Minimize the Damage to Your Swimming Pool
As one of the tri-state's leading authorized Warranty Pool Service Center, PM Pool
Service can equip your pool with the latest state-of-the-art pool equipment and
accessories.
Pool Water Levels: Lower the water level to the bottom of the tile line, just
below the skimmer (as if you were winterizing the pool). Do not lower water levels more
than 6" from the top of pool; doing so could create serious damage to the shell of your
pool. When you lower your water, always turn off the power to your equipment to avoid
damaging the equipment. Lowering of pool water level can be accomplished by performing
the following steps:
Pools with Computerized Controls
- Place you control system into "service mode". This is done from the main outside service panel.
- After in service mode make sure all pumps are off. Typically the main pump is labeled filter or filter pump; you also want to turn off any additional pumps (pool cleaner, waterfall, spa, etc).
- After all pumps are off you must change the setting on the multiport valve which looks like a sundial with a black lever from "filter" to "waste". *** YOU MUST MAKE SURE NO PUMPS ARE RUNNING WHEN CHANGING THIS VALVE SETTING ***
- Turn your main filter pump on from the service panel; you are now pumping water out of your pool through you backwash line.
- Monitor the water level and turn the main filter pump off from the service panel once your water level is at the bottom of your skimmers.
- Change your multiport valve back to the “filter” position
- Turn power off at all breakers associated with the pool. Depending on your specific pool the breakers may be located near the filter system, in your main inside breaker box, or in some cases at both locations.
Pools With Traditional Timers
- Turn off all pool timers.
- After all pumps are off you must change the setting on the multiport valve which looks like a sundial with a black lever from "filter" to "waste". *** YOU MUST MAKE SURE NO PUMPS ARE RUNNING WHEN CHANGING THIS VALVE SETTING ***
- Turn your main filter pump on from the service panel; you are now pumping water out of your pool through you backwash line.
- Monitor the water level and turn the main filter pump off from the service panel once your water level is at the bottom of your skimmers.
- Change your multi-port valve back to the “filter” position
- Turn power off at all breakers associated with the pool. Depending on your specific pool the breakers may be located near the filter system, in your main inside breaker box, or in some cases at both locations.
Power To The Equipment: Turn the power off at the breaker. If you cannot turn the power off, disable the timer to the pool equipment. Manual timers can be flipped to the off position and the trippers on the dial should be removed.
Gas Heaters: Turn gas off.
Pool Area Accessories: Bring anything you can inside away from the pool area. If you cannot bring it inside, tie it down. Remember to take down your patio umbrellas, bird feeders, wind chimes, tiki torches and potted or hanging baskets. If you can't bring your glass patio table inside, turn it upside down and place it next to the house.
Garden And Flower Beds: You do not want mulch or mud in your pool. If you can't cover your beds, use water bags around the pool to divert the mulch and mud from going into the pool.
Should you cover your pool? That is the question.
Water Bag Cover: If you use water bag covers (or tarps) we suggest that you do not cover your pool. These covers will most likely fall into the pool or act like a sail and fly away. If you decide to cover your pool anyway, use buckets filled with water to weigh the cover down. Do not use sand or bricks. Buckets filled with water will be much easier to clean up (in the event the cover falls into pool).
Safety Cover: Safety covers are expensive. They could be successful in keeping the dirt and debris out of your pool during the storm, but the cover itself may suffer serious damage. It is probably easier to clean out your pool than incur the expense of replacing a safety cover.
After The Storm
Post Clean Up: Do not use your automatic pool cleaner to do all the heavy lifting. Remove large twigs, branches and the bulk of leaves and debris with a leaf rake and skimmer net. Use the cleaners to pick up the fine dirt and debris.
Turning Power Back On: Do not turn the power back on if the equipment was submerged. You may want to have a pool professional inspect your equipment to make sure it is safe to turn on.
Contact PM Pool Service now to learn more about our pool safety products. Call (908) 845-8200 or fill out our contact form.
If you have any questions regarding storm preparation, please
call 908.845.8200 or fill out our contact form.
