HURRICANE IRMA STORM PREP

As of this morning, Hurricane Irma is a Category 5 storm. Take the time to remind your customers on how to prepare their pool for the storm.

Before the Storm

Do not drain your pool 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. Pools which have been emptied may experience serious subsidence problems and could even be lifted off their foundation.  Electrical Systems It is important that all electric power be turned off at the circuit breakers before the storm hits. Any exposed electrical equipment such as motors for the pumps should be tightly covered with plastic wrap. If flooding is expected they may be disconnected and removed.

Water level 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. In cases when surrounding structures might be damaged by the water before it can run off naturally, the experts recommend lowering the pool’s water level by one to two feet. It is recommended to super chlorinate the pool water. Decking and Screens Some damage to the frame of your enclosed screen structure may be avoided if you provide a "vent" for wind to scale through. Panels in screens may be removed on either side of the pool area. Doors, which are especially vulnerable, might be removed completely.

Pool Furniture Don’t throw your pool furniture into the pool, keyword being “throw.” Never throw or drop anything into a pool that could damage the pool finish. It is best to remove any and all loose objects such as chairs, tables, pool equipment, and even toys which can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. If you cannot store them inside a building, carefully and gently placing them in the pool will help shield them from the winds, although this is not recommended.

For more information visit FSPA's Pools and Weather page

Florida Swimming Pool Association 2555 Porter Lake Drive, Suite 106 Sarasota, FL 34240 (941) 952-9293 www.floridapoolpro.com