If you have a pool..

Keep extra chlorine on hand to help prevent contamination in the event of a hurricane. Do not remove water from your pool.

Before the Storm:

• DON'T lower your pool's water level.
   
• Turn off electrical power to the pool.
  
• If your filter pump is in an unsheltered area, wrap it securely in a waterproof plastic bag. Tie down the pump box lid.
  
• Remove loose items from your pool area, and put them in your garage or house if possible. DON'T put heavy furniture in the pool. This could damage your pool's finish, and the chemicals in pool water are bad for outdoor furniture.
  
• Add extra chlorine to your pool water. Remember, you can use water from your pool for sanitary purposes after the hurricane.
  
• Take down and store all removable child safety fences.
  

After the Storm:

• Replace all child safety fences.
  
• DON'T empty your pool. If you do, it can cause expensive structural damage and maybe even cause it to pop (float) out of the ground.
  
• Super-chlorinate (shock) your pool. Remove all plant debris as soon as possible, because organic materials dilute chlorine quickly.
  
• Before restarting your pool system, make sure you have removed all debris with your pool rake and skimmer. This will prevent clogging the lines.
  
• IMPORTANT. Some chemical feeders require special care before starting the pump motor. If you have any questions, check with your pool company before restarting the motor.
  
• Check out the pump motor. If it has been flooded or submerged, have it removed and cleaned professionally.
  
• Make sure your pump is operating normally and that water is circulating. Reset your timer clock.
  
• Run the filter until the pool water is crystal clear.
  

For questions about pool care before and after a storm, you can contact:
Florida Swimming Pool Association (800) 569-6774.

Content provided by WFOR CBS4