Storm Prep for Your Pool: Answers for Syracuse Homeowners
Central New York weather keeps pool owners on their toes. A strong line of thunderstorms can bring inches of rain and damaging wind in a single evening, and your pool is a significant investment worth protecting. These are the questions the Precision Pool & Spa team hears most often when a storm is in the forecast, along with our recommendations.
Should I lower the water in my pool before a storm?
Only if it’s already high. When the water is at the top of the tile line or the coping, bringing it down a few inches leaves room for rainfall and helps keep debris from washing in as the pool overflows. If your level is normal, you can leave it alone.
Would it be safer to drain the pool completely?
No, and this is one of the most damaging mistakes a pool owner can make. The water in your pool provides the weight that holds the structure in place. When the ground is saturated after heavy rain, an empty pool can be damaged by the pressure of groundwater beneath it. A few inches is the most you should ever remove.
What should I do with my patio furniture and pool accessories?
Store them. Lounge chairs, umbrellas, cushions, floats, planters and toys can all be picked up by strong wind. Moving them into a garage or pool house protects the pieces themselves and keeps them from ending up in the water or striking your equipment, fencing or home.
Do I need to adjust my chemicals ahead of time?
It helps. Heavy rain and the leaves and dirt that come with it use up sanitizer quickly. Testing and balancing your water before the storm gives it the best chance of staying clear and shortens the recovery afterward.
Should I close my automatic cover?
We recommend leaving it open during significant rain and wind whenever possible. Most homeowners expect the opposite, but a closed cover has to bear the weight of rainwater, debris and any limbs that fall on it. That stress can damage the fabric, tracks, ropes and pulleys. Cleaning the pool after a storm is generally much easier and less expensive than repairing or replacing an automatic cover system.
Is there anything I should do during the storm?
Stay indoors and let it pass. Please don’t try to skim the pool, pull out debris or check on your equipment while the weather is active. Lightning, high wind and wet electrical equipment are a dangerous combination. It’s also worth knowing where your pool equipment breaker is before the storm arrives, in case you need to shut the power off afterward.
What’s the first thing to check when the storm is over?
Your equipment pad. Before turning the system on, look for flooding or standing water around the pump, filter and heater. If you find any, shut off power to the pool equipment and contact us once it’s safe. If the system is running and you hear something unusually loud, or it just doesn’t seem right, turn it off and call us so a technician can take a look.
How do I get my pool clean and clear again?
Skim leaves and branches from the surface and empty the skimmer and pump baskets before running the system. Then test the water. Rain and runoff will have shifted your pH, alkalinity and sanitizer, so plan to rebalance and shock the pool. Large debris, or anything you’d rather not handle, can be left to our team.
Can Precision take care of the cleanup for me?
Yes. Our Syracuse team offers post-storm service that includes debris removal, water balancing, filter cleanings and a full check of your equipment, so your pool is back to its best with no effort on your part.
Questions After a Storm? Call Precision Pool & Spa
If you have concerns once the weather clears, our team is here to help. Contact Precision Pool & Spa to schedule a post-storm cleanup or service visit in the Syracuse area.