How to Prepare Your Inground Pool in Case of Heavy Rains or Hurricanes
Summer in the Northeast brings plenty of sunshine and warm weather—but it is also the season of thunderstorms, heavy rains, and even hurricanes, all of which could potentially damage your pool. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prepare your pool and the surrounding area in advance of severe weather, thereby reducing the risk of damage and costly repairs. Here are a few of the most important steps that we’d recommend for inground pool owners:
- Trim nearby trees and plants, and secure loose objects. During a storm, anything that is not secured may be blown around by strong winds, potentially causing damage. Therefore, it’s important to prune overhanging branches and remove any dead trees or other plants. In addition, secure pool equipment and tools, furniture, and toys, or remove them from the pool area entirely.
- Turn off the power. If a storm is in your forecast, it’s time to disconnect power to all the electrical components of your pool, including pumps, heaters, and lighting systems. This will help avoid electrical hazards caused by flooding or power surges.
- Refrain from draining the pool. While it may seem like a good idea to remove water from your pool in order to prevent flooding during heavy rains, doing so could leave the pool susceptible to scratches and other damage from falling debris. Additionally, as the ground becomes saturated, rising water tables could cause the pool shell to split or pop out of the ground.
- Leave the pool uncovered. Hurricanes and other strong storms can damage even the sturdiest pool covers or cause them to blow away—and in the unlikely event that your pool cover remains intact during the storm, it will be left filled with water and debris that will be a hassle to clean. While it may seem counterintuitive, it’s best to leave your pool uncovered during severe weather.
- Balance the water chemistry. While you may still need to shock your pool after a storm, balancing the water chemistry in advance can help safeguard the pool against the dirt, debris, and other contaminants that will inevitably find their way in.
While summer storms can cause unpredictable damage, taking these precautions can help keep your pool in sound condition and reduce the amount of cleanup required after the storm. Have any questions about getting your pool ready for severe weather? The pool maintenance professionals at Aqua Pool & Patio are here to help! Call us today at (860) 623-9886 to get in touch.
