A white paper and a panel presentation released this month are meant to provide guidance to contractors helping customers prepare for and recover from the types of storms recently seen in Houston, Florida and the Caribbean.
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has developed a white paper to address flooding. The document, developed by APSP’s Recreational Water Quality Committee, outlines procedures to take to ensure electrical, chemical and personal safety if a pool or spa becomes flooded. It begins with the assumption that floodwaters will be contaminated with chemicals, fertilizers, oils, gasoline, sewage and debris, and that electrical hazards will be present. It discusses such issues as how to approach chemicals that have been compromised by floodwaters, avoid electrocution and perform repairs.
The organization had been working on the paper for a few months before this Autumn’s historic hurricanes struck. “Are they going to happen more and more as we move forward?” said APSP CEO Rich Gottwald. “We’ll see, but they tend to hit areas with a lot of pools.”
At the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, a panel discussion will take place called, “Before and After the Storm: Disaster Safety, Prevention and Response.” Developed later than normal in response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the discussion will feature water-treatment specialist Terry Arko of NC Brands; Ray Arouesty of Arrow Insurance Service; Jack Manilla, of Florida-based service provider Portofino Pools; and Bob Vincent of the Florida Department of Health.
Panelists will address the preventive measures and challenges faced by industry professionals in the wake of natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.
