Recent hurricanes have brought challenges and devastation to our coast, reminding us of both the power of nature and the strength of community. At Oasis Pavers and Pools, our hearts go out to every member of our community affected by these storms, and we are committed to supporting our friends and neighbors.
We want to equip you with all the hurricane prep knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard your home and pool for the remainder of the storm season—and be more prepared than ever when hurricane season starts again next year.
Today, we’ll provide some important hurricane prep advice to protect your pool, helping to safeguard your investment while keeping your family safe.
Should I Drain My Pool for a Hurricane?
The short answer is NO. While it may seem like a good idea to drain your pool before severe weather events like hurricanes to prevent overflow (and there is a lot of misinformation online), it can actually cause more harm than good. Here’s a few reasons why keeping your pool filled is actually a core part of effective hurricane prep:
- Enhanced Stability and Weight: By leaving your pool filled, you provide necessary stability, minimizing the risks of shifting, floating, or structural damage. The weight of the water helps anchor the pool to the ground, which is crucial when faced with high winds.
- Counteracting Groundwater Pressure: During a hurricane, the ground becomes saturated with water, increasing groundwater pressure enough to “pop” an empty pool out of the ground. A filled pool counteracts this pressure, reducing the risk of structural damage.
- Balancing Pressure Dynamics: Keeping your pool full helps it balance with the surrounding environment. The pressure from groundwater and rainwater around the pool counteracts atmospheric pressure from above, reducing the risk of structural damage.
- Preventing Flotation Risks: An empty pool is at risk of “floating” out of the ground due to increased groundwater pressure. Keeping it filled can help avoid costly damage to the pool itself as well as potential collision damage to nearby buildings.
- Expedited Recovery Process: After the storm has passed, a filled pool can sometimes simplify the recovery process. While refilling an empty pool can be time-consuming and costly, a filled pool can be more easily treated and cleaned, returning to normal usability much quicker.
Essential Steps for Pool Hurricane Prep
While keeping your pool filled is a crucial aspect of hurricane prep, there are other steps you can take to help it withstand severe weather. Here are some essential hurricane prep tips to protect your pool:
Turn Off the Power
Safety comes first. Make sure to turn off all electrical connections related to your pool to prevent damage from power surges or flooding.
Store & Protect Electrical Equipment
Move pool equipment like pumps and heaters indoors, or secure them safely to minimize potential damage from debris.
Remove All Items from the Pool
Clear your pool of all objects such as vacuums, floats, and toys. These items can become hazards during a storm, causing damage to your pool and surrounding areas.
Remove Yard Items Near the Pool
Secure or bring inside all yard items near your pool, including furniture, toys, and equipment. Loose items can become projectiles during hurricane-force winds, potentially causing damage.
Trim Branches & Remove Potted Plants
Prune any overhanging branches that could fall into your pool or damage nearby structures during the storm, and remove potted plants near your pool area.
Balance Chemicals
Ensure your pool chemicals are balanced before the storm hits. This can help maintain water quality during and after the hurricane, reducing the need for intensive post-storm treatment.
Do Not Cover the Pool
It might seem like a cover would protect your pool, but high winds can easily lift and destroy it, or worse, carry it away, creating more hazards.
Final Tips for Safety and Recovery
While safeguarding your pool is an important part of hurricane prep, your safety comes first. Always stay indoors throughout the storm’s duration, particularly if the eye passes over your area. While it can be tempting to inspect the damage during the calm, it’s important to remember that the other side of the hurricane is coming, and you don’t want to be outside when it does.
After the storm, if your pool contains debris or appears damaged, avoid entering the water. Instead, seek professional assistance to address any issues safely, repairing any damages and restoring your pool to its pre-storm condition. With proper preparation and post-storm care, you can minimize potential damage to your pool and keep it safe for future use.
Supporting Our Community
At Oasis Pavers and Pools, we’re more than just a business; we’re a local, family-owned company right here in St. Pete. We’re committed to supporting our community through every season. If your pool requires construction or remodeling, reach out to us for expert guidance and service.
Preparing your pool for a hurricane not only protects your investment but also ensures peace of mind. Remember, informed hurricane prep can make all the difference. For more information, feel free to contact us. If we can’t help directly, we’ll send you to fellow businesses that can. Stay safe, Florida!
