Magazine  >  Parenting Tips > Article

Parenting Tips

What Pool Owners Should Know for Hurricane Season

by Michele Cardinal

Did you know . . . that a pool can “pop” out of the ground if proper precautions are not taken? . . . that motors can and have been damaged by electric surge or submersion in the water? . . . that pool deck furniture can damage the pool if thrown into it? . . . that poorly balanced pool water can become contaminated?

You may be thinking, “Thank you, Captain Obvious, but I take care of my pool” or “I have Cardinal Pool Care, so I don’t need to worry!” Well, in the case of a severe storm or a hurricane, the pool needs to be prepared. There are some who try to prepare for a lot of rain by draining the pool because, they reason, the rain will fill it up. This is not a good idea, and here is why: hydrostatic pressure. “Whaaat???” you may say. That is right — hydrostatic pressure is the reason a pool cannot be drained without a professional. Basically, the pressure of ALL the water in the pool keeps it in the ground because on the other side of the shell is water that saturates the ground around it. If the pool starts to drain, the pressure of the water on the other side of the pool squeezes the pool until it pops up. So do not drain the pool. In fact, you should keep it full; then no contaminates will hang around, and it will help prevent any potential damage from flying debris.

Below is a checklist to use before and after a storm.

Before the storm:

• Keep the water level at a higher level

• Turn the pump and any other power supply OFF

• Remove and store the motor or wrap it in plastic and seal it with tape or rope

• Shock the pool

• Remove and store all pool furniture

• Cover the pool (but only if the cover is held down with anchors)

After the storm:

• Lower the water level to the middle of the skimmer

• Turn the power supply ON and reset the timer

• Replace the motor and/or remove the wrapping and test to be sure the motor is working

• Test the water chemistry and make any necessary chemical adjustments

• Replace the pool furniture

• Remove the pool cover

Have a safe and wonderful summer!

Michele is the owner of Cardinal Pool Care. She gained 12 years of experience at the Walt Disney World Resort; during this time, she was responsible for two large themed pools, five smaller satellite pools, and three cascading feature fountains, comprising over one million gallons of water in total. For more questions or more information, call Michele at (727) 692-4232.

Looking for a local business in Tampa Bay Florida?  Visit
Go Local Tampa Bay and explore over 100,000 local businesses
and shop on our Go Local Mall.

back to top

Families on-the-go the ONLY Family Magazine that TARGETS families with THREE magazines in Hillsborough, Pasco, and in Pinellas counties, covering all of Tampa Bay!

magazine  |  about us  |  advertise  |  find magazines  |  contact us  |  internet safety