As hurricane season approaches, homeowners in Tampa need to take proactive steps to safeguard their property. This includes pools and spas! Whether your home features a newly installed system or a pool remodel, preparing your aquatic amenities properly can help minimize potential damage.
Below, we outline five practical and manageable steps to help you prepare your pool and spa before a hurricane makes landfall.
Balance the Water Chemistry Ahead of Time
Get your pool water treated and balanced before the storm arrives! This might seem counterintuitive when you anticipate heavy rainfall, but balanced water chemistry can help prevent algae growth and contamination. Superchlorination, or “shocking” your pool beforehand, will also destroy any impurities that reach your pool through debris or rain runoff. This will eliminate a significant amount of post-storm cleaning or pool maintenance that you would otherwise have to do.
Turn Off the Pool Power and Secure Electrical Equipment
Safety begins with turning off all electricity to your pool equipment. Turn off breakers that supply electricity to pool pumps, heaters, lights, and chlorinators. This minimizes the chance of electrical surges and fire hazards in the storm.
Turn off the power and cover or move sensitive electrical components to an indoor location. Be sure to secure them with weather-tight covers that offer high wind and rain resistance.
Do Not Drain the Pool—Lower It Slightly if Needed
No matter what anyone says to you, it is never wise to drain your pool before a hurricane hits. Water in the ground’s water table will surge with a rainstorm and build hydrostatic pressure against the pool shell. That means an empty or even partially drained pool may lift out of the ground, especially if it was recently installed. Therefore, lower the water level slightly—no more than one to two feet—to allow for rainwater while maintaining structural stability.
Remove and Store Loose Items Around the Pool Area
Pool toys, umbrellas, planters, and outdoor furniture become projectiles that are potentially dangerous in hurricane-force winds. Bring these items inside your home or store them in an enclosed, secure deck box. Secure all removable accessories for spas, such as headrests or covers.
Use Heavy-duty straps or ties to fix items that are not removable to secure them in place. Remove solar blankets, skimmer baskets, or automatic pool cleaners to prevent damage.
Install Protective Pool Barriers and Coverings
If you do own a safety cover or a hurricane-rated pool cover, install it now. Correct coverings will prevent material from entering the pool and reduce the need for later cleaning in case of a storm. Non-wind-rated covers may be torn apart or become safety hazards in strong storms.
Use temporary windbreaks or barriers, such as sandbags or portable fencing, around the pool to deflect flying debris and reduce water contamination.
Post-Storm Assessment and Professional Support
Check your pool and spa system for damage following the storm. Do not turn on the equipment until you are certain that all equipment is dry and there is no damage. Structural or mechanical damage is typically the type that necessitates professional pool repairs. Restore your pool to operating status, or create an entire pool remodel by using only local experts who are highly trained to do the work.
Homeowners in the Tampa area seeking expert assistance should contact JJB Pools and Spas for reliable service and expert guidance. With hurricane preparation, a thoughtful and professional approach goes a long way in protecting your investment and restoring peace of mind.
Picture Credit: iStock
JJB Pools & Spas provides expert pool maintenance, repair, resurfacing, and renovation across Tampa Bay — serving Largo, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Belleair, South Tampa, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, St. Pete Beach, Davis Islands & Clearwater Beach. We use only the best pool and spa industry brands, including Wet Edge Technologies, Primera Stone, Prism Matrix, Luna Quartz, Signature Matrix, and Aquabella Tile. JJB Pools is also a platinum warranty station for all Hayward brand equipment, and an expert in Variable Speed Pumps and energy-efficient pool heating. Call for a free estimate! (727) 412-4373