10/09/2024
Before The Storm:
Try trimming nearby trees and bushes. Dead limbs and branches may become airborne and cause damage to houses, pool equipment and/or screen enclosures.
Store loose items in a safe place:
Patio furniture, toys, canvas awnings, patio umbrellas, grills, telescopic poles and pool equipment, like automatic pool cleaners, can become dangerous projectiles during hurricanes and thunderstorms. Remove all unsecured items and store them indoors until the threat passes. Do not throw items into the pool as chemicals could cause damage and removal can be difficult.
Remove solar blankets and covers:
Like the items on your patio, blankets and covers should be stored indoors during periods of heavy wind. If you have a portable spa, lock the safety straps on spa covers or remove and store indoors, along with any steps or benches.
Remember child safety:
Should you remove child safety fencing, do not allow children near the pool and keep all exterior doors locked.
Prevent electrical problems:
If there is a chance the pool motor or other permanently plumbed electrical equipment could be submerged, make sure to shut down power at the breaker panel. Sandbag the area around the equipment, if possible. Wrap the exposed equipment in a waterproof covering and tie it securely.
Monitor your water level:
If you expect heavy rain and decide to lower the water level to help prevent overflowing, do not drain past the bottom of the skimmer. Do not drain the pool completely! An empty pool is subject to “floating” or “popping” out of the ground due to lift pressure from excessive groundwater and running your pool pump dry can cause serious damage.
Remember gas heater safety:
If you have a gas heater, turn off the gas supply at the valve.
After The Storm:
Remove branches, leaves, mulch and other foreign matter from the pool before you run the pump to prevent clogging the suction lines. If you have to enter your pool to clear debris, make sure you wear shoes to avoid injury to your feet.
If you lost power during the storm, remember to reset your circuit breakers and pump timer(s) when electricity is restored, taking care to be sure that everything is dry. Remove any covering from the motor or other equipment to allow proper airflow. If the pump motor has been submerged, it should be removed for professional cleaning and drying.
Return the pool water to its proper level. Empty the pump and skimmer baskets and open the appropriate valves to allow water to circulate properly when the pump is turned back on.
Super-chlorinate the pool and circulate continuously until clarity returns. Clean or backwash filters often and recharge with new D.E. if applicable. There will be a higher volume of debris and particulate in the water than normal and your filter will need more attention for a few days.
Call us to have your pool water analyzed and back to the proper pool balance as quickly as possible. After any rain, circulate the pool for at least a couple of hours prior to collecting a sample. This will combine the chemically treated water with the rainwater to ensure an accurate sample.
Repair or replace any screens, doors, fences or gates used to prevent children from entering your pool unattended.
When your pool is clean and clear, resume normal operation.
* Additional charges may be added to your monthly invoice if debris and additional chemicals are needed to maintain your swimming pool. Any additional charges will be discussed before we perform any additional work.
Attentively, Follow The Son Co
813-270-8172
[email protected]
