Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane season is officially from June 1 – November 30 each year. In addition to being prepared with food, water, batteries and evacuation plan, pool owners must take certain steps both before and after the storm to minimize the damaging effects to the swimming pool.

Here is an overview of those precautions.
  1. Do Not Empty Your Pool. You may lower the water level a couple of inches but keeping the water in the pool provides the weight to hold the pool in the ground. An empty pool is a high risk for popping out of the ground.
  2. Turn off electric power to swimming pool equipment. Circuit breakers at the main electrical panel should be turned off to prevent pump motors, lighting, and heaters from operating.
  3. Protect the equipment. Wrap the pump motor and time clock/controller box with waterproof plastic and secure it in place to prevent sand and driving rain from entering.
  4. Remove all loose items from the pool area. Patio furniture, toys and pool tools can become dangerous projectiles in high winds and should be stored inside a building. It is not advisable to throw the patio furniture in the pool due to risk of damage or staining to the pool interior.​
  5. Add extra chlorine to the pool. To prevent contamination from the excessive storm water and debris, add an additional dose of granular chlorine.

After The storm

  1. ​As before the storm, Do Not empty the pool. An empty pool is subject to “floating” or popping out of the ground due to “lift” pressure from excessive ground water caused by heavy rains. If the pool will need to be drained due to excessive debris and/or damage, seek professional advice.
  2. Remove debris from pool first. Remove large objects by hand and use a leaf rake to remove smaller debris from the pool. Do not use the pool’s vacuum system as you will likely plug the plumbing.
  3. Check electrical equipment before restarting system. Remove plastic covering and let the electrical devices dry thoroughly before turning circuit breakers on again. If they have been exposed or submerged in water, they should be checked by a professional.
  4. Prime and clean the filter equipment. Prime the pump, clean the filter and run the system 24 hours a day until water clarity if restored.
  5. Add chlorine to pool. To prevent contamination from the storm debris and excessive water, add a “shock” dose of granular chlorine to the pool water.​
  6. Balance the pool water chemistry. Readjust the pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, conditioner and salt levels and monitor over several days.