As Florida trudges through this hurricane season with Hurricane Irma fresh in our minds, pool owners have that extra bit of maintenance tacked onto their to-do list. Having a pool in Florida is a luxury that can almost be defined as a necessity with the overwhelming humidity and heat. Being able to cool off quickly and splash around makes swimming an activity synonymous with Florida. When hurricane season hits, however, pool owners must be wary of the damage that can occur from a tumultuous storm. Here are a few dos and don’ts that come with hurricane pool maintenance before and after the storm.

Before the Storm

Dos

• Do turn off all power to any equipment associated with the pool.
• Do disconnect the gas from the heater or if you have a pool service have them disconnect it so that it is done safely.
• Do remove any add-ons to the pool. Add-ons include slides, diving boards, toys, cleaners, covers, and ladders. In the case of heavy winds they may not be secure.
• Do check your pool pump. If the motor is uncovered then it’s best to store it inside until after the storm has passed.
• Do invest in additional chemicals to douse your pool in after the storm to clean any contaminants.

Don’ts

• Don’t drain your pool. If you drain the water from the pool below the normal level and the ground around the pool gets waterlogged then the pool itself can dislodge from ground causing more damage. Allow the water to remain and it will weigh down pool’s shell.
• Don’t use your pool as storage during the storm.

After the Storm

Dos

• Do reconnect all power previously disconnected to pool equipment. (Only after pool is cleaned out and equipment is dry!)
• Do have the gas line reconnected to the pool heater.
• Do drain pool to the correct level.
• Do add chemicals to thoroughly clean pool. Ratio is 1 gallon of chlorine for every 5 gallons of pool water.
• Do test the water before swimming. Any issues call a professional.

Don’ts

• Don’t go swimming without properly cleaning the pool.
• Don’t try to power on any wet equipment.
• Don’t use a vacuum to clean pool is there is lots of wreckage from the storm or you can clog it.