Whilst storms can be amazing to watch and often leave a feeling of fresh and clean air, they can also be costly, destructive and downright inconvenient.
Storm damage often includes:
Debris and damage to your equipment
Motor burnout / fusion *check with your insurer if you are covered for motor burnout or fusion ahead of time
The Dilution of chemicals (reducing effectiveness)
Additional phosphates Why do phosphates matter?
Safety issues around electricity, including short circuiting.
When it comes to your swimming pool and swimming pool surrounds during a storm, preparing and pre-planning can save you on money, time and inconvenience.
Don't get us wrong, most of our clients are correct when they assume that we will be able to magically clean up a green or storm affected pool, but help us to help you.
Here