Florida Pool Owners Brace For Potential Category 3 Hurricane

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Florida pool owners could be looking at the first landfalling hurricane of 2023. Tropical Storm Idalia is rapidly intensifying and is on track to transform into a menacing category 3 hurricane, posing an imminent danger to Florida’s Gulf Coast. As the storm gathers momentum, the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center indicate the potential for a life-threatening storm surge and the looming threat of dangerous winds. With these dire warnings in mind, Governor Ron DeSantis has taken swift action, extending the scope of his executive order to declare a state of emergency in 46 counties—a significant increase from the initial 33-county declaration issued just two days prior.

Homeowners face a crucial task beyond securing their homes and property—preparing their pools for the impending storm. While the storm’s potential impact might be uncertain, one thing is clear: taking proactive steps to safeguard swimming pools can minimize damage, reduce risks, and facilitate a quicker recovery once the storm has passed. The Florida Swimming Pool Association has some recommendations pool owners can take to safeguard their pools and property during the storm.

Amid the storm’s uncertainties, maintaining the right water level is paramount. The weight of the water itself anchors the pool’s structure during turbulent weather. Refrain from draining your pool, as this can lead to potential structural issues. Keep water levels within the recommended range to provide stability against the storm’s forces.

Mother Nature’s tempests can turn even the smallest objects into projectiles. Safeguard your pool area by trimming overhanging branches that could pose a threat to the pool’s integrity. To prevent potential damage, remove loose objects such as chairs, tables, and pool equipment. For items you can’t bring indoors, gently place them in the pool, avoiding forceful tossing that could damage the pool’s surfaces.

Protect your pool’s water chemistry by super chlorinating it before the storm arrives. The likelihood of a power outage during the storm may persist, making this pre-storm chlorination a critical step in maintaining water quality. Turn off all power at the circuit breakers, especially for electrical equipment like pump motors. Wrap exposed equipment tightly with plastic to shield it from the elements.

The storm’s unpredictability makes it unsafe to use the pool before, during, and after its impact. Lightning, strong winds, and other hazards pose significant risks to anyone in or around the water. Exercise caution and prioritize safety by staying indoors.

Once the storm subsides, resist the urge to venture outside immediately. The aftermath may still carry hidden dangers, making it wiser to wait for local authorities to declare it safe before assessing any potential damage.

After the storm passes, avoid immediately restarting your pool pumps. Instead, focus on assessing the pool’s condition and removing debris that may have accumulated during the storm.

Use a net, skimmer, or pool rake to gently remove debris from the pool. Regular pool vacuum equipment and pumps are likely to clog the plumbing, so it’s best to steer clear of them during this initial cleanup phase. Before touching any electrical equipment, ensure that everything is dry. If you’re unsure, it’s wise to consult a professional to check the electrical components.

Just as the storm disrupts nature’s balance, it may also affect your pool’s water chemistry. After the storm, perform another shock treatment to initiate the process of restoring proper water balance.

See Also: Hurricane Pool Prep Tips

National Drowning Prevention Alliance Calls Attention To Increased Risk Of Drownings During Hurricanes And Tropical Storms As Idalia Approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast

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Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

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(Tustin, CA – August 28, 2023) – As a state of emergency is declared for 33 Florida counties ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall sometime Wednesday along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) reminds parents and families that storm fatalities are more likely from water not wind*, and to prepare accordingly.

While tropical storms and hurricanes are classified according to wind strength, adverse water-related conditions such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, rip currents, and high surf conditions account for the majority of fatalities resulting from such events. According to a study by NHC, an average of seven of eight fatalities from tropical cyclones in the U.S. between 1963 and 2012 were drowning and/or water related.

“Applying the same drowning prevention strategies practiced in the home and when recreating around pools and open bodies of water, to storm preparedness can be equally helpful in preventing a drowning incident during a tropical storm or hurricane when flash floods and other dangerous water conditions occur,” said Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., Executive Director, National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “For one, we know that drownings among small children can occur with just a few inches of standing water, so whether storm waters enter the home or flooding conditions are present nearby, parents need to be vigilant and take precautions.”

Specifically, Katchmarchi also warns that filling bathtubs with water – often recommended ahead of storms and hurricanes in the event of post-storm water shortages – can become an increased drowning risk for children inside the home.

When it comes to water safety, more is better which is why NDPA advocates the Five Layers of Protection – barriers and alarms, water competency, supervision, life jackets, and emergency preparedness – all of which can be applied effectively as part of one’s overall hurricane preparedness practices.

In addition to the Five Layers of Protection to help prevent drowning, NDPA encourages those in tropical storm and hurricane-prone areas to follow NHC and NOAA hurricane preparedness guidelines including:

For additional hurricane preparedness recommendations, visit NOAA.gov.

*According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC)

About the National Drowning Prevention Alliance The mission of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance is “United, we can prevent the tragedy of drowning.” Through education, awareness, and advocacy, NDPA seeks to reduce the incidence of drowning and aquatic injuries in the United States and abroad and to address the single leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. To learn more, visit ndpa.org.

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Minneapolis, Minn. – August 22, 2023 – Pentair, a leading provider of water treatment and sustainable solutions, recently announced that David Kraft has been named group sales leader for its Pool segment, a $1.6B business that provides innovative, energy efficient pool solutions to help people more sustainably enjoy water. Kraft will report to Greg Claffey, Pentair Pool group president.

