In light of hurricane Helene, hereโ€™s some tips to make sure you and your swimming pool are prepared for the storm.

Closed Pools

Make sure the cover is tight, anchored, and the cover pump is functioning properly.

Open Pools

Step 1: Make sure water levels are adequate in swimming pool

Do not make the mistake of draining water down (Water should be halfway up the skimmer face). The water weight in the swimming pool keeps pressure downward and against the walls keeping everything in place. Heavy rains raise the local water tables causing hydro-static pressure to increase on the outside of the pool. This can lead to floating liners, wall failure, and pool pops. Donโ€™t let this happen to you! Very rarely do we get calls for any significant damage to a pool for having too much water in it. Let it flow until after the storm and drain down once water tables have balanced back to normal levels (24 – 48 hrs after the storm).ย  In most cases it is ok for your pool to overflow (Vinyl and Concrete).ย ย 

Step 2: Loss of power to equipmentย 

Cut off power to the pool during the storm. With heavy debris entering the pool due to high winds, it is very likely that your drains and skimmers will clog up. You do not want to have to go out to the pool to empty skimmers and scoop debris during a hurricane. This will also help prevent potentially dangerous electrical issues.ย  Cut the equipment back on as soon as the storm has passed.ย  Leaving the pool off for one day will not hurt anything.ย  If you are not sure how to do this from the controls you can always cut the breaker to the equipment .ย ย ย 

Step 3: Store or tie down any loose items from pool deck

Any items that could potentially take flight during a hurricane should be stored or anchored down. High winds can cause items such as umbrellas and chairs to turn into projectiles.ย ย 

Step 4: Increase chlorine levels

With the levels of debris in the swimming pool and amount of rain water that will be added it is a good idea to spike chlorine levels. Even though you will always have to balance chemistry after severe weather, spiking chlorine levels will save you a lot of work after the weather has subsided.ย  Feel free to visit our pool store in Peachtree City if you need to pick up granular chlorine to spike levels.ย ย 

Step 5: Stay safe

No pool issue is worth putting yourself in harm’s way.ย  During high winds and electrical storms. Stay inside and stay safe.

Step 6: Inspection and repair

After the rains and winds have stopped, do a visual inspection on the pool.ย  Take pictures of any heavy debris that may have fallen into the pool for insurance reasons.ย  Remove debris and turn on the pool equipment. In the event damage is found, reach out to J&M Pool Company and we will work directly with your insurance company to make sure you receive the proper estimates for repair.

Step 7:ย  In the event of significant damage

J&M is trained and certified to work with claims adjusters to make sure your pool is made whole after damage.ย  Many adjusters fail to catch the necessary repair work to properly fix your pool.ย  Take lots of pictures and make sure to give our office a call to get a formal estimate for repairs.