A partially drained pool in Fort Myers Beach broke away from the ground before Hurricane Milton. Photos shared with sister station WBBH show why experts say it’s not a good idea to drain the pool or change the water level. the weight of the water to keep it in place,” said WBBH host Peter Bush. “Someone pumped a lot of water. They thought it would make their homes less likely to flood from incoming water and storm surge. But you don’t want to let your pool dry out, because it can.” A pool can rise out of the ground after being drained due to hydrostatic pressure or rising water. Instead, experts recommend that the area around the pool, especially if it is clogged with sediment, say to pay attention to drainage. They say to use a hose to drain it. Do not drain the pool. Turn off the power to the pool. Remove loose items so they don’t turn. Projectiles can damage the pool deck due to flying debris. The best thing to do is remove the screen.
A partially drained pool emerged from the ground on Fort Myers Beach before Hurricane Milton.
Photos shared with sister station WBBH show why experts say it’s not a good idea to drain the pool or change the water level.
“It needs the weight of water to stay in place,” said WBBH host Peter Bush. “Someone pumped a lot of water. They thought their home would be less likely to flood from incoming water and storm surge. But you don’t want the pond to dry up, because that could happen.”
A pond can rise from the ground after draining due to hydrostatic pressure or rising water. Instead, experts say you should pay attention to the drainage around the pool, especially if it is clogged with mud. They say you have to use a hose to get it out.
Tips for preparing your pool for a storm:
- Do not drain the pool.
- Turn off all power to engines, lights and heaters.
- Remove loose objects around the pool so they don’t become projectiles.
- Don’t cover your pool. There is a risk of damage to the pool cover from debris or falling trees.
- Protect screen cases. The best thing you can do is remove the screen so it doesn’t get damaged.