09/23/2024
Good evening!! With the potential of bad weather looming, I felt it important to share these tips to get your pool ready-
Do not drain your pool-
We live in an area where the water table is already at a high level. Water levels will rise due to heavy rainfall, but the weight of the water in your swimming pool will keep it secured in the ground. If you drain it, the underground water will force your pool up and out of the ground, cracking the foundation, and destroying it completely. Reducing the water level even by a couple of feet can leave it vulnerable to popping out and ruining its structural integrity.
Inspect and secure pool area-
Inspect the pool area for any potential hazards. This can include loose fencing, overhanging trees, or electrical wiring. Secure or remove all pool furniture and accessories (tables, chairs, pool toys, potted plants, etc.). These items can be blown away by the wind or become projectiles during a storm. Lock your screen doors. When removing patio furniture from your pool area, many people will throw it in their pool. While this may prevent objects from blowing away, it has the potential to create rust stains at the bottom of your pool, if the furniture is made of metal. If you have string lights above or around your pool, we advise that you disassemble them before the storm.
Protect your pool pump-
Run your pool equipment for as long as you can until the storm is imminent. Then, cut power to any electrical equipment before flooding occurs around your equipment pad. You do not want to be ankle deep in water, meddling with electrical equipment. Also, it’s not a bad idea to add chlorine (if you have any at home) to your pool, as heavy rainfall will dilute it in the coming days. 1-1.5 pounds won’t hurt anything at all.
Do not run submerged equipment-
I repeat! Do not attempt to run submerged equipment. You could risk a fatal electric shock. It is critical that the swimming pool pump be completely dry before you even attempt to restore power to it. Not only does this pose a threat of bodily harm, running submerged equipment can destroy your pool pump. In this case, the only option would be a total pump replacement, which can significantly add to your hurricane recovery budget.
Make sure a pool professional inspects the pool and equipment before swimming-
Ok, so the storm has passed, your home is in decent shape. Can you dive in and swim? I advise that you allow a pool professional inspect everything after an event such as a hurricane. A storm surge can cause sewage, wastewater, road oils, and bay or lake water to wash into your pool. Shocking the pool and adjusting the chemicals after the storm is very important. This step is crucial for reducing bacteria, netting out debris, and removing any other contaminants that may cause unsafe swimming conditions for you and your family.
Keep an eye on a trusted hurricane tracker. It’s called the hurricane path of uncertainty for a reason. There can be dramatic changes to the outcome of these storms, so make sure to stay as informed as possible.
The safety of you and your family is obviously top priority. Take the proper precautions that ensure you are out of harm’s way and have everything you need for the span of three to four days. Your second priorty is reducing risk of damage to your home. In that order!
Be safe!
