Preparing your pool for a hurricane or large storm

What to do and, more importantly, what NOT to do.

Storms can wreak havoc on your Oak Island pool. Protect your investment with these essential tips from Grey Shark Pool Services.

Before the Storm:

• Secure Your Pool Area: Store patio furniture, pool equipment, toys, and grills to shield your pool from flying debris. Secure or remove the skimmer and auto-leveler lids to prevent accidents.
• Trim Trees: Trim back branches that could fall into the pool during high winds. This protects the pool and prevents debris from further contaminating the pool water.
• Protect Your Pool Water: Shock it with double the recommended chlorine dose to safeguard your pool's clarity.
• Protect Your Equipment: Prevent electrical surges and equipment damage by turning off the power to your pool equipment, including the main breaker. Turn off gas lines to heaters.
• Maintain Water Level: To protect your pool's structure, keep the water level at its normal level or an inch above the bottom of the skimmer. Under any circumstances, DO NOT DRAIN THE POOL. This can cause it to pop out of the ground physically.

Remember: Safety is paramount. Follow local emergency guidelines and avoid any unnecessary risks.

During the Storm:

• Protect Yourself and Your Family: Do not attempt to remove any water or debris from the pool during the storm.

After the Storm:

• Inspect for Damage: Check your pool for signs of structural damage, such as lifting, bubbling, or cracks. If you encounter any issues, stop and immediately contact your pool builder, pool service company, or Grey Shark Pool Services.
• Inspect for Possible Electrical Issues: Check your pool pump or other electrical devices around your equipment pad for water intrusion or damage. Again, stop and immediately contact your pool service company or Grey Shark Pool Services if you find any issues.
• Drain Excess Water: Drain any excess water using your filter's waste mode or a sump pump.
• Remove Debris and Sand: Restore your pool's cleanliness by carefully removing large debris and cleaning the skimmer and pump baskets. Sand can be vacuumed to waste or removed with a special debris vacuum.
• Restart Your Equipment: Turn the power back on to your equipment and ensure your pool equipment functions properly by checking for any damage and cleaning the filter.
• Balance Your Pool Water: Maintain your pool's health by testing for chlorine and adding a shock if necessary. Have your pool water professionally tested to correct imbalances.
• Gas Heaters: If your heater has sustained any damage or water intrusion, your safety needs to have a qualified gas service technician check your gas heater before using it.

If you need help with these steps, you should contact your pool service company or Grey Shark Pool Services.

Remember that Grey Shark Pool Service offers expert pool maintenance and repair services in Oak Island, NC. Our technicians are certified pool operators (CPOs), and we are fully insured. Contact us today if you have any questions or need a free quote!