Safeguard your pool or hot tub, save money, and avoid costly damage with these must-know tips. After the storm, be sure to contact Dunson Pool & Spa Inc. for expert help in getting your equipment back up and running.

POOL

PRE-STORM PREPARATION

  1. Do not empty your Pool, this will provide weight as an empty Pool can float or pop out of the ground due to pressure from excessive groundwater caused by heavy rains. This will also provide an easier cleanup. 
  2. Balance Ph and Alkalinity then add a “Shock” dose of Liquid or Granular Chlorine and circulate for several hours. 
  3. Disconnect electric Pool equipment (pump, time clock, light transformers, pool heaters). Wrap in waterproof plastic and tie it securely in place to prevent sand and driving water from entering. If flooding is expected, it may be best to disconnect these devices and store them in a dry place, especially the pump, if a pool pump is submerged, the motor will likely be ruined. 
  4. Remove all loose items (chairs, tables, toys and Pool cleaning tools) and do not throw them into the Pool. It can cause serious metal staining problems in your Pool water. Make sure to screw your skimmer lid down. 
  5. Do not cover the Pool.

POST-STORM PROCEDURES 

  1. Before turning the power to your pool equipment back on, you’ll want to remove all plastic coverings and check for any signs of water damage to your equipment. If the equipment is dry and everything looks normal, restore power. If there are any signs of water damage, do NOT turn the power back on. Consult a licensed electrician if something does not look right or you are unsure. If you do not have electricity, bring the free available chlorine level up to 10 ppm using Liquid Shock (Sodium Hypochlorite) to prevent algae and mosquito larvae growth. Be certain to brush the pool well after adding Liquid Shock. 
  2. Remove any debris floating on the pool surface or that has settled to the bottom of the pool. Clean skimmer basket and pump strainer. 
  3. Check the water level and remove water as necessary. 
  4. Depending on your set up, either Backwash and Rinse your Sand Filter or rinse your Cartridge Filter. You may need to do this several times during the clean-up process, depending on the severity of the storm. 
  5. Vacuum and brush pool walls and floor. If your filter system is so equipped, it is a good idea to vacuum directly to waste instead of running the debris through the filter, as this will clog the filter quickly. To accomplish this will require the water level to be higher than normal as the pool will be draining as you vacuum to waste. 
  6. In most cases, it’s best to balance the water before shocking the pool. However, if the pool is already starting to show signs of algae growth, or if it’s too dirty for balancing to be effective, go ahead and add your shock to kill off any microorganisms in the water. You will want your Alkalinity between 80 – 120 ppm and Ph between 7.2 – 7.8 ppm. Once you’ve balanced your Alkalinity and Ph, shock the pool bringing your Chlorine up to 10 ppm. 
  7. During the clean-up process, run your pool equipment 24 hours a day until the water is completely clear and balanced. This may take several days but it is important to keep your system running the entire time.

HOT TUB

PRE-STORM PREPARATION

  1. Do not drain your Hot Tub, the added weight will help keep the tub in place in case of high winds and/or flooding. 
  2. Balance Ph and Alkalinity then add a “Shock” dose of Chlorine or Bromine.
  3. Disconnect Hot Tub power at the main breaker. To protect your electrical components, you may want to line the outside of your Hot Tub with sandbags. 
  4. Secure your cover using a heavy duty tie down strap. 

POST-STORM PROCEDURES

  1. Do not use your hot tub after it has been flooded. 
  2. Be certain the circuit breakers and other connections are dry, DO NOT turn on the breaker unless you are sure it’s dry. Inspect the wiring harness and other connections around your hot tub before turning it on. Consult a licensed electrician if something does not look right or you are unsure. 
  3. Inspect cover to be certain there is no damage. After inspection, clean the top and bottom thoroughly and treat the top of the cover with Cover Care & Conditioner. 
  4. Remove any debris that entered the spa during the storm. 
  5. Once you are certain that your hot tub is safe to turn on, you can turn on the breaker. 
  6. Balance water and rinse filters, if you have any questions about balancing your water feel free to contact us or bring a water sample by our store. 

Remember, by taking proactive measures to safeguard your pool or hot tub before a major storm or hurricane can save you significant time, effort, and expense. By securing loose items, balancing the water chemistry, and turning off electrical components, you can help protect your investment and ensure a quicker recovery once the weather clears. Remember, safety first: always follow local evacuation guidelines and prioritize your well-being during severe weather events. Once the storm has passed, contact Dunson Pool & Spa Inc. for guidance on restarting your equipment and restoring your pool or hot tub to its pristine condition.

Stay safe and prepared, and your backyard oasis will be ready to enjoy in no time!

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