A partially-drained pool popped out of the ground on Fort Myers Beach ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Photos shared with NBC2 show just why experts say it's not a good idea to drain a pool or change its water level.
"It needs the weight of the water to keep it in place," said NBC2 anchor Peter Busch. "Someone drained too much water out of it. They figured it would lessen the chances of their house flooding because of all of the water and storm surge that's coming. But you do not want to drain your pool because this is what can happen."
A pool can pop out of the ground after it's drained due to hydrostatic pressure, or water pushing upwards. Instead, experts say you should pay attention to the drain around the pool, especially if it is clogged with mud. They say you should use a hose to get it out.
Here are tips to prepare your pool for a hurricane:
- Don’t drain your pool.
- Turn off any power to motors, lighting and heaters.
- Remove loose objects around the pool so they don’t become projectiles.
- Don’t cover your pool. You risk damaging the pool cover from flying debris or falling trees.
- Protect your screen enclosures. The best thing to do is remove your screen so it doesn’t get damaged.
