- Lower the water level 15 inches below its existing level to accomodate heavy rains. Do not drain the pool completely. There could be too much ground water pressure if you drained too much water out of the pool which would result in the pool rising out of the ground. Do not operate the pump after draining water to avoid running the pump dry.
- Add extra chlorine to prevent contamination. Have the water tested after a storm to make sure it's in balance.
- Do not allow anyone to enter your pool in its super-chlorinated state.
- Secure the pump to prevent it from becoming a missile during a storm.
- Turn off the electricity to the pool equipment at the breaker, not at the pump.
- Wrap an exposed filter with waterproof covering and tie it securely.
- Remove the child safety fence. Do not allow children near the pool after the fence is removed and remember to reinstall it immediately after the storm.
- Since pool furniture can be a projectile during a storm and can damage property, you should bring patio furniture indoors; don't throw it in the pool. The chlorine won't do it any good and it's a chore to retrieve after the storm.
- If the pool gets salt water in it, add extra chlorine until you can drain and add fresh water. It may take a couple of weeks before you may be able to do this.
- Remove the canvas patio awnings and bring them indoors. You can leave the aluminum frame because wind will blow through the open structure.
- Bring in all Automatic Pool Cleaners. Also bring in any maintenance equipment or chemicals normally stored outside so that they do not become projectiles in heavy winds.
Here are some informative Internet sites that will provide you with further helpful information on hurricanes:
1. Hurricane City: Here you will find information for cities that are threatened by Atlantic hurricanes.
2. Atlantic Hurricane Information Network: Keep up to date on hurricane information.
3. Federal Emergency Management Agency: FEMA for Kids: Hurricane information and fun hurricane learning games for kids!
4. FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency: Find out a lot of information on hurricanes, from protecting your home to hurricane tracking charts.
Here are some informative books to read that deal with hurricane safety. Use Amazon.com's secure server to order:
Eye of the Storm: Inside the World's Deadliest Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Blizzards: - Jeffrey P. Rosenfeld Gain more knowledge about the strong forces behind mother nature, and the scientific studies that are being done. Buy it NOW through Amazon.com's secure server!
Click HERE or on the image of the books to give this gift to yourself or someone else!
Hurricane Survival Made Easy: A Guide for Hurricane Preparedness: - Morris I. Taite, Joe Masia (Editor). This book explains how to prepare for and survive a hurricane. Buy it now through Amazon.com's secure server!
Click HERE or on the image of the books to give this gift to yourself or someone else!