BEFORE THE STORM

1. THERE IS NO NEED TO EVEN LOWER THE WATER EXCEPT IN SPECIAL CASES. Many people say, "But won't the pool overflow if you don't lower the water?" Certainly it will. But no more so than if a patio or a yard were there. The water helps to protect the tiles and surface from flying objects. Never completely drain your pool! If you do lower the water level, be sure to close your skimmer valve or install a plug to prevent damage to the pump while draining and when the power is turned back on. Super chlorinate the pool. The pool provides a handy source of water for washing and flushing if your house water supply fails.

2. TURN OFF ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE SWIMMING POOL. (Pump, motor, lighting, chlorinators, and etc.)

3. If your filter pump is in an unsheltered area, have the motor removed and stored, especially if area is prone to flooding, or wrap it with a waterproof membrane or plastic bag and tie it securely in place to prevent sand and driving water from entering the motor. Tie down the pump box lid, if present.

4. REMOVE ALL LOOSE ITEMS FROM POOL AREA. It is not advisable to throw patio furniture or accessories into the pool. If it is necessary to do so, remove as soon as possible after the storm has passed. Heavy furniture may chip, rust, and damage the pool finish and the chemicals in the water will have an adverse effect on the furniture. This is especially true for vinyl liner pools that can be torn by furniture etc.

5. Remove weak and dead branches near or overhanging the pool equipment, pool screen room and pool deck. Clean the pool deck drains.

6. Remove and store any removable child safety fences. Install the fence deck caps.

AFTER THE STORM

1. REPLACE ANY CHILD SAFETY FENCES. Store the deck caps for future use.

2. DO NOT EMPTY THE POOL. High ground water can cause structural damage to an empty pool by causing it to pop (float) out of the ground.

3. SUPERCHLORINATE THE POOL WATER. Remove as much of the organic debris (leaves, etc.) with a rake and skimmer as soon as possible as it rapidly consumes chlorine. When the chlorine residual returns to normal, have the water tested for proper balance. Heavy rain upsets mineral balance needed for protection of your equipment and pool finish.

4. Remove all debris from pool with a rake and skimmer before re-starting the system to prevent clogged lines.

5. DANGER: Some chemical feeders require special care before starting the pump motor. Check with All Clear Pool and Spa Shop or your pool company.

6. REMOVE ANY WRAPPING AROUND PUMP MOTOR. If the motor has been submerged, it should be removed for professional cleaning and drying out. If the pump has remained dry, turn on the electricity.

7. Check to make certain the pump is operating normally and that the water is circulating in the pool. Reset time clocks to show the correct time of day.

8. Run filter until water is crystal clear and resume normal pool operation.