Many experts predict that this year’s hurricane season will be as active, or more than the 2017 hurricane season. * There is a good probability a major hurricane of category 3-5 will touch land this year, with a 63% probability versus 52% of this happening compared to the last century.  In summary, the U.S. Eastern Coast has a 39% chance to suffer a major hurricane, the Gulf Coast 38%, and the Caribbean 52%.

*NOAA’s hurricane season outlook

The experience of Hurricane Harvey taught us not to take anything for granted.  In a state where there are many in-ground swimming pools, it’s vital to protect your pool in addition to the rest of your property.

Before a hurricane comes, we have some tips on how to best protect your oasis:

Before Hurricane Pool Tips

• Keep your children away while securing your swimming pool. You don’t want any accidents, especially right before a hurricane.
• Store your outdoor furniture inside the house. Do not put them in the pool! Furniture can splinter and damage the finish of the pool.
• Remove everything that could turn into a projectile like toys, ornaments, and plant pots.
• Keep the water in the pool. Believe it or not, the water will help keep the in-ground pool in shape and prevents the pool from popping out of the ground or cracking. Remember, a well-built pool is equipped with overflows to drain excess water.
• Shock your pool with additional chlorine to prevent contamination, and don’t allow anyone to use the oasis. Pool experts recommend liquid or powder chlorine. The pool can also provide a significant amount of water for washing, cleaning or discharging toilets after the storm.
• Shut off the circuit breaker from the pool equipment; wait until the machine cools off and, then, cover it tightly with a waterproof cover.
• Disconnect anything from propane gas tanks and electrical systems.
• Remove the safety fence from around the pool. In most cases, the fence is not made of iron, steel or held by a concrete foundation; so, it can be blown away.
• If you have canvas awnings in your backyard, remove them and place them inside your home.
• Prune your trees and hedges.
• If you don’t have an outdoor kitchen, but have a grill or barbecue, store them away. Keep in mind that it’s DANGEROUS to cook with an outdoor grill inside your home or garage.
• In the event of an evacuation, have all essential documents with you inside a waterproof sealed bag (birth certificates, identifications, titles, house deeds, health insurance cards and insurance papers).

Make sure your family is safe and sound after the storm is over.  Then proceed with the following:

After Hurricane Pool Tips

• Don’t allow anyone, especially children, near the swimming pool.
• Inspect the pool equipment first. Check if there are any damaged cables or equipment.
• It’s always advisable to contact a pool company to test and repair or replace any damaged parts.
• Don’t drain the water out of the pool. Remove all debris to avoid staining your oasis.
• Check the skimmer and pump baskets to ensure that they are free of debris. This will help to have good water filtration and circulation in your pool.
• Whether you have electricity, or a generator running, chlorinate the water and maintain it clean. Remember that after a hurricane, pool water can be a mosquito breeding zone if not cared for properly.
• Check the chemical balance of the water. Use a two-stage clarifier to make the proper cleaning.
• Test the water for phosphates and use a phosphate remover if necessary.

Our main concern at Platinum Pools is our customers.  If you have any questions, contact us at 1.281.870.1600 (Houston), 1.409.898.4995 (Beaumont), or 1.361.575.0183 (Victoria).  Our experts are ready to help.