Safeguarding Your Oasis: Preparing Your Swimming Pool for a Hurricane

Need help preparing your pool for the impending storm? We’ve compiled some essential guidelines to assist you in protecting your investment. Below, we will outline the FOUR pool preparation steps we consider the most beneficial.

4 Steps for Hurricane Preparation of Your Swimming Pool

1. Retain Pool Water – It’s crucial NOT TO empty OR lower your pool’s water level prior to a storm. It might seem counter intuitive, but water within the pool provides essential weight to keep it securely in place. Emptying the pool can result in floating or displacement of the shell due to increased groundwater pressure caused by heavy rainfall. This would result in a catastrophic total loss of your pool.
2. Power Down – Turn off the circuit breakers at the main electrical panel. It’s advised to cease operations of pump motors, lighting, chlorinators, and heaters during the storm. This will not only protect the equipment from potential electrical damage and power surges, but it will also minimize the circulation of debris and other potential contaminants.
3. Remove Loose Objects – Items like chairs, tables, toys, and pool tools can transform into hazardous projectiles in strong winds. Storing them indoors away from the storm is the wisest course of action. Due to potential damage to the interior or staining, we do not recommend sinking any of these items in the pool. It may also be beneficial to trim any overhanging branches or loose limbs of the surrounding shrubs and trees.
4. Boost Sanitizer Levels – Super chlorinate in advance or purchase shock to use when the pool is back in circulation after the storm to help with potential contamination and mitigate the diluting effects of excessive stormwater. It is very important that you get your chemicals balanced after the storm as quickly as possible. Algae and other contaminants can take hold very quickly in these warmer temps.

Wishing you a safe and well-prepared hurricane season!