Preparing your Pool for a Hurricane

As you are all aware, Florida is expecting to get hit by a hurricane this weekend and we at Crystal Pools would like to make sure you all feel prepared. With conditions like these, we are being proactive with chemical levels and increased the amount of chlorine in all of our customers’ pools.  Even with these higher sanitized levels, it is common for pools to turn green after a storm because of debris and untreated water flowing into your pool.

Below are a few guidelines recommended by the Florida Pool & Spa Association (FSPA):

• SHOULD I DRAIN MY POOL?

  • The number one rule: Do not empty your pool.  

  • Keeping sufficient water levels in your pool provides the important weight to hold the sides and bottom in place, especially when heavy rains that accompany most storms raise the local water table. Pools which have been emptied may experience serious subsidence problems and could even be lifted off their foundation.

• SHOULD I LOWER THE WATER LEVEL IN MY POOL?

  • If your pool is properly equipped with adequate drains and skimmers and the surrounding area is properly drained, the water level can probably be left as it is.

  • In cases when surrounding structures might be damaged by the water before it can run off naturally, the experts recommend lowering the pool’s water level by one to two feet.

• SHOULD I DO ANYTHING TO THE POOL WATER CHEMISTRY?

  • Yes, it is recommended that you super chlorinate the pool water. You should “shock the pool” in your normal manner.

• SHOULD I LEAVE MY AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS TURNED ON?

  • It is important that all electric power be turned off at the circuit breakers before the storm hits. 

• SHOULD I TAKE ANY SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS WITH MY DECKING AND SCREENING?

  • Some damage to the frame of your enclosed screen structure may be avoided if you provide a “vent” for wind to escape through. Panels in screens may be removed on either side of the pool area. Doors, which are especially vulnerable, might be removed completely.

• SHOULD I THROW MY POOL FURNITURE INTO THE POOL?

  • No, but the key word is “throw.” Never throw or drop anything into a pool that could damage the pool walls or bottom (especially vinyl lined or fiberglass). It is best to remove any and all loose object such as chairs, tables, pool equipment and even toys which can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. If you cannot store them inside a building, carefully and gently placing them in the pool will help shield them from the winds. Be very careful in doing so, and remember, pool chemicals may damage them. This is not recommended.

Please be safe everyone and as always know you can contact us at any time for help with your pool service!

Do you have a question or a concern? The best way to contact us is via EMAIL. We answer promptly and when we receive emails we can save our communications historically on your account.