Staying Prepared

If you are a homeowner in the Southeastern United States, you might be wondering how to prepare for a hurricane? Checking everything off your hurricane prep list can be a very stressful task. In this short article, we will teach you how to prepare for a hurricane with an easy hurricane checklist for your pool. Fortunately, pool prep for hurricane season is simpler than you might think.

Here are five key takeaways to keep in mind when prepping your pool for a hurricane or tropical storm.

1) DO NOT DRAIN YOUR POOL

If you are prepping for hurricane season, you are most likely living 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 your 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.

2) 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 form 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.

3) PROTECT YOUR POOL PUMP

Run your pool equipment for as long as you can until the storm is eminent. Then, cut power to any electrical equipment before flooding occurs around your equipment pad. Be sure to turn off each of the pool components at the breaker box. It is important that you have the ability to cut power to your equipment from a centralized location inside your home. You do not want to be ankle deep in water, meddling with electrical equipment. Also, it’s not a bad idea to add chlorine to your pool, as heavy rainfall will dilute it in the coming days.

4) 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 submerges 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.

5) SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP BEFORE YOU SWIM

Ok, so the storm has passed, my home is in decent shape. Can I dive in and swim? We always advise that you seek professional pool treatment after an event such as a hurricane. A storm surge can cause sewage, wastewater, road oils, and sea or lake water to wash into your pool. A professional should shock your pool by adding chlorine and adjusting the chemistry. 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.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Keep an eye on your 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.

Keep your hurricane prep items stocked at the beginning of the season.

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 priory is reducing risk of damage to your home. In that order!

The next time you are worried about a tropical storm near Florida, Texas, or wherever you may be located, follow these steps to reduce the risk of damage to your home.