23
Mr. Pool Service, has been servicing pools for over 20 years in Coral Springs and owner Mitch Jaffe shares important tips designed to keep the home and pool safe during Hurricane Irma.
Should I drain my pool?
Absolutely not, as this could cause your pool to float or pop in hydrostatic pressure. The water in your pool actually serves as a protection against flying debris. In a dry pool the impact could damage the finish. The water serves as a buffer.
Should I cover my pool?
Another absolutely not! That’s because so much water will accumulate that the cover will sink into the pool. The other worry is flying debris – if one branch should puncture the cover you’ll have to invest in a new one.
Is it okay to sink my patio furniture in my pool so it doesn’t blow away?
I don’t recommend putting anything metal or glass into a pool, no telling how long it would be trapped there after a heavy storm.
Will I have to power down the pool if the electricity is just going to cut out anyway?
I strongly recommend all power to the pool be turned off at the breaker. Furthermore, all propane heaters should be disconnect from the pool equipment, as the storm’s impact could break the gas line causing considerable damage.
Do I only have to bring in, or chain up, lighter items like my patio furniture?
No, you really need to secure everything on your pool area. Including all the pool equipment, such as filtration systems, motors, and heaters. Make sure this equipment is properly covered by waterproof tarps or motor covers designed to protect the equipment.
What about bigger pieces, heavier items such as grills? Can’t I just chain them down?
A heavy grill can still go flying if you should experience a powerful hurricane. If the whole grill isn’t lifted off the ground there are still some heavy parts of it, such as doors or hoods which could get carried off in the wind. This could cause serious problems to other parts of your property.
Is it really necessary to trim my palm tree limbs and other trees?
Look around the pool deck area. Make sure to prune any tree limbs, which overhang the pool so as not to inflict any damage you could have easily avoided.
What’s the first thing I should do after the storm?
Inspect all wiring and equipment for signs of damage before powering up any equipment. If you’re unsure contact an electrician or pool care company you know to be reliable. Next, check the chemical balance after the storm. Large amounts of rainwater can alter the chemical composition of the pool water and it might not be safe to swim in right away.
Mitch adds that pool owners should pay attention to the debris that has accumulated after the storm. He encourages you to remove larger debris, then skim several times with a net before you use the vacuuming system. Missing any sizable debris could ruin the vacuum and finish of the pool. Mr. Pool can be called upon after the hurricane to do a post-storm inspection, the price is based on a case-by-case basis
Go to MrPoolService.com or call 561.755.POOL with any questions.
This information was originally published in The Parklander and edited for Coral Springs Talk.
Author Profile
Related
NewsApril 22, 2024Parrot Realty Breaks Down the $418 Million NAR Settlement and Dispels Myths, Misinformation
NewsApril 21, 2024Coral Springs Chief McKeone Updates Community and Provides Safety Tips
NewsApril 1, 2024Coral Springs April Highlights: Autism Awareness, Earth Month, and Community Unity Events
EventsMarch 12, 2024Westchester Elementary Holds Kindergarten Round-Up
2 comments
Should you lower the water level a few inches to account for some of the rainfall?
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 empty your pool. Pools that have been emptied may experience serious structural problems and could even be lifted off their foundations, but you could remove a few inches lets say to the bottom of the skimmer, if you have any questions please call us 561-755-7665 We don’t charge for advice! Good luck!