A Storm is Headed Toward the Pool – What Should You Do?

RISMEDIA, July 7, 2009-(MCT)-What should you do with the pool if a tropical storm or hurricane is heading your way? Keeping sufficient water levels in your pool provides the important weight to hold the sides and bottom in place, especially when heavy rains that accompany most storms raise the local water table. Never, never empty your pool. Pools that have been emptied can experience serious structural problems and could even be lifted off their foundation.

If your pool is properly equipped with adequate drains and skimmers and the surrounding area is properly drained, the water level can probably be left as it is.

Clear the area around any deck drains to allow maximum water flow off your deck.

It is recommended that you super-chlorinate the pool water. You should “shock the pool” in your normal manner.

Turn off electric power at the circuit breakers before the storm hits.

Don’t forget to properly store light toys and patio furniture; they can become flying projectiles inside your pool area.

Never put any items of glass, such as tables, into your pool at any time. If the glass did shatter on the deck or in the pool, it would be almost impossible to locate and remove every small sliver.

Extra very important tip: Remember to close an umbrella when not using the pool to prevent the wind from sending it skyward. High winds can overturn an open umbrella fitted into a patio table, causing the table to fall over and, if glass, shatter on your pool deck.

Paul Roth of Roll-A-Way Protective Pool Fence in Orlando is a member of the Florida Swimming Pool Association, an industry trade group.