Pool Safety During Hurricane Season

Pool hurricane preparation is important when leading up to a potential severe weather event, but it’s even more important to form a swimming pool safety plan before you’re in danger. This way, instead of researching procedures, you are ready to act. Preparation for hurricane season in Florida is a year-round concern, as waiting until the last moment could leave you struggling to find supplies you may need, and you will always be working against the clock if a hurricane or tropical storm approaches, even with the preparation you’ve done beforehand. Know the best hurricane tips for swimming pools beforehand, and you can have your pool area secured and move on to protecting the rest of your property faster.

The Dangers Of Hurricanes For Your Pool

Hurricanes and tropical storms are dangerous. These powerful storms come with catastrophic levels of wind, flooding, and the potential for secondary damage from debris. Pools can be easily damaged by hurricanes as debris can crack concrete, destroy fences and decks, turn any unsecured object into projectiles, and even rid the lining from a pool. Your favorite summer play area is not only in danger, it could represent a danger if pool hurricane preparation doesn’t happen first.

The Goal Of These Hurricane Tips For Swimming Pools

It’s important to understand that while these are best practices, there is no guarantee that your pool still won’t be damaged or a hazardous condition related to your pool won’t occur. Hurricanes and tropical storms are monstrously strong. Our preparations are designed to lower the risks you face as a pool owner, but in the end, these powerful storms are unpredictable and incredibly deadly. Always make your safety a priority in the event of a hurricane, even over last-minute protection attempts for your property.

What To Do Before A Hurricane

Pool hurricane preparation starts before hurricane season begins by properly maintaining a safe pool area year-round. By keeping up with your pool, it is ready for you to get right to preparation when the moment arrives. Here’s what you need to do when a severe weather event is approaching.

• Make sure your pool is filled. – A full pool is a heavy pool, and that weight pushes down and against the sides to help protect it. This holds the sides and bottom in place during strong winds while providing inertial cushioning from debris that might otherwise impact with enough force to tear or crack your pool.
• Shock your pool water. – Between flying dirt and debris, your pool is being opened up to more than just physical threats, plus in the event of loss of power, your regular filtration system may be down for an extended period of time. Making sure your pool is at peak chlorination beforehand will help its chemistry. 
• Clear your pool area of hazards. – Start by removing potential debris you wouldn’t want to end up in your pool. That means trimming back branches, ensuring your pool area is glass-free, and removing anything else you’ve been meaning to find a place for.  Removable or portable fences should be taken down and secured to prevent damage. Next, secure your pool area furniture and accessories. Take what you can inside. Some larger items, if waterproof, like some patio chairs or tables, can be cleaned off and carefully stored in the pool itself. The water shouldn’t hurt them short-term, and the weight will once again help prevent them from becoming projectiles. 
• Close your swimming pool safety cover or net. – Your safety cover is intended to be durable. While there are no guarantees with a hurricane-level storm, the cover provides additional protection to your pool and any items stored inside it. 
• Cut off all power at the circuit breakers. – Water and electricity don’t mix. Turning off the power at the circuit breakers helps avoid electrical hazards during the storm and in the aftermath.
• Take plenty of pictures. – Now that your pool area is clear, take pictures of what it looks like before the storm for any potential insurance claims.

Swimming Pool Tips For After A Hurricane

 Once the danger has passed (and not just the leading edge), leaving you in the calm of the hurricane’s eye, it’s time to take stock of the work needed to return to normal. This is where the pool hurricane preparation you did beforehand pays for itself. 

• Inspect the pool area first. – Your inclination may be to jump right into the task of getting your pool up, but take time to carefully examine your pool area and plan for your next steps. Before the storm you had taken your pool down to the bare bones necessary, now, with the power still off, carefully survey the area for any signs of damage, especially potential electrical hazards. Take photographs as needed to document your findings.
• Begin clearing debris. – Branches, limbs, and other items that found their way into the pool area need to be carefully removed. Open your pool cover or net, manually if possible, to remove debris from the water with a net or skimmer. Be careful as broken glass can be virtually invisible underwater.
• Restore power. – Once you are sure it is safe from electrical hazards, restore power to your pool systems and check them for functionality.
• Shock your pool again. – This will help your pool’s water regain its balance after the contamination of the storm and any potential power outages.
• Call the professionals. – While service workers are usually busy following a natural disaster, don’t be afraid to call professional contractors to handle the larger issues. Whether it’s an electrician to check your outdoor wiring or a safety professional to help address damage to your pool safety fence or cover, getting a pro involved early can save you time and money.

Pool Hurricane Preparation Pays

If you’re expecting inclement weather, mitigating damage beforehand can help you avoid dangerous situations and higher repair bills afterward. Whether you need parts for maintenance and repair or want to talk to a technician about installing a swimming pool safety cover for your peace of mind, All-Safe Pool is ready to help. Contact us today for a free quote.