As hurricane season approaches, ensuring the safety of your home and family becomes a top priority. However, it's equally important to prepare your pool and spa to withstand the storm. Proper preparation not only protects your investment but also prevents potential hazards during and after the storm. Whether you have a chlorine, saltwater, or bromine pool or hot tub, taking the right steps can make a significant difference. In this blog, we'll share essential hurricane preparedness tips to help you safeguard your pool and spa, ensuring they remain in top condition even in the face of severe weather.
Before the Storm | Pools | Spas | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trim branches and clear yard debris. | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||||
Move all outdoor furniture and accessories inside. Do not place items in pool. They can cause staining or damager to the pool finish. | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||||
Remove solar blankets and pool covers. Store them indoors. | ✔ | ||||||||||
Remove automatic pool cleaner and store indoors. | ✔ | ||||||||||
Lock safety straps on portable spa covers. | ✔ | ||||||||||
Store spa steps or benches indoors. | ✔ | ||||||||||
If your pool area has poor drainage, lower water level by 1 foot. Do not drain pool. | ✔ | ||||||||||
Turn off gas heater at supply valve. | ✔ | ||||||||||
Add extra shock or chlorine. | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||||
Turn off breakers to all electrical components including pump, lights, and heater. | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||||
Wrap pump motor, time clock, light transformers, and electric heaters with waterproof plastic to prevent driving water and sand or remove and store indoors. Consider using sand bags to prevent flooding if left in place. | ✔ | ||||||||||
If you remove child safety fencing, keep all exterior doors locked at all times. | ✔ | ||||||||||
Create a vent on each side of your screened pool enclosure by removing a screen panel and possibly your screen doors. | ✔ | ||||||||||
After the Storm | Pools | Spas | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Remove debris from pool before using the pool vacuum. | ✔ | ||||||||||
Do not drain the pool. It’s often easier to adjust the current water chemistry. If it is absolutely necessary to drain, wait until ground is no longer saturated. | ✔ | ||||||||||
Check electrical equipment before trying to restart. Equipment must be dry. | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||||
Turn circuit breakers on. | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||||
Backwash or drain to waste in order to lower water level to mid skimmer. | ✔ | ||||||||||
Prime filter system and check for normal operation. | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||||
Test water and adjust water chemistry as needed. | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||||
Monitor system for several days to ensure there has been no damage. | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||||
This list is not intended to be a complete guide to hurricane preparedness. When in doubt, consult a licensed pool professional, gas professional, or electrician. For more information on hurricane preparedness, contact FEMA, Red Cross, or National Hurricane Center. | |||||||||||
Hurricane Pool Clean Up with Revive!®
- Net or vacuum as much organic matter as possible from the bottom of the pool. (even if you can't see the bottom)
- Shock pool at a rate of 4 gallons of liquid chlorine or 4 lbs. of granular shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water with the pump running. Circulate for at least 60 minutes.
- Even if not visible, brush all pool walls.
- Turn pool pump off. Spray Revive!® (32oz per 12,000 gallons) over the surface of the pool.
- Adjust the timer to keep the pump off while treating with Revive!® for the most efficient application and treatment.
- Return to the pool in 48-72 hours and vacuum debris to waste.
Taking the time to properly prepare your pool and spa for a hurricane can save you significant time, money, and stress in the aftermath of the storm. By following these tips, you can protect your pool equipment, maintain water quality, and ensure a safer environment for everyone. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in preserving the longevity and functionality of your pool and spa. Stay safe this hurricane season, and make sure your pool and spa are ready to weather the storm. For more information on maintaining your pool and spa year-round, visit our website and explore our range of care and maintenance products.
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