Hurricanes & Storms

The following are a few pointers to help you prepare your pool for heavy rains or a hurricane.

Before Hurricane or Storm

1. Never completely drain your pool. There is no need to even lower the water except in special cases. Your pool may overflow, but this can be dealt with after the storm is over.
2. Turn off all electrical power to the swimming pool at the breaker.
3. If your filter pump is in an area that floods, have the motor removed and stored, or wrap it with a waterproof membrane and tie it securely in place to prevent sand and water from entering the motor. Remove the cover before starting up your pool after the storm.
4. If you feel the inside of the motor got wet, let it dry several days before turning it on.
5. Remove all loose items from the pool area. It is not advisable to throw patio furniture or accessories into the pool. If it is necessary to do so, remove as soon as possible after storm has passed to minimize damage to the pool finish or furniture.
6. Add extra chlorine to the pool to prevent contamination.
7. Turn off the water leveler, or block the float.

After Hurricane or Storm

1. Do not empty the pool. However, you can lower the water level to the middle of the tile after following the steps listed below.
2. Turn on the water leveler.
3. Superchlorinate the pool water, then test for proper balance.
4. Remove all debris from the pool with a leaf rake before turning on the equipment. This will prevent clogging the pool lines.
5. Use a portable pump to vacuum out debris if necessary, and lower the water level to the middle of the tile at this time. If no portable pump is used, continue with the steps below.
6. Remove any wrapping around the pump motor, make sure the motor is dry, and turn on the electricity. Check the pump to make certain it is operating normally.
7. Run the filter until the water is basically clear. At this point, you can begin to use your pool pump to lower the water level to the middle of the tile using 1 of 2 methods:
1. Follow the backwash procedures for your filter as described in your filter manuals.
2. The next option is a slower method, but it does not require backwashing. Simply connect your garden hose to the hose bib connection located on the pipe between your pump and filter. Turn this on and drain your pool to the middle of the tile. This will take several hours, so don’t forget to turn it off as it could drain your pool too low and cause equipment damage.
8. You are now ready to put your pool back into normal operation following all standard pool operating procedures.

Freezes

Freezes can occasionally occur in the Rio Grande Valley and the following are some tips to help you decide your best course of action.

1. Leave your equipment running during the freezing hours. It is very difficult for moving water to freeze during the short freeze cycles we experience. This includes all auxiliary pumps as well.
2. You should turn on any auxiliary valves that run special water features.
3. Running your pool heater is not necessary as long as your pool pump is running. However, the heat from your pool may help your backyard plants.
4. You can leave your equipment off and put a tarp over it with a light bulb underneath. This sometimes is enough to prevent freeze.
5. Should you lose power during a freeze, the actions above will be of no help. Your only option is to try and drain as much water from your equipment as possible:
1. Remove the lid on the pump basket.
2. Open the air relief on top of the filter.
3. Open the air relief on the side of the heater if it has one (some models do not).
4. Make sure all breakers are off so the pump does not accidentally come on.
5. Open any drain plugs that may be located on the low points of your equipment.