8 Ways to Protect Your Long Island Pool When a Storm Rolls In

Long Island pool owners know the drill. A nor’easter, a tropical storm or a strong summer squall can push through with heavy rain and high winds, and the backyard takes the brunt of it. The Chaikin Ultimate team has cared for pools across the Island through plenty of storm seasons, and these eight steps are the ones we rely on to prevent damage and speed up the recovery.

1. Keep your automatic cover open.

This is the tip that catches people off guard, so we put it first. If you have an automatic cover, leave it open through significant rain and wind whenever you can. A closed cover collects rainwater, leaves and fallen limbs, and all of that weight strains the fabric, tracks, ropes and pulleys. Cleaning debris out of the pool afterward is much easier and much less expensive than repairing or replacing cover components.

2. Lower the water only if it’s high.

If your water is up to the coping or the top of the tile line, drop it a few inches. That gives heavy rain somewhere to go and helps keep debris from washing in when the pool overflows. If the level is where it normally sits, there’s no need to touch it.

3. Never drain the pool.

Taking out a few inches is fine. Emptying the pool is not. The water inside provides the weight that keeps the structure stable, and once the ground is soaked, an empty pool can be damaged by the groundwater pressing against it.

4. Secure the backyard.

Bring in or tie down furniture, umbrellas, cushions, toys, floats and planters. High winds can send any of them into the pool or into your equipment, fence or home.

5. Balance your water in advance.

Storms bring rain, leaves and dirt, and all three eat through sanitizer. Test and adjust your water beforehand so the pool is in the best possible shape going in.

6. Know where the breaker is located that powers your equipment.

Locate the breaker for your pool equipment and make sure the rest of your household can find it too. If the equipment pad floods, you may need to shut off power quickly.  This is most important if your pool is older and your equipment is not GFCI protected.  New electrical codes call for any components tied to your pool operation have GFCI protection.  

7. Stay inside until it’s over.

Once the storm arrives, leave the pool alone. Don’t skim, pull out branches or check on the pump while there is lightning, strong wind or wet electrical equipment. Everything can wait until conditions are safe.

8. Inspect first, then clean and rebalance.

When the weather clears, start at the equipment pad. If you see flooding or standing water, shut off power to the equipment and call us when it’s safe. If the system is running and sounds unusually loud, or something doesn’t seem right, turn it off and have a technician look at it. Once the equipment checks out, skim the surface, empty the skimmer and pump baskets, then test the water. Expect to rebalance your pH, alkalinity and sanitizer and to shock the pool.

Need a Hand After the Storm?

If the cleanup is more than you want to take on, Chaikin Ultimate can handle it. Our team is available for storm debris removal, water balancing, filter cleanings and a full equipment check once the weather passes. Contact us to schedule service, and stay safe.