Reviving Your Pool

All Hazards Guide in Web Format!

PoolRepair.com's "Pool Precautions for Severe Weather"

BEFORE THE STORM

• Don't drain the pool!  The weight of the water helps keep the pool in the ground.  Removing all or even part of the pool runs the risk of the pool actually popping out of the ground.   Also: draining the pool does not prevent flooding.  To the contrary, flooding fills up pools!
• Don't add chemicals to the pool until after the storm, when any flooding has subsided.
• Check with your manufacturer or pool company to see if pool furniture or other objects can safely be sunk in the pool to keep them from flying around in the wind.
• Have chemicals on hand, or make arrangements for your pool service to take care of your pool as soon as possible after the storm.

 

Without electricity to filter and vacuum pools, that shimmering lagoon in your backyard can turn into a fetid mosquito haven.  To maintain reasonable water quality while you wait for the power to be restored or for pool maintenance personnel to fix damage to the pumps or filtration systems, follow these steps:

• Remove all debris from the pool.
• If there's dirt on the bottom a $30.00 device called a "Leafmaster" might help.  The Leafmaster, which attaches to a pool brush handle, uses a garden hose to blast dirt or sediment from the bottom into a collection bag. It probably won't be much help if there's lots of mud, sand or sludge in the pool.
• Add a chlorinator, as in the form of a 10 poercent sodium hypochlorite granules commonly known as "Shock".
• Superchlorinate the pool according to the manufacturer's instructions.  Doing so will restore the water's familiar color, but the pool will still appear cloudy.
• Maintain the water in it's superchlorinated state, until electricity is restored or help arrives.
• DON'T ALLOW ANYONE IN THE WATER WHILE IT'S STILL SUPERCHLORINATED!  The generally safe level of chlorination for swimming is 1 to 3 parts per million.

• If your pool has gouges in the Marcite interior coating, or other structural damage, you'll need an expert to help.  Choose one carefully.
• The state issues three types of licenses for pool contractors: commercial, residential and pool servicing.  Some counties also have licensing requirements.
• To find out if the contactor you are considering is licensed, call your local occupational licensing office.
• Get estimates from several contractors and ask them to provide names and telephone numbers of clients they've recently worked for, so you can see if those owners are satisfied with the work.

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