.

• Schedule monthly or bi-weekly professional service to keep equipment in top shape and catch small issues before they become costly repairs.
• Winterize and sanitize your pool ahead of storm season to minimize recovery time after severe weather.
• Keep an updated inventory of chemicals, spare parts, and cleaning tools—especially as supplies can run low after major storms.
• Consider upgrades like variable-speed pumps or automated sensors for improved efficiency and peace of mind during power fluctuations.

Professional Pool Care vs. DIY: What's Right for You?

Why Choose Water Wise Pool Services?

• Decades of experience with New Orleans pools—from Uptown to Metairie, the Northshore to Gentilly
• Specialists in hurricane prep and recovery, including equipment protection, safety barrier inspections, and advanced water treatment
• Flexible maintenance plans to fit your budget and schedule
• Rapid response after storms to restore your pool to perfect condition
• Friendly, local experts who know exactly how Louisiana weather affects your pool year-round

Don't Wait for the Next Storm—Get a Free Pool Evaluation Today!

Whether you're new to pool ownership or a seasoned pro, Water Wise Services is your trusted partner for reliable, expert maintenance in New Orleans. Let us prepare your pool for whatever this summer and hurricane season bring. Contact us today for a free evaluation and discover why we're the Crescent City's top choice for pool care.

Call Water Wise Services now or request your free quote online and enjoy a safe, sparkling pool—no matter what the New Orleans weather brings!

Serving New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Marrero, and surrounding Louisiana areas.

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