Peak hurricane season in South Florida runs from mid-August through October. Most homeowners have a checklist for shutters, patio furniture and the generator. The pool equipment pad often gets overlooked, even though your pool heat pump is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in the backyard.

A little preparation before a storm, and a careful restart after, can save you from costly repairs.

Before the storm

Turn off the power

Once a storm is on the way, shut off power to your heat pump and pool equipment at the breaker. Power surges, flickering outages and flooding are all hard on electrical components, and equipment that’s off is much less likely to be damaged when power drops in and out.

Clear the area around the unit

Heat pumps sit outside for a reason: they need airflow. That also means anything loose nearby can become a projectile. Put away pool toys, hoses, chairs and planters near the equipment pad, and trim back any branches that hang over the unit.

Don’t wrap it tight

It’s tempting to wrap the unit in a tarp or plastic sheeting. In many cases that does more harm than good, because it can trap moisture inside. Follow your manufacturer’s guidance, and if you’re unsure, give us a call before the storm.

Take a few photos

Snap photos of your equipment pad, including the heat pump, pump, filter and electrical panel. If anything is damaged, you’ll have a clear before-and-after record.

After the storm

Don’t rush to turn it back on

Before restoring power, walk out and look at the equipment. If the pad flooded, water reached the electrical components, or the unit was hit by debris, leave it off and have it checked by a professional. Powering up wet or damaged equipment can cause further damage and is a safety risk.

Clear debris

Remove leaves, branches and trash from around the unit and off the top of it, since blocked airflow keeps a heat pump from working efficiently. Check the pool itself too, and run your pump and filter once it’s safe so the water circulates again.

Check that the unit is level and secure

High winds and saturated ground can shift equipment. If the heat pump looks tilted, moved on its pad, or has loose connections, have it inspected before running it.

Watch for warning signs

Once it’s back on, pay attention to unusual noises, error codes, or a pool that isn’t warming the way it should. Our guide on why a heat pump isn’t heating the pool covers common causes.

If your heat pump needs replacing

Storm damage sometimes pushes an older unit past the point where repair makes sense. If that’s the case, it’s a good time to look at a variable speed inverter heat pump, which adjusts its output to what the pool needs. Learn more about our TropiCal inverter heat pumps, including heat and cool units that can also cool your pool during the hottest months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I turn off my pool heat pump before a hurricane?

Yes. Shut off power at the breaker before the storm to protect it from surges and outages.

Should I cover my heat pump for a hurricane?

Wrapping it tightly in plastic can trap moisture. Follow your manufacturer’s guidance, and call us if you’re unsure.

Can I turn my heat pump back on right after a storm?

Check it first. If the equipment pad flooded or the unit was damaged, leave it off and have it inspected.

Who can inspect my pool heater after a storm?

Florida Pool Heating services and installs pool heat pumps across South Florida.

Need help getting your pool heat back up after a storm? Contact Florida Pool Heating or call (954) 341-2002.