“At Pentair, our leaders are passionate about assisting our pool professionals to help their customers experience full pool enjoyment. David brings extensive experience leading high-performing, customer-centric teams and building relationships. As we continue to innovate more sustainable and connected solutions, David is committed to supporting our pool customers and helping their businesses grow. We look forward to David’s leadership in elevating our Pool segment,” said Claffey.

In his role, Kraft has responsibility for driving the sales and service strategy for the Pool business unit. Kraft also leads strategy for the Sales Operations and Warranty functions and Pool Europe Sales and Product Management teams.

“It’s wonderful to build relationships with customers who are as passionate about water as I am. I’ve always been dedicated to listening and leading with a customer-first approach. I look forward to supporting pool professionals in helping their businesses thrive and creating an effortless pool experience for their customers. I’ve been particularly impressed with the fervor throughout our partner network, and I’m excited to meet the people who make the pool industry so great,” said Kraft.

Kraft joins Pentair from Emerson Electric Co., where he was most recently vice president of Global Business Development after holding multiple roles of increasing responsibility over almost 25 years. Prior to Emerson, Kraft held positions at Moore Products Company.

ABOUT PENTAIR At Pentair we help the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and business solutions to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.

Pentair had revenue in 2022 of approximately $4.1 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 11,250 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com. As an industry leader in the pool and spa space, Pentair is dedicated to elevating the pool experience to the next level with connected, efficient, and quality products so people can soak in the magical, wonder filled moments by their pool, giving them time – and peace of mind – to create them. Pentair’s pool solutions are engineered to help filter, clean and sanitize water, while automation equipment makes it easy to control from anywhere. For more information, visit pentair.com/pool.

Two friends miraculously survived the Maui fire by seeking refuge in a swimming pool.

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In a heart-stopping tale of resilience, two vacationers in Maui not only faced the wrath of last week’s deadly firestorm but emerged as survivors, all thanks to their quick thinking and the protective refuge of a swimming pool. The friends detailed their harrowing experience and how a pool saved their lives during the Maui fire.

Kristina Lee-Garrido and her childhood best friend embarked on a vacation to Maui, seeking tranquility and adventure. Little did they know that their trip would become a test of survival against nature’s fury. As thick smoke began engulfing their rental unit in Lahaina, panic took hold. With adrenaline-fueled speed, they seized their personal belongings, desperately trying to navigate through the suffocating haze. In the chaos, they lost each other, not once, but twice, swallowed by the obscurity of the smoke.

Yet, fate had other plans. Amidst the disorienting turmoil, these two friends managed to reunite, driven by an unyielding determination to overcome the odds. It was then that they found themselves facing a critical choice – a choice that would ultimately save their lives. The swimming pool, an oasis of shimmering blue, beckoned them like a lifeline. In the midst of a hellish inferno, the pool became their sanctuary, their sole refuge.

For Kristina Lee-Garrido, the emotions were overwhelming. “I feel extremely blessed right now,” she told reporters, her voice trembling with gratitude and disbelief. “There were many angels in our path, but we couldn’t always see them. There was no one there except us.” In those dire moments, the pool stood as their protector, shielding them from the encroaching danger that lurked just beyond the smoke-shrouded landscape.

Resourceful and resolute, Lee-Garrido and her friend utilized the SOS feature on their iPhones, a lifeline that connected them with the very help that would be their beacon of hope. Emergency services responded swiftly, their digital call a thread of connection in the midst of chaos. “They pinged us first thing and they knew where we were, and they said don’t move anywhere, do not get out of the pool,” Lee-Garrido recounted, underscoring the critical importance of their chosen haven.

Hours turned into an eternity as the pair clung to the safety of the pool. Yet, even amidst their chosen sanctuary, the smoke’s relentless advance grew overwhelming. Determined not to give up, Lee-Garrido once again reached out to emergency services, a plea for salvation in a time of desperation. The response was unwavering – stay put, for rescue was impossible amidst the engulfing peril.

Then, a glimmer of hope emerged. Like mythical heroes of old, three firefighters emerged from the smoky abyss, shattering barriers to retrieve the imperiled duo. Their arrival, a testament to human courage and solidarity, marked a turning point in the harrowing ordeal.

The two friends certainly weren’t the only survivors to seek refuge in water. In the face of the raging inferno, a handful of individuals displayed remarkable resourcefulness by seeking safety in the ocean itself. As the flames encroached upon their homes and the air grew thick with smoke, these survivors made a split-second decision that ultimately saved their lives.

The tale of what occurred in Maui draws haunting parallels to another incident, one etched into recent memory – a wildfire that occurred in Paradise, CA. In both instances, a swimming pool proved to be the last refuge against nature’s fury. Just as homeowners had sought shelter from the inferno’s wrath by immersing themselves in their pools, so too did these two women find salvation amidst the flames.

Reports confirm that the fire has claimed the lives of 115 individuals, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning. However, the somber reality is compounded by the unsettling fact that over 1,100 people remain unaccounted for, their fates uncertain as search and rescue operations intensify.

Featured Photo Credit: Hotpot.ai

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