Hurricane season in Central Florida can bring powerful storms that have the potential to cause significant damage to your pool and property. It’s essential to take precautions to ensure your pool is as safe and secure as possible during these events. In this article, we’ll provide safety and damage prevention tips to help you prepare your Central Florida pool for hurricane season.
- Secure Loose Items Remove and store any loose items around your pool area, such as furniture, toys, and pool equipment. High winds can turn these objects into dangerous projectiles that can damage your pool, home, or other structures.
- Protect Your Pool Equipment Turn off the power supply to your pool equipment, such as pumps, filters, and heaters, to prevent electrical damage during a storm. Consider installing a protective cover over your equipment or building an enclosure to shield it from strong winds and debris.
- Lower the Water Level Lower your pool’s water level by 1 to 2 feet to prevent overflow during heavy rainfall. Avoid draining your pool completely, as this can cause the pool to lift out of the ground due to hydrostatic pressure.
- Add Extra Chlorine Add extra chlorine or a pool shock treatment to your pool water before a storm. This will help maintain water quality and prevent algae growth in case debris enters your pool during the storm.
- Trim Surrounding Trees and Shrubs Trim any trees or shrubs near your pool to minimize the risk of branches falling into the pool or damaging your pool enclosure during high winds.
- Check Your Pool Enclosure Inspect your pool enclosure for any signs of damage, such as loose bolts, rust, or cracked panels. Repair any issues before hurricane season to ensure your enclosure can withstand strong winds.
- Do Not Use a Pool Cover Avoid using a pool cover during a hurricane, as it can become damaged or dislodged by strong winds and debris. Your pool can handle debris better than a cover, and cleaning the pool after the storm is often easier than repairing a damaged cover.
- Create an Emergency Plan Develop an emergency plan for your family and pool area, including steps to secure your pool and evacuate if necessary. Ensure all family members are familiar with the plan.
- Post-Storm Cleanup and Inspection After a hurricane, inspect your pool and equipment for any damage. Remove debris from the pool and restore the water chemistry to normal levels. If you find any damage or issues, contact a professional pool service like Orlando Pool Tech for assistance.
By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risk of damage to your Central Florida pool during hurricane season and ensure the safety of your property and family. If you need assistance with pool maintenance, repair, or storm preparation, contact the experts at Orlando Pool Tech at 1-800-229-7138 for professional help.