Hurricane Precautions
Before the
Storm
Do Not Empty
Your Pool
People may ask, "Won't the pool
overflow if we don't, at least,
lower the water?" Yes it may, but no
more so than if a patio or a plot of
grass were there instead. Adequate
drainage has most always been
provided for in the design of the
pool. Keeping the water in the pool
provides the important weight to
hold the pool in the ground. An
empty pool is subject to "floating"
or "popping" out of the ground due
to "lift" pressure from excessive
ground water caused by the heavy
rains that may accompany the storm.
Turn off Electric Power to Swimming
Pool Equipment
Circuit breakers at the main
electrical panel should be turned
off to prevent pump motors,
lighting, chlorinators, and heaters
from operating.
Protect the Electric Pool Equipment
Wrap the pump motor, time clock,
light transformers and electric
heaters with a waterproof plastic
membrane 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.
Remove all Loose Items From the Pool
Area
Loose objects such as chairs,
tables, toys and pool tools which
can become dangerous projectiles in
high winds should be stored inside
of buildings. It's not advisable to
throw patio furniture into the pool
unless it is a last resort. If it is
necessary to do so, gently place
these items into the pool to prevent
possible damage to the interior
finish and remove as soon as
possible to avoid staining.
Protect the Screen Enclosure
Some damage to the frame of the
screen structure may be prevented if
you provide a "vent" for wind to
flow through. Consider removing
screen panels on opposite sides of
the enclosure by pulling out the
vinyl spine that retain the panels.
Add Extra Chlorine to the Pool
To prevent contamination from the
anticipated debris and excessive
storm water, add a "shock" dose of
liquid or granular chlorine.
Do Not
Cover The Pool
It would be
instinct to run out and close or put on
the swimming pool cover when a storm is
coming. DO NOT 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
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 that may have
accompanied the storm. If it appears
necessary to drain the pool due to
excessive debris and/or damage, you
should seek professional advice.
Remove Debris From Pool First
Remove large
objects by hand and use a "pool
rake" or "skimmer net" to remove
smaller debris from the pool. Do not
attempt to use the pool's vacuum
system for debris that is likely to
plug the plumbing.
Check Electrical Equipment Before
Restarting System
Remove waterproof
plastic membrane from electrical
devices and be sure they are dry
before turning circuit breakers on
again. If these devices have been
exposed to water, they should be
checked by a licensed professional.
Then turn on electricity, prime the
filter system, and check for normal
operation.
Clean the Filter Equipment
Clean the filter
and run the system 24 hours a day.
When the water has attained proper
clarity then reset the time clock
for a normal daily cycle.
Add Chlorine to Pool
To prevent
contamination from the storm debris
and excessive storm water add a
"shock" dose of liquid or granular
chlorine to the pool water.
Balance the Pool Water Chemistry
Readjust the pH,
total alkalinity, calcium hardness
and conditioner levels and continue
to check them carefully over several
days.
Monitor the Pool Operation
It is important
to monitor the overall operation of
the entire system for several days
after the storm to be sure
everything is operating properly. |
