Don’t Let Mother Nature Turn Your Backyard Paradise Into a Disaster Zone: The Ultimate Guide to Hurricane-Proofing Your Above Ground Pool
Living in Douglas County, Georgia means enjoying beautiful weather most of the year, but it also means preparing for the inevitable severe weather events that can threaten our homes and outdoor investments. The area is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, as it lies within the South Atlantic-Gulf hydrologic region, and the area’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean exposes it to tropical storms and hurricanes. When hurricane season arrives, your above ground pool requires special attention to prevent costly damage and ensure your family’s safety.
Understanding Douglas County’s Weather Risks
The National Weather Service predicts that Douglas County can experience severe weather with wind gusts of up to 70 mph, and recent events like Hurricane Helene have demonstrated the real threat these storms pose to our community. Douglas County faces potentially catastrophic impacts from hurricanes, with dangerous systems expected to impact the entire state. These weather events bring multiple hazards including high winds, heavy rainfall, flying debris, and potential flooding—all of which can severely damage an unprepared above ground pool.
Essential Pre-Storm Preparations
Keep Your Pool Full—Don’t Drain It!
One of the most critical mistakes pool owners make is draining their pool before a storm. Do not drain the pool completely – an empty pool is subject to “floating” or “popping” out of the ground due to lift pressure from excessive groundwater. The weight of the water keeps the pool from being lifted off its foundation and “popping” out of the ground because of pressure from Florida’s high water table. This principle applies equally to Georgia’s climate conditions.
Secure and Remove Loose Items
Patio furniture, toys, canvas awnings, patio umbrellas, grills, telescopic poles, and even some pool equipment like automatic pool cleaners can become dangerous projectiles during hurricanes or thunderstorms. Remove all possible unsecured items and store them indoors until the threat passes. Pool accessories can quickly become dangerous projectiles if picked up by the wind or flood waters, so remove and store them before the weather gets bad.
Protect Your Pool Equipment
Circuit breakers at the main electrical panel should be turned off to prevent pump motors, lighting, chlorinators, and heaters from operating during the worst parts of the storm. Run the pumps and filters while it’s calm, but when heavy rain, wind and lightning arrive, shut them off for the duration of the hurricane. After the equipment is shut off, wrap the pump motor, time clock, light transformers and electric heaters with a waterproof plastic membrane and tie it securely in place to prevent sand and driving water from entering.
Chemical Treatment Before the Storm
Proper water chemistry is crucial for post-storm recovery. To prevent contamination from the anticipated debris and excessive storm water, good swimming pool hurricane preparation suggests that you add a “shock” dose of liquid or granular chlorine. Lower the pH first to around 7.2 for best results, and run the filter after shocking for several hours to circulate. Properly balanced water is easier to clean and treat after the storm, reducing the effort and chemicals needed to restore the pool to a safe, swimmable condition.
Special Considerations for Above Ground Pools
Above ground pools face unique challenges during severe weather. Keep the pool full, disconnect and store the filter pump, take out the stairs, and secure any removable components. Keeping it full with water is the best you can do, draining it will cause it to possibly get damaged and start to come off the ground. Leaving the water in the pool is going to make it as heavy as possible.
What NOT to Do
Do not put on a pool cover to prepare a pool for a hurricane. Storms bring wind, and wind can cause falling branches and other flying debris that can damage pool covers. It’s much easier to remove debris from the pool after the storm, than it would be to replace an expensive cover. Additionally, never place patio furniture and outdoor accessories into the pool to keep them from blowing away. The water and chemicals will cause corrosion of the furniture and chemical reactions will leave permanent staining in the pool’s finish.
Professional Pool Services in Douglas County
When it comes to protecting your investment and ensuring proper hurricane preparation, working with experienced professionals can make all the difference. For residents seeking quality above ground pools Douglas County, GA services, having a trusted local partner who understands both pool maintenance and severe weather preparation is invaluable. Professional pool services can provide pre-storm inspections, proper chemical balancing, and post-storm cleanup and restoration services.
Post-Storm Recovery
After the storm passes, safety should be your first priority. Do not begin any pool clean up until you have assessed the area to be safe- no downed power lines, no snakes or alligators in the pool. Only then should you remove any debris from the pool. Remove debris manually to avoid clogging automatic equipment. Be careful not to damage pool walls when removing large objects.
Start with large debris removal by hand, then use a leaf rake for smaller items. Test your pool and balance the water chemistry (you may need to shock it). Before restarting any electrical equipment, ensure everything is completely dry and inspect all connections.
Year-Round Preparation
General yard and tree upkeep throughout the year can help you be prepared in the event of a hurricane. Keep large trees around your home trimmed and be especially wary of weak and low-hanging branches. Remove Spanish moss and keep limbs less than five feet long to reduce the risk of them becoming weak and breaking in strong gusts of wind or heavy rainfall.
Hurricane preparation isn’t just about the immediate steps you take when a storm approaches—it’s about maintaining your property and pool system year-round to minimize potential damage. Regular maintenance, proper chemical balance, and having emergency supplies ready can significantly reduce the impact of severe weather on your above ground pool investment.
Remember, while pools can be repaired or replaced, your family’s safety is irreplaceable. Always prioritize personal safety over property protection, and follow all local emergency management guidelines during severe weather events. With proper preparation and professional guidance, you can help ensure that your above ground pool weathers the storm and continues to provide years of enjoyment for your family.