Hurricane Preparedness Blog

The latest hurricane preparedness tip applies to all pool owners out there. Unfortunately, I’m not part of that club yet, nor do I own the Speedos.

Right before the storm:

1. Switch off the circuit breaker that powers your pool pump. You shouldn’t be needing it for a few days.
2. After cutting power to it, seal your pool pump in plastic and tape it up to keep it protected.
3. Superchlorinate (also called shocking) the pool water to compensate for heavy rains. Ask your pool boy how to do this, or do a little research. Anyone need a pool boy?
4. Bring all of your pool furniture inside.

Could I possibly be insinuating raining on your parade of pool chair javelin or the patio umbrella high-dive? Quite honestly, yes.

Here is why it’s a bad idea:

1. That superchlorinated water is going to superscrewup your beautiful furniture. Think about it.
2. Concrete pools scratch easily, vinyl pools puncture easily. Lawn chairs are sharper than toenails.

Also, and this is important, do not lower the water level in your pool. I learned from the Hurricane Almanac (pg. 268) that doing so could damage the structure of the pool as it wrestles with the ground water pressure around it. Plus, you’ll have it fill it back up when you’re done, which may not be possible if the water is contaminated and just a waste of money if it’s not.

Lastly, don’t forget to check the chlorine level again before taking a dip, especially if you’re a blonde who’s not in the market for green highlights.

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