Hurricane preparations are a part of every pool’s routine. The best way to prepare your pool for hurricane season is to make sure that it has all the necessary equipment and supplies on hand before the big storm hits. The better prepared you are, the less loss you will face with respect to your swimming pool.
However, there are things you should avoid doing if you want your pool to survive an emergency situation and still be usable after the storm passes.
Don’t drain your pool in advance – but you should lower the water level
The first thing you should do is not drain your pool. If you have a saltwater system, it’s best to leave your pool filled as much as possible.
If you’ve drained your pool in advance of a storm and want to refill it with fresh water, there are several steps that need to be taken.
Lower the water level by at least one foot (30cm). If possible, lower it by more than one foot. This way, all of the sediment settles at the bottom of the tank rather than clogging up pumps or filters. This will also help prevent scum from forming on top of remaining chemicals and other debris from being washed out into drains when refilling occurs after the storm.
Don’t remove the pool cover
Removing the pool cover while preparing for a hurricane is not recommended as it can lead to significant damage to the pool and surrounding area. Pool covers are designed to protect the pool and its components from wind, rain, and debris. Removing it before a hurricane can leave the pool exposed to these elements.
Instead, it is important to properly secure the pool cover to ensure that it remains in place during the storm. This can be done by adding additional straps or anchors to the cover and making sure the cover is tight and wrinkle-free. If a pool cover is not an option, consider adding extra water to the pool.
Do not attempt to swim in a storm-affected pool
Swimming in a pool that has been damaged by a storm is dangerous. You could be injured by broken glass or debris, which could cause serious injury if you fall into the pool. You can also expose yourself to contaminated water from tree branches and other sources outside of your pool that have fallen into the water.
You also have to be careful not to get yourself electrocuted by downed power lines and transformers. These are common after storms because of downed trees in yards near homes with fibreglass pools adelaide.
Drowning is also possible due to rising water levels from flooding caused by rains from hurricanes. So, you need to be extra careful.
Don’t store furniture or other objects on your pool cover
If you store anything on your pool cover, be sure to secure it with rope or bungee cords. You should also consider replacing your pool cover if it has been damaged in any way.
Pool covers are designed to be strong, but they can tear when they begin to become heavy and drag against the walls of the swimming pool. In addition, debris like sand or leaves can build up over time. It causes an unsafe situation for swimmers who may slip and fall into deep water while trying to avoid these objects.
Do not let the electric pool equipment out
Do not let the pool pump or filter run during a storm. You should also take care of your pool lights and pool heater. The same goes for any other equipment connected to electricity. Don’t leave them running when a hurricane is on the way.
Don’t neglect ground cover around your pool
Ground cover around your pool is an important aspect to consider when preparing for a hurricane. Neglecting it can lead to significant damage to your pool and surrounding area. Strong winds and heavy rainfall can easily dislodge or uproot loose or poorly anchored ground cover. This can then be propelled into your pool or surrounding deck, causing damage or even blocking the skimmer and pump.
It’s important to make sure any ground cover is well anchored and trimmed before a hurricane hits to reduce the potential for damage. Additionally, it’s a good idea to remove any debris, such as leaves or twigs, from the area around the pool.
Don’t keep valuables in your backyard shed
If you have a backyard shed, it’s important to remember that it’s not a safe place to store valuables. In fact, if your pool chemicals are stored in the shed, and something happens, they could be blown into the pool by the wind or floodwaters. This can cause serious injury or death for anyone who happens to be nearby when those chemicals explode.
Prepare yourself and your pool for a hurricane
Hurricanes are devastating, and while there is nothing that can be done to prevent it, it is possible to prepare yourself to deal with them. You should prepare yourself and your pool for a hurricane by:
- Use the right chemicals. The right amount of chemicals is crucial in preventing damage to your pool and its equipment, which can be costly to replace after a storm passes. If you see that the water level has gone down significantly, this may be an indicator that too much chemical was used.
- Make sure there are no holes in the wall of your house or garage where the wind could blow debris into them during an evacuation. This will also help you get much-needed peace of mind.
Conclusion
In addition to these tips, it is recommended that you make sure you have all of your emergency plans in place before a hurricane hits. This will ensure that everyone knows what they should do and how they can help each other during a storm. Be sure to keep these tips in mind as much as possible when preparing for hurricanes. It will help keep you and your family safe while ensuring that your swimming pool is still good to go after the storm has passed.
Infographic provided by Canter Power Systems, Generac generator Houston