Should You Put Patio Furniture In Pool During Hurricane?
No, you should absolutely not put patio furniture in your pool during a hurricane. While it might seem like a good way to secure items, the strong winds will turn your furniture into dangerous projectiles, causing severe damage to your pool lining, filters, and even your home.
Submerging furniture can also damage the items themselves, introduce unwanted chemicals, and make cleanup much harder once the storm passes.
- Do NOT put patio furniture in your pool during a hurricane; it’s extremely unsafe and damaging.
- High winds will turn furniture into dangerous projectiles, harming your pool and property.
- Submerged furniture can suffer damage and contaminate your pool water.
- Always secure furniture indoors or tie it down firmly to a permanent structure.
- Emptying your pool is not recommended; a full pool helps resist structural damage.
Should You Put Patio Furniture In Pool During Hurricane?
Putting patio furniture in your pool during a hurricane is a dangerous idea, and we strongly advise against it. The risks outweigh any perceived benefits.
The Dangers Are Real: Why This Idea Fails
When hurricane-force winds hit, anything loose becomes a potential weapon. Your seemingly heavy patio chair, once in the pool, can become a very effective battering ram. Imagine a metal table leg scraping across your pool’s vinyl liner or chipping away at a gunite finish. This could cause expensive, preventable damage.
Impact on Your Pool Structure and Equipment
The force of furniture moving in the water can lead to serious structural issues for your pool. We found that objects tumbling around can tear liners, crack plaster, and even break tiles. Also, think about your pool’s delicate filtration system, skimmer baskets, and pump. A heavy piece of furniture could easily crush or dislodge these components, requiring costly repairs (American Society of Civil Engineers).
Damage to Your Patio Furniture
Even if your pool somehow survives unscathed, your furniture might not. Many types of patio furniture are not designed for prolonged submersion. Metals can rust, fabrics can stain or grow mold, and wood can swell or warp. You could end up with a collection of damaged, unusable items after the storm.
What About Water Contamination?
Your pool water is a delicate balance of chemicals. Introducing foreign objects, especially those that have been exposed to dirt, grime, or even lawn chemicals, can throw off this balance. You’ll likely face a huge cleanup effort to rebalance and sanitize your pool after the hurricane, adding to your post-storm stress.
Better Ways to Protect Your Patio Furniture
So, if putting it in the pool is out, what should you do? There are much safer and more effective strategies to protect your outdoor items. These methods focus on keeping items secure, preventing them from becoming airborne, and minimizing potential damage to your property.
Move Furniture Indoors
This is often the safest and simplest solution. If you have space in your garage, shed, or even inside your home, move your patio furniture there. Many experts say this provides the best protection against wind and flying debris (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes).
Secure Furniture to Permanent Structures
If indoor storage isn’t an option, use heavy-duty straps, ropes, or chains to tie down your furniture. Connect it to something that won’t move, like a deck post, a sturdy fence, or a securely anchored patio column. Make sure the connections are tight and will withstand strong winds.
Stack and Wrap Lighter Items
For lighter chairs or tables, stack them neatly in a corner. Then, use a heavy-duty tarp and bungee cords or ropes to wrap them together. This creates a more substantial, harder-to-move mass. Think of it like bundling firewood; it’s less likely to scatter.
Should You Empty Your Pool During a Hurricane?
Another common question is whether to drain your pool. Many experts, including those from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, advise against it. A full pool, believe it or not, provides structural stability. The water inside helps to counteract the outward pressure from saturated ground around the pool, which can prevent it from popping out of the ground when the water table rises. Keep your pool full.
What to Do With Pool Covers and Accessories
If you have a pool cover, especially a solar cover or a light safety cover, remove it completely. These can become wind traps and tear, or worse, fly off and cause damage. Store them securely indoors. For heavier, fitted safety covers, ensure they are tightly secured and fastened according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pre-Hurricane Patio Checklist
Here’s a quick list to help you prepare your patio and pool area for a hurricane:
- Move all light patio furniture into a garage or shed.
- Strap down heavy furniture if it cannot be moved indoors.
- Clear away potted plants, decorative items, and garden tools.
- Remove pool covers, skimmer baskets, and floating toys.
- Trim any tree branches that could fall onto your patio or home.
- Secure trash cans and recycling bins.
Comparing Hurricane Preparedness Options for Patio Furniture
Let’s look at the best and worst approaches for securing your patio furniture.
| Action | Pros | Cons | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Put furniture in pool | Seems to secure items (false) | High risk of pool/furniture damage, water contamination, projectiles | Avoid at all costs |
| Move furniture indoors | Safest method, best protection, no damage to furniture | Requires indoor storage space | Best option |
| Strap furniture down | Good for heavy items, prevents becoming airborne | Requires sturdy anchor points, straps must be strong | Excellent alternative |
| Leave furniture unsecured | No effort needed (initially) | Certain damage to furniture and property, extreme danger from projectiles | Extremely dangerous |
Think About Your Neighbors Too
It’s not just your property at risk. A flying chair or a tumbling table can easily damage a neighbor’s window, car, or even injure someone. Taking proper precautions with your patio furniture is a matter of community safety as well.
Conclusion
The idea of putting patio furniture in your pool during a hurricane might seem like a clever shortcut, but it’s fraught with danger and potential damage. We found that the safest course of action involves securing your furniture indoors, or if that’s not possible, tying it down firmly to permanent structures. Protect your property, your investment in patio furniture, and keep your community safe by making smart decisions before the storm hits. A little preparation goes a long way in minimizing hurricane aftermath.
Can I just cover my patio furniture with a tarp?
While a tarp can offer some protection from rain, it will not prevent furniture from becoming airborne in hurricane-force winds. A tarp acts like a sail, potentially making the furniture even more likely to fly away. Always secure furniture first, then cover it if you wish.
Will emptying my pool prevent hurricane damage?
No, quite the opposite. Most pool experts advise against emptying your pool before a hurricane. The water in the pool helps to weigh it down and counter the upward pressure from rising groundwater, preventing the pool structure from “popping” out of the ground.
What should I do with my BBQ grill before a hurricane?
Just like patio furniture, your BBQ grill can become a dangerous projectile. If it’s a gas grill, turn off the gas tank valve and disconnect the tank, moving it to a safe, secure location. Store the entire grill indoors if possible, or strap it down securely to a heavy, immovable object.
How far in advance should I secure my patio furniture?
It’s always best to secure your patio furniture as soon as a hurricane warning or watch is issued for your area. Don’t wait until the last minute when conditions become dangerous. Early preparation ensures your safety and the safety of your property.
Can windproof furniture stay out during a hurricane?
Even furniture advertised as “windproof” or “heavy-duty” is not guaranteed to withstand hurricane-force winds. While it might be more resistant, it’s still a risk. For maximum safety, always move or secure all outdoor items, regardless of their supposed durability, during a hurricane threat.
