Hurricane season is in full force. East Texas has already been devastated by one hurricane and now another is bearing down on South Florida.

Strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding caused by hurricanes are not only dangerous to people, but also property. But you can minimize the risk to your swimming pool by taking these simple steps to prepare it for a hurricane.

Pool Service Boca Raton — Don’t Drain Your Pool

Whether you have an in-ground pool or an above-ground version, it’s important to keep it filled as the hurricane approaches. The water in your pool provides weight which helps keep your pool grounded. An empty pool is more likely to rip out of the ground or blow into your home in heavy winds.

You do want to cut power to your pool at the main electrical panel. Machinery like pump motors, lighting, chlorinators, and heaters should be turned off and unplugged.

Pool Service Boca Raton — Protect Your Pool Equipment

To prevent machinery from being damaged by blowing debris, rain, or flooding, it’s a good idea to wrap your pump motor, time clock, light transformers, and electric heaters in waterproof plastic. Tie the plastic securely to keep sand and water from getting in.

If you are in an area that is prone to flooding, it’s also a good idea to move these devices to higher shelves or store them in a dry place.

Pool Service Boca Raton — Remove Loose Items

In a hurricane, anything that isn’t battened down is going to blow away. So you want to remove any chairs, tables, toys, pool tools or other loose items so they don’t become dangerous projectiles. Store these items inside garages or a secure shed.

Don’t throw your furniture into the pool unless you have nowhere else to put it. You also don’t want to cover your pool because falling branches and other debris are likely to damage your pool cover.

The most important thing in a hurricane is to stay safe. If a hurricane evacuation order is issued in your area, get out and move to higher ground as quickly as possible.