It’s that time of season and it’s one of the risks we take living on the coast – hurricanes. Preparing your pool for a hurricane can help prevent potential damage to your pool and equipment.
Whether it’s your first or fiftieth hurricane season, Heritage Pools is here to help you prepare for it, and, if need be, recover from it.
The following steps will help you be prepared for when the inevitable storm arises.
Stay Prepared
Hurricanes approach with little warning, and for Charleston area residents, it’s crucial to be prepared. Any storm can cause significant damage, and pools can become contaminated with debris.
Pre-Storm
Do not empty your pool before or after the storm.
If conditions allow, it is best to maintain water levels to the middle of your skimmer.
Pro tip: Before the storm, take pictures of your pool and equipment.
Tip #1: Do Not Empty Your Pool Before or After The Storm
Water weight is what keeps your pool in the ground. Without water, extensive damage can occur, possibly resulting in your pool “popping” out of the ground.
Pro tip: If your pool is flooded, assume it has been contaminated with foreign objects or debris. We recommend testing flooded pools to ensure chemicals are within normal limits. Always check for wildlife.
Do not use your flooded pool or spa. Contact us to assist.
Tip #2: Turn Off Power and Protect Equipment
Pumps, lights, chlorinators, heaters, etc. should be turned off at the main circuit breaker for your pool equipment. You do not want your pool equipment running during the storm in the event of a flood.
If you know your area is prone to flooding, we suggest laying down a sandbag barricade around your equipment.
Tip #3: Safely Store Objects
While taking pictures of your pool and equipment, you should also take a look around your pool deck and backyard. Chairs, umbrellas, tables, grills, and other items can become airborne hazards during the storm. Store these loose objects in a safe, enclosed space.
Never store objects in your pool.
Tip #4: Add Chemicals to Your Pool
Storms bring all kinds of debris into a pool. We advise adding the following amount of liquid chlorine to your pool:
- 10,000 gallons – add a minimum of 4 gallons
- 30,000 gallons – add a minimum of 6 gallons
- 40,000 gallons – add a minimum of 8 gallons
In addition to chlorine, you should also add algaecide to prevent your pool from turning green. For pools under 10,000 gallons, add 6-7 ounces of algaecide. Pools over this capacity, double the dose to 13-14 ounces of algaecide.
Tip #5: Pool Covers
Always leave your pool cover open. Extra weight and debris can damage your pool cover if closed during the storm.
Tip #6: Well Points
It is best for a professional to assess your pool prior to running your well points, in case of producing further damage.
Call Heritage Pools for Professional Assistance
Professional assistance is available from Heritage Pools. If after the storm, you’re concerned about damage, you can reach us at (843) 762-3417, and we can dispatch someone to assess your pool, deck, and equipment.
