Shock you like a Hurricane 🌀

In part two of the Talking Pools Podcast episode where Wayne and Steve discuss preparing a swimming pool for a major weather event like a tornado or a hurricane, the duo delves deeper into the specific steps pool service professionals and homeowners should take to ensure their pools are safeguarded.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Securing Pool Equipment: Wayne and Steve emphasize the importance of securing all pool equipment, such as pumps, heaters, and filters. They discuss methods to anchor these items or move them to a more secure location to prevent damage from strong winds.
2. Chemical Balancing and Treatment: The episode highlights the need to properly balance the pool's chemicals before the storm. Steve advises listeners to shock the pool to help maintain water clarity and sanitation during and after the storm, as the pool may be exposed to debris and contaminants.
3. Removing Loose Items: The hosts stress the significance of removing or securing loose items around the pool area, such as patio furniture, pool toys, and cleaning equipment. These items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds and cause damage to the pool or surrounding property.
4. Water Level Management: Wayne explains that we do NOT recommend lowering the pool's water level to prevent overflow as this can cause the pool to pop out of the ground due to hydrostatic pressure.
5. Post-Storm Cleanup and Inspection: The episode concludes with advice on post-storm procedures, including inspecting the pool and equipment for damage, removing debris, and rebalancing the water chemistry. Wayne and Steve recommend scheduling a professional inspection to ensure the pool is safe and functional after the storm.

Overall, part two of this episode provides practical, detailed advice for anyone responsible for pool maintenance in areas prone to severe weather events, ensuring that pools remain protected and can recover quickly after the storm.

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Transcript

[Intro Music Fades Out]

Wayne: Welcome back, everyone, to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast. I’m Wayne, and as always, I’ve got Steve with me. Today, we’re diving into part two of our series on how to care for your swimming pool in the aftermath of a major weather event like a hurricane.

Steve: That’s right, Wayne. Last time, we talked about preparing your pool before the storm hits, but today, we’re focusing on what you need to do after the storm has passed. This is when the real work begins, so let’s get right into it.

Wayne: The first thing you need to do is assess the damage. Check for any debris that might have fallen into the pool—branches, leaves, even small animals. Get that skimmer out and start removing the larger pieces. You don’t want all that gunk clogging up your filter.

Steve: Yeah, and speaking of the filter, don’t just turn everything back on right away. You want to inspect your equipment first. Look for any signs of water damage or debris around your pump, filter, and heater. If everything looks good, go ahead and start things up, but keep an eye on it for the first few hours to make sure it’s running smoothly.

Wayne: Exactly. Once you’ve got the big debris out of the pool and your equipment is running, it’s time to focus on the water chemistry. The pool water is likely out of whack after the storm, so test it and adjust as needed. You’re probably going to need to shock the pool again to kill off any bacteria or algae that might have started growing.

Steve: Don’t forget to check the pH levels, too. Rainwater is usually acidic, so your pH might be lower than usual. You’ll need to bring it back up to the proper range, around 7.4 to 7.6, to keep everything balanced and prevent corrosion to your equipment.

Wayne: And this is also a good time to clean your filter. It’s probably been working overtime to deal with all the junk that got in the pool. Whether you have a sand filter, cartridge filter, or DE filter, make sure you clean it out properly. If you’ve got a cartridge filter, consider giving it a good soak in a filter cleaner solution.

Steve: One thing I always tell my clients is to be patient. It might take a few days to get the water crystal clear again, especially if it’s looking a little cloudy after the storm. Just keep circulating, filtering, and adjusting the chemicals, and it’ll get there.

Wayne: That’s great advice, Steve. And if you’ve got saltwater pools, don’t forget to check your salt cell. Heavy rain can dilute the salt levels, so you might need to add more salt to get back to the optimal range.

Steve: Good point. And if you’re dealing with flooding, make sure you drain off any excess water. But remember, don’t drain the pool completely—just enough to get it back to the right level.

Wayne: Finally, if you find any structural damage, like cracks in the pool or issues with the deck, it’s important to get a professional to take a look. Don’t try to patch it up yourself unless you really know what you’re doing.

Steve: Absolutely. Safety first. And remember, folks, taking care of your pool after a hurricane is just as important as preparing it beforehand. It’s all about getting it back in shape so you can enjoy it for the rest of the season.

Wayne: That’s all we’ve got for today’s episode. Thanks for tuning in, and we hope these tips help you manage your pool after a storm. Stay safe, and we’ll catch you next time on the Talking Pools Podcast.

[Outro Music Fades In]