 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
STORM PREP
Whether it's a hurricane or El Nino inspired week of thunderstorms, there are precautions you can take to avoid major headaches with your pool or spa.
If you're running out of safe storage, put the pool furniture and anything else unaffected by water into the pool. Don't bother taking water out of a pool; there'll be plenty of time for that later. Remember the ground will be supersaturated with rainwater after a series of heavy storms, dramatically increasing hyrdostatic pressure that can easily push a partially filled pool out of the ground. (Larger views are available for each picture by using links)
Acrylic spas are especially susceptible to the effects of flowing surface water. Whether it's an in- ground or above ground installation, fill your acrylic spa with as much water as you can get into it. Partially filled acrylic spas are rarely where you left them after an El Nino tizzy.
Your equipment is UL rated for outdoor installation, but they weren't thinking immersion.
If water levels threaten your pump motor, turn off electrical breakers that feed them. If you have the time, disconnecting and removing the motor(s) will insure normal service after the storm.
Pools should not be drained when serious weather threatens. Well point pumps can lose electric power during black- outs, resulting in a 'popped pool'.
If you're caught with the pool already drained and no time to fill it, remove the well-point plug in the bottom of the main drain sump. It's risky, but probably the best choice you have under extreme circumstances. Your hope is that a combination of ground, tap and rain water will fill the pool quickly enough to hold it in place. As soon as practicable, replace the plug and continue filling with the hose. Dealing with dirty water is a snap, compared to releveling the pool.
Don't bother putting chlorine into the pool until after the storm. When you've gotten the water level back to operating height, add 5 gal of liquid chlorine. Leave the furniture in the pool if you've had a mildew problem; that's how the hotels keep their chaises clean.
Your screen structure is designed to survive 120 mph winds, but theories go out the window when real storms blow. Your expense is in the structure and the best chance of saving it is to cut the screening loose (3 sides or 'X' every square) when you're targeted for winds in excess of 100 mph.
