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Big Storm Hit? Tips for Pool and Spa Maintenance

Child playing in pool during a rain storm.

Thunder rolls, lightning strikes, winds howl and pools and spas can be put right in the middle of a danger zone. Whether it’s a pool, hot tub, or both that need to be prepped for or recovered from a big storm, we’ve got some tips for pool and spa maintenance to help prevent damage and minimize the need for repairs.

 

Before the Storm: How to Properly Prepare

While the weatherman may not be right 100% of the time, thanks to some amazing technology, we usually have a good idea of when a big storm will hit and generally how severe it will be. This gives pool and spa owners a chance to prep beforehand. That said, preparation requires some thinking through, as each pool and hot tub may has its own unique set of equipment or accessories that will need to be secured and protected. 

  • Remove any loose objects from around the pool or spa, such as furniture or umbrellas. These items can be thrown around during high winds and heavy rain and cause damage to the pool or spa.
  • Secure any pool or spa covers. Make sure the cover is properly locked in place and that it is not damaged.
  • Check the water level in the pool or spa. If the water level is too low, it can cause damage to the pump or filter. If the water level is too high, it can cause the skimmer to become significantly less efficient.
  • Turn off the power to the pool or spa equipment. This will protect the equipment from damage during a power outage.

 

What To Do if There Is a Power Outage

If there is a power outage, the pool or spa equipment will not be able to function. This means that the pool or spa will not be able to circulate or filter the water, which could quickly cause issues to the water’s balance. 

While it’s sometimes hard to plan for how long a power outage may last, if it’s expected to last for an extended period of time (more than 24 – 48 hours) it may be worth it to drain spa water, especially if the water has suffered contamination from debris. 

Keep an eye on the water level in the pool as having too much or too little water can become a problem over an extended time. If the water level drops, it can cause damage to the pump or filter, on the other hand, if the water level rises, it can cause efficiency issues for the skimmer.

 

If pool or spa filters suffer any damage and need to be replaced, FILBUR™ Pool and Spa Filtration manufactures a variety of replacement filters, D.E. grids, and cleaners that are made with durability in mind and rigorously tested for quality. 

What To Do if There Is Flooding 

Flooding can be detrimental to pools and spas, so if the area is prone to flooding, or flooding is predicted, it’s important to take as many precautions as possible beforehand. Unfortunately, when it comes to flash floods or extremely high water levels, sometimes it’s not so much what you do for prevention as how you handle the aftermath.  

If at all possible, elevate the pool or spa equipment above the flood level. This will prevent damage to the equipment. However, if the equipment does suffer damage and needs replacing, Speck Pumps manufactures American-made swimming pool pumps, for both residential and commercial pools and are constructed with long-lasting durability in mind. 

While it’s a fairly simple process to drain a hot tub, consider adding a sump pump to pump out any water that may flood into the pool. A sump pump works to extract the water and is straightforward to use: 

  • Set up the sump pump according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Superior Pump makes affordable, efficient sump pumps with exceptional durability. Most sump pumps require electricity, which means this process will have to wait until power is restored, but if power is available, it’s wise to attend to the pool after a flood as soon as possible. 
  • Set up the discharge hose to direct the water away from the pool and the property, taking into consideration any neighbors who are also dealing with post-flood clean up. 
  • A pool may not have to be completely drained after a flood, depending on how severe the water level rose and how much contamination it brought. In most cases, a pool can be recovered after pumping out the excess water and adjusting the water chemistry. 

 

After the Storm: Cleanup and Repairs

Once the storm has passed, it’s important to check the pool or spa for damage. Inspect the pool or spa cover, pump, filter, and skimmer for any signs of damage. Check the water level in the pool or spa and adjust as necessary, adding new water or draining.

Next, if the power has been restored, turn it back on to the pool or spa equipment and check for proper function. Check for any debris in the pool or spa that may have blown in, quickly removing any contaminants and impurities. Purity Pool offers a vast array of durable tools, such as leaf rakes, skimmers, and stain removers that make cleaning up after severe weather feel less like an extensive chore and more like regular maintenance. It’s also important to brush the surfaces and vacuum any debris.

To make the job simpler, the Water Tech™ Volt® Leaf Vac has a cordless, hoseless design and efficient leaf-vacuuming power, perfect for removing debris after a storm. It comes with a mesh filter bag for ultimate efficiency. Skimming from top to bottom, the Leaf Vac ensures thorough pick-up of both floor and surface area debris, so no leaves, seeds or twigs are missed. The push-button start up requires no forced air operation, or water hookups. At a weight of just 3lbs (pole not included) this tool can easily be used by hand or attached to standard telescopic poles, making storm cleanup less intensive.

Finally, test the water chemistry of the pool or spa and adjust as necessary. Heavy rain and blowing debris can take a serious toll on water chemistry, so using highly accurate testing equipment is essential to restoring balance.

AquaChek® Pool & Spa Testing makes it simple to test chemical water balances and accurately adjust chemical levels, especially after a big storm. Once the readings are ready, it is vital to add high quality chemicals to address any imbalances and get the water back on track. 

 

GLB and Applied Bio offer a range of high-performing chemicals to eliminate contaminants and restore balance to both chlorine and chlorine-free pools. Hot tub owners can rely on Leisure Time products for the same high-quality performance in rebalancing water after a storm. 

Overall, by preparing the pool or spa before a big storm, monitoring it during the storm, and taking the necessary steps to address any issues after the storm, pool and spa owners can help protect their investment and minimize the need for repairs. 

At AlphaWest, we take providing the pool and spa industry with premium and proven products to heart. If you’re interested in finding out more about the pool and spa products and manufacturers we represent for both residential and commercial use, contact your area’s manufacturer rep at hello@alphawest.com.