PREPARING-YOUR-POOL-FOR-STORM-1080.jpg

STORM SEASON GOT AN EARLY START AGAIN THIS YEAR.

That’s a reminder that it’s time to give some thought on preparing our pools for stormy weather. We’ve assembled some tips from NOAA and the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) to prepare your pool for a hurricane.

DO NOT EMPTY THE POOL.

  • Though hurricane weather will quickly raise the water levels, never empty the pool. Keeping water inside will provide the crucial weight that is needed to hold the pool in place as the groundwater table rises.

DETERMINE HOW WELL YOUR POOL DECK DRAINS WATER.

  • The pool potentially will overfill from the rain. Most pools have a plastic slotted deck drain designed to take water from the slab to the yard. Run a garden hose over the deck and clear any grass, mulch or dirt that may block the end of the drain and inhibit the flow. This will ensure that your deck won’t be waterlogged and suffer any structural damage.

BALANCE THE WATER CHEMISTRY.

  • Test your pool water and add chemicals as needed to balance. This will give you a head start when cleaning the water after the storm has passed.

  • Shock the pool for extra protection against contamination from the deluge of storm water. You can also add algaecide to prevent an algae bloom.

TURN OFF ALL ELECTRIC POWER AT THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS BEFORE THE STORM.

  • Pool equipment (pump motors, pool lighting, chlorinators, and heaters) should not operate in the storm. Filters may become clogged during the storm, and with power off you can avoid possible damage or motor over-exertion.

  • If you have any exposed electrical equipment, wrap it in plastic and secure it in place. If you expect the area to flood, unplug the pump/filter system and other pool equipment and store them someplace high and dry (if possible).

REMOVE DOORS OR SCREEN PANELS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE POOL.

  • Pool screens create considerable wind resistance, and storms can cause damage to screens and cage. Lessen the risk by providing a “vent” for wind to escape through.

clear-the-deck-2.jpg

CLEAR THE DECKS.

  • Ensure that any movable outdoor objects are either brought inside or tied down. Remove skimmer lids as they may become projectiles during a hurricane. Outdoor furniture should be brought inside.

  • PLACING OBJECTS IN THE POOL IS NOT RECOMMENDED. Pool chemicals can damage them, and in addition, those items can cause metal staining and damage the pool surface.

AFTER-THE-STORM.jpg

  • Use a skimmer to remove debris from the pool. Do not use your vacuum or pool pump -- they are likely to get clogged.

  • Before touching any electrical equipment after the storm, be sure that everything is dry.

  • Inspect wiring and check circuit breakers to confirm they are off before reconnecting electrical equipment.

  • If electric motors have been exposed to water, they should be checked by a professional.

  • Be sure clocks, timers, etc. have been properly reset.

  • Monitor your operating systems for a few days to ensure everything is in working order.

  • Balance the water chemistry.

If you need help with your pool, make sure to give Pool Care of Oviedo a call 407-617-6309.