Talking Pools Podcast

POOLNADO🌪️ PART l

• Rudy Stankowitz • Season 4 • Episode 587

Send us a text

In part one of this two-part episode, hosts Wayne and Steve dive into the crucial steps for preparing and caring for a swimming pool in the event of a major weather event like a hurricane. They start by emphasizing the importance of early preparation, highlighting the need to secure loose items around the pool area to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.

Wayne and Steve then discuss the necessity of balancing the pool's chemistry ahead of the storm, particularly adjusting pH levels and shocking the pool with chlorine to prevent algae growth. They also advise against draining the pool, explaining that the weight of the water helps to stabilize the structure against high winds and potential flooding.

The episode further explores how to protect pool equipment, such as pumps and filters, from water damage and debris. Wayne and Steve suggest turning off the power to all pool equipment and covering it with waterproof tarps or specially designed covers.

Throughout the discussion, the hosts share practical tips and personal experiences, making this episode a vital resource for pool owners and service professionals preparing for extreme weather. They stress that taking these proactive measures can significantly reduce the damage and cleanup required after the storm has passed.

LaMotte Company
LaMotte Company is a leading manufacturer of water quality testing products & pool test kits

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:

Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

[Intro Music Fades Out]

Wayne: Welcome back to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! I’m Wayne, and with me, as always, is Steve. Today, we’re going to cover a topic that’s especially important for those of us in hurricane-prone areas—how to care for your swimming pool in the case of a major weather event like a hurricane.

Steve: That’s right, Wayne. Hurricanes can wreak havoc on swimming pools, but with the right preparation, you can minimize the damage and make your post-storm cleanup a whole lot easier. Let’s start with what pool owners should do before the storm hits.

Wayne: Absolutely. The first thing you want to do is secure any loose items around your pool area. That includes patio furniture, toys, and even those cute little garden gnomes. Trust me, you don’t want anything flying around when the winds pick up.

Steve: Oh, for sure. And it’s not just about securing those items; it’s about protecting your pool, too. Balancing the water chemistry is crucial. You want to get that pH in the right range, and definitely shock the pool with some chlorine to help prevent algae from taking over while you’re dealing with the storm.

Wayne: Yeah, and let’s clear this up—don’t drain your pool. I know some people think it’ll prevent flooding, but the weight of the water actually helps keep your pool in the ground. Draining it could cause it to pop out, especially if the ground gets saturated with water.

Steve: That’s a nightmare you don’t want to deal with! Now, another important thing is to protect your pool equipment. I always tell my clients to shut off the power to everything—pumps, filters, heaters—just turn it all off. Then cover the equipment with a waterproof tarp or one of those heavy-duty covers. You don’t want debris clogging up your system or water getting into the electrical components.

Wayne: Exactly. A little effort before the storm can save you a lot of trouble afterward. I’ve seen what happens when people don’t prepare, and trust me, it’s not pretty. You’re looking at a whole lot of work and probably some expensive repairs.

Steve: We’ll dive into more about what to do after the storm passes in part two of this series, but for now, focus on getting your pool ready ahead of time. It’s all about being proactive, so you’re not stuck playing catch-up later on.

Wayne: That’s right. And remember, folks, it’s better to overprepare than to be caught off guard. Even if the storm changes course, you’ll be glad you took these steps.

Steve: Absolutely. Well, that’s all for today’s episode. Join us next time for part two, where we’ll talk about the post-hurricane cleanup and how to get your pool back in shape.

Wayne: Stay safe out there, everyone, and we’ll see you next time on the Talking Pools Podcast.

[Outro Music Fades In]