(BPT) - If you live in hurricane-affected areas of the country, and you own a pool, it's important to know how to best protect your pool investment. Taking a few simple steps before a hurricane hits can leave the pool in better shape after the storm passes, and may help you avoid the worst of the damage. While learning how to prepare your pool for a hurricane, take some time to review the steps you should take afterward, so you can enjoy your pool once again.
Preparing for a hurricane
Don’t just guess what might help your pool during a storm. These tips come from the experts at Leslie’s, who help homeowners care for their pools in any weather.
Cleaning up after a hurricane
When the storm has passed and you have the "all clear" to return home and resume normal activities, follow these steps to get your pool safe to enjoy with your family once again.
Don’t completely drain the pool: Again, elevated water tables following a severe storm event may cause damage to an inground pool. If necessary, you can lower the water level to its normal position (halfway up the skimmer) with the help of a submersible pump or by backwashing the filter (once you get the equipment up and running).
In most cases, it’s possible to clean up what you have, and the following tips will help you get your sparkling pool back. On the other hand, if you're dealing with ocean contamination or a situation where the water is not recoverable, always consult with a pool service professional first to avoid permanently damaging the pool structure.
Remove leaves and large debris: Use a skimmer net or leaf rake to scoop out as much debris as possible. Clean out the pump strainer and skimmer baskets.
Restore power to equipment: Reconnect equipment, remove waterproofing measures, and inspect all equipment for signs of impact or water damage. If your equipment is dry and appears to be in good condition, you can restore the power when it’s safe to do so. If not, seek the advice of a pool service professional.
Circulation and filtration: If you’re able to run the pump and filter system, run it 24/7 until the water turns clear again. If the water is especially dirty, you may need to clean the filter a few times since it may quickly fill with debris.
Following these steps before and after a hurricane should help you keep your pool in good shape — or at least help restore water conditions quickly — so you can get back to your normal routine.