08/30/2019
Here is some helpful advice during hurricane season from Leslie’s Pool Supplies.
How to Prepare Your Pool For a Hurricane
It’s that time of year – Hurricane Season. These powerful storms can damage homes, businesses and much more, including our beloved swimming pools. On top of potential damage, pools may become contaminated by debris such as dirt, mud, silt and bacteria.
If you are anticipating a hurricane, the following steps will help prepare the pool against any potential issues.
1. Do Not Empty the Pool
Drainage is almost always in the design of the pool. Water in the pool provides weight to keep the pool in the ground. An empty pool can float or pop out of the ground due to pressure from excessive ground water caused by heavy rains.
Also, keeping water inside your pool, despite the possibility of contamination, will provide an easier clean up compared to an empty pool.
2. Turn Off Power
Circuit breakers at the main electrical panel should be turned off. Pool equipment such as pump motors, pool lighting, chlorinators, and heaters should not operate in the storm.
3. Protect Electric Pool Equipment
Wrap the pool pump, time clock, light transformers and electric heaters with waterproof plastic. Tie securely in place to prevent sand and water from entering. If flooding is expected, disconnect these devices and store them in a dry place.
4. Remove Loose Items
Chairs, tables, pool toys, and other loose items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. It’s best to store them inside, away from the storm. Never put objects in the pool to protect them from a storm. This may damage the objects and cause serious metal staining problems in your pool water.
5. Add Extra Chlorine to the Pool
To prevent contamination from debris and excessive storm water, add a granular pool shock. It’s also a good idea to add a large dose of pool algaecide to quickly eliminate organic contaminants that enter the water.
6. Do Not Cover Pool
Storms can cause falling branches and other debris that may damage pool covers. It’s easier to remove debris from the pool than it is to replace a cover. Prevent unwanted damage and avoid dealing with a difficult removal if the cover is full of heavy water and debris.
7. Protect Screen Enclosure or Safety Fence
If you have a pool safety fence, we recommend providing a vent for wind to flow through to help prevent damage. Possibly remove screen panels on opposite sides of the enclosure.
