Storm Season is Here – Don’t Let Your Pool Suffer
What to do Before and After a Storm
Hurricane season is well under way; this type of weather can be troubling for both pool owners and their cleaning and repair service. Every year we get hundreds of calls from customers and non-customers alike, asking for advice about what they should do with their pools and pool equipment when a storm is on its way or has already caused damage. We are hoping this blog post will help you prepare for and handle these situations.
Before the Storm
DO NOT DRAIN YOUR POOL
The water in your pool provides important weight to hold the sides and bottom in place. Pools that have been emptied could, in extreme cases, rise out of the ground causing permanent structural damage to the pool and deck.
TURN ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT OFF
If a bad storm is coming and you feel there is a danger of standing water submerging your pool equipment, taking this preventative step can save you a lot of money and protect your equipment. Turn off all electrical power at the circuit breakers before the storm hits. Obviously this is not necessary for every small storm that we experience in Florida.
After the Storm
DO NOT DRAIN YOUR POOL
No physical harm will come to your pool by having too much water in it; if you feel there is a risk that the elevated water level may flood your property, go ahead and drain it down to the normal level – half way up the skimmer opening.
REMOVE DEBRIS FROM THE POOL
If your pool cannot wait until your next scheduled cleaning, a pool net is the best skimming device to remove debris. Using a regular pool vacuum may clog the plumbing if the debris is more than a few leaves or a bit of dirt. Of course having a screened-in pool makes this job a lot easier!
We will take care of all your pool's chemical changes when we visit; it may be necessary to “shock” your pool water again. The heavy water accumulation from rainfall may need to be counteracted so we will test your water during every visit before deciding what will be best for your pool.
When storms are harsh enough, they can affect our weekly cleaning schedule and the completion of pool equipment repairs, but don’t worry, we work overtime to get back on schedule and get your pools back to where they need to be. If you have any questions feel free to contact us, we are always happy to take your call.
File under: Pool Cleaning, Pool Repair
Next entry:
Pool Safety – Taking precautions to keep swimming fun »