Hurricane pool preparation in St Martin

Why preparation matters on our island

Hurricane Irma in September 2017 reminded everyone how hard a major storm can hit the island: roofs, gardens and pools were affected on both the French and Dutch sides. After a storm, roads can be blocked, power can be cut for a long time, and the port can be closed for days. Restocking by sea takes time even in normal conditions.

That is why the most useful thing you can do is simple: buy your pool products before the season, not after the storm, when everyone needs the same chlorine, flocculant and algaecide at the same time. Our store in Baie Nettlé is the place to stock up.

Before the storm: a checklist

Do not empty the pool

It is tempting to drain the pool, but an empty or nearly empty pool can be damaged by the pressure of groundwater around the shell, and the water itself helps protect the surface from flying debris. Keep it full. Water is also expensive on the island (around €9.50 per m³ on the French side according to the AFD), so treating is far cheaper than refilling.

Secure everything that can fly

• Bring in furniture, umbrellas, loungers, toys and floats.
• Store your poles, nets and brushes indoors: a telescopic pole becomes a projectile in strong wind.
• Remove floating chlorine dispensers and the thermometer.
• Close and secure the lid of chemical containers and keep them dry, away from the house if possible.

Protect the equipment

• Switch off the pump, the filter and any salt chlorinator at the electrical panel before the wind picks up.
• Protect the equipment room or pump housing against water and debris as best you can.
• Do not leave anything running unattended during the storm.

Treat the water ahead of time

A day or two before the storm, check pH with test strips, then give a preventive dose of chlorine and an algaecide such as Desalgin. Well balanced, well chlorinated water starts the recovery with an advantage when debris, leaves and rain arrive.

After the storm: restarting your pool

Safety first

Before touching the pump or any equipment, make sure the electrical installation is safe and dry. If the equipment has been flooded, have it checked before switching it on. Never get into the water to clear debris while there is any doubt about electricity.

Step by step

1. Remove large debris with a leaf net and a pole. Empty the skimmer baskets.
2. Brush the walls and the floor so dirt goes into suspension.
3. Once the installation is safe, restart filtration and let it run.
4. Test the water with strips: pH first, then chlorine.
5. Adjust the pH, then apply a shock chlorination.
6. If the water stays brown or cloudy, use a flocculant such as Superflock, then vacuum the deposit to waste if your installation allows it.
7. If the water has turned green, add a shock algaecide such as Desalgin Shock and keep filtering.
8. Clean or backwash the filter and test again before swimming.

A green pool after a storm is common in our heat: water at 27 to 30 °C and strong sun let algae spread in a few days. Acting early saves product and water.

Products to keep in stock from June

• Stabilised chlorine (Chlorilong or Stabichloran) and a fast chlorine for shock treatment (Chlorifix).
• pH plus and pH minus.
• Desalgin algaecide (Classic for prevention, Shock for green water).
• Superflock flocculant for cloudy or brown water.
• Test strips, a leaf net, a brush and a telescopic pole.

You will find all of these in our water treatment range and our accessories, or in the store. Villa managers looking after several pools can ask us about larger pack sizes.

Need help before or after a storm?

Mister Pool also offers pool maintenance. If you are away during the season, or if your pool needs to be brought back to clear water after a storm, contact us to discuss what is possible for your pool. Owners and villa managers are welcome.

Hurricane season: frequently asked questions