Do's & Don'ts!
Hurricane season is always stressful, but we are here to help! Here are some tips to get your pool hurricane ready & to be safe during the storm!
Before the Storm:
Do NOT empty your pool! You might think it's safer to have it empty, but in fact the opposite is true. The water will weigh it down, as well as protecting the finish from any debris. An empty pool can actually pop right out of the ground, thanks to hydrostatic pressure and flooding.
Turn off any electric power to your pool equipment. To prepare a pool for a hurricane, circuit breakers at the main electrical panel should be turned off to prevent pump motors, lighting, chlorinators, and heaters from operating during the worst part of the storm. Run the pumps and filters while it's calm, but when heavy rain, wind and lightning arrive, shut them off for the duration of the hurricane.
Protect the electrical equipment! after the equipment is shut off, wrap the pump motor, time clock, light transformers and electric heaters with a waterproof plastic wrap (like a tarp) and tie it securely in place to prevent sand and driving water from entering. If flooding is expected, it may be best to disconnect these devices and store them in a dry place, especially the pump. If a pool pump is submerged, the motor will likely be ruined. Spend some time if necessary to clear the areas around the equipment pad of mulch, leaves, debris and soil to ensure that water drains away rapidly from the equipment pad.
Remove all Loose items from pool area! Loose objects, tables, toys and pool cleaning tools can become dangerous projectiles in hurricane force winds. Be sure to store them inside of buildings. It is not advisable to throw patio furniture into the pool unless it is a last resort.
Add extra chlorine to the pool! To prevent contamination of the anticipated debris and excessive storm water, good swimming pool hurricane preparation suggests that you add a "shock" dose of liquid or granular chlorine. Lower the pH first to around 7.2 for best results, and run the filter after shocking for several hours to circulate.
Do not cover the pool! It's natural instinct to run out and put on a pool cover to prepare a pool for a hurricane. DON'T DO IT! Storms bring wind and wind can cause falling branches and other flying debris that can damage pool covers. It's much easier to remove debris from the pool after the storm than it would be to replace an expensive cover.
After the Storm:
When the storm has cleared, check your surroundings before inspecting for pool damage. If you chose to submerge items in the pool, remove them as soon as possible.
Don't use your pool water for drinking or sanitation as it may be contaminated or still super-chlorinated.
Inspect your pool's plumbing, pumps, and filters for cracks and leaks.
Check water and chemicals levels and set your valves to the circulation position before turning on the pumps. Then turn the power back on to the outlets.
Don't reconnect power until debris is removed and you are sure there is no damage to the electrical system. You may want to consider giving us a call before you turn the system back on, especially if you suspect electrical damage.
Start the filter pump and run the system for long hours each day. When the water has attained proper clarity then reset the time clock for a normal daily cycle. Backwash the filter as needed to maintain flow rates.
Readjust the pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and conditioner levels and continue to check them carefully over several days. Heavy addition of soils or debris to the pool can cause dramatic changes to water chemistry. Balancing is important to help chlorine sanitize the water to prevent staining.
Give us a call if any assistance is needed!