PROTECT YOUR POOL
THIS HURRICANE SEASON

Be Prepared: Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

HURRICANE POOL PROTECTION CHECKLIST

Follow these expert tips from the Florida Swimming Pool Association to keep your pool protected:

BEFORE THE STORM

Keep It Full: Don’t drain your pool! The weight of the water keeps the pool from being lifted off its foundation and "popping" out of the ground because of pressure from Florida's high water table.

Trim & Tidy: Cut back branches and remove potential debris.

Super Chlorinate: Shock your pool to maintain water quality in case there is a power outage and the pump is unable to run.

Power Down: Turn off breakers and cover electrical equipment.

Secure Loose Items: Move furniture, toys, etc. indoors. If patio furniture cannot be stored inside, you may gently place it in the pool (avoid scratching the pool finish and note pool chemicals may cause damage).

DURING THE STORM

Stay Inside: Avoid using the pool and stay away from outdoor areas.

AFTER THE STORM

Inspect Before Use: Be sure that everything is dry before dealing with electrical start-up. Check your circuit breakers to be sure they are off before attempting to reconnect electrical equipment such as pump motors. Inspect the wiring (especially ground wires) for proper connections. Be sure that you are following manufacturers’ instructions when reactivating equipment. If electric motors have been exposed to water, they should be checked by a professional.

Clean Safely: Remove debris manually to avoid clogging automatic equipment. Be careful not to damage pool walls when removing large objects.

Balance the Water: Test your pool and balance the water chemistry (you may need to shock it). Monitor the system and be sure clocks and timers have been properly reset.

Maintain Water Level: If rain has overfilled the pool, you can drain it down to its regular level. If you must drain your pool to clean it, be sure to seek professional advice to prevent damage.

CLEAN-UP INFORMATION

Evaluate Your Pool: How hard was your pool hit? Do you have power? What kind of debris is in it? Is the filter equipment intact? Can you see the bottom?

Don't Drain Your Pool: Do NOT drain your pool without understanding the potential issues this can cause! Pools are a major investment, doing something incorrectly can cause extremely expensive additional repairs. When a pool is drained, it is exposed to hydrostatic pressure from the saturated ground. This could cause the entire pool to "float" out of the ground, also known as “popping a pool,” which results in a TOTAL LOSS.

Remove Debris First: If you can see to the bottom of your pool and you want to tackle the job yourself, begin by use a deep net to remove large debris. If you don’t have power, remove large debris right away and then add chemicals to try to keep things from getting worse. Without a running pump, this is all you can do at first.

Monitor Your Filter: Before using a cleaning method to remove smaller particles, be sure to monitor the filter status. Remember, if the pool filtration equipment has been flooded, it WILL require repair.

Check Your Equipment: Once power is back on, check the status of the equipment. Does the pump work? If work needs to be done to get the pump running, be aware that repairs can only be performed by a license pool contractor (a “CPO” is a certification not a license; verify them at www.myfloridalicense.com). Do not allow large debris to get sucked into the system. Multiple filter cleanings may be required.

Hire Licensed Professionals: If you cannot see the bottom of your pool, it is best to work with a professional, licensed pool service company to deal with the situation. If the pool is drained, be certain that the company performing the work is licensed by the State of Florida and is insured. A contractor will need a special addendum or rider to their liability insurance that specifically covers pool damage from draining. You can find vetted, licensed companies and contractors in your area at FSPA.com.

TRUST THE EXPERTS!

At the Florida Swimming Pool Association, we’re committed to helping you protect your investment with reliable, expert advice and services. Trust an FSPA contractor to keep your pool safe and enjoyable, no matter the weather.