Tropical Storms and Your Pool
When the forecast calls for a tropical storm or a hurricane, homeowners are faced with making major preparations ahead of the storm’s arrival. Some homeowners, understandably, forget to add an item to their very long “to-do” list: their pool. While we can’t completely predict how the storm will affect our area, there are some simple and important steps you can take to help mitigate any damage to your pool.
Here’s a list of our suggested dos and don’ts:
DO add extra chlorine to your pool—A granular formulation is a good choice. (Or give us a call and we will do it for you.) During a major storm, your pool is likely to become inundated with organic material that could turn the water very quickly. Adding some extra chlorine can help keep your pool looking its best until you can remove excess debris. First, lower the pH to about 7.2 for best results, and run the system after shocking for several hours to circulate the chlorine.
DO consider removing safety fences. Safety fences often become damaged by falling trees and other blowing debris during the storm. Please be extra mindful to lock all exterior doors to prevent your small children and pets from entering the pool after you’ve removed the fencing. Of course, we recommend taking down your fence last minute and replacing it as soon as possible after the storm has passed.
DO remove or secure loose items such as outdoor furniture, garden supplies, etc. These items often end up at the bottom of swimming pools during storms. This preparation can save you time and/or money after the storm. If needed, we do provide post-storm clean up services, but a little preparation on the front end can save you some money on the back end!
DO protect your electrical pool equipment in two ways: TURN OFF THE POWER SUPPLY and WRAP THE MOTOR, TIMER, LIGHT TRANSFORMERS, HEATER, ETC. with a waterproof plastic and tie it securely in place to prevent small debris and water from entering. If heavy flooding is expected, it may be best to disconnect these devices and store them in a dry place—especially the pump. If your pool pump becomes submerged, the motor will compromised and potentially ruined. Sandbag the area around the equipment if possible.
DO (maybe) lower your water level slightly. If flooding is expected and you’re worried your pool could flood your house or other surrounding structures, you may want to lower the water level slightly, but do do not drain past the bottom of the skimmer. Which brings us to the next point—
DON’T empty your pool! Many homeowners ask if they should empty their pools before a storm and the simply answer is this: DEFINITELY NOT! If you empty your pool and the surrounding ground becomes saturated with water, your pool can actually pop up out of the ground.
DON’T cover your pool. This won’t prevent contamination and your cover will likely be ruined by any large debris that enter your pool.
DON’T hesitate to call us with any questions :). Stay safe, and we will see you on the other side!
