Preparing for a hurricane

[mitch08]

With Irene nearing landfall, I'm boosting this up to a global announcement for a few days. JasonLion

I live on LI, NY. It might get really bad over here this weekend.

Is there anything special I should do with the pool to prepare for the hurricane?
Drop the water level, bring in certain equipment, etc?

Does anybody have any experience with this? It looks like this might be a rough one...

 

[Bama Rambler]

The best thing you can do is take anything you can easily move inside. If it's a liner pool anything that can blow in it will most likely damage the liner. If it's a plaster pool you can put the deck items in the pool if they won't float. Don't lower the water.

 

[mitch08]

Thanks.

You dont think I should drop the level a bit maybe below the skimmer in case we get a foot of rain?
I dont want it to overflow... Or is that really no big deal if it happens?

 

[X-PertPool]

The big reason you don't want to lower the water level is due to underground water. If the weight of the water in the pool is less than the force of water in the ground then it can start to come in. Vinyl liners will get baggy and end up with wrinkles. Fiberglass and gunite pools can pop out of the ground if the hydrostatic valve doesn't work. Basically you want as much weight (water) in the pool as you can to keep underground water at bay.

 

[duraleigh]

Or is that really no big deal if it happens?

If your decking is sloped away from the pool and the water can drain AWAY, it is no big deal. If the water runs into your pool from improper slope on your decking, it will already be contaminated as it starts to run into the pool. Either way, don't lower the level.

 

[mitch08]

Thanks everyone!!! I wont touch the level.

 

[Shane1]

I cant offer any help with the pool but good luck with everything, hopefully it will slow down or lighten up a little bit!

 

[JasonLion]

PoolGuyNJ had some good suggestions in another topic:

Do not cover your pool. It could blow away. This includes those with automatic covers. Unless your pool and it's equipment are on your homeowners, the repair is on you.

Boost your chlorine level to 10X the proper level shortly before it hits. 6% Bleach like Clorox or Great Value is best.

Turn off the system at the main panel's breaker to the sub-panel outside. before power goes out or you get a spike when another area goes off line, This will preserve your pumps and automation systems until power is reliable again.

Secure patio sets. Those with gunite pools might be able to pull the cushions off and set the chairs in the pool. They won't go anywhere. Obviously, don't do this with wrought iron type furniture. :-/

Turn tables upside down. They won't catch much wind that way.

Secure the shed.

Don't put things where they can fly. 100 MPH winds are no joke!

This topic is also full of good suggestions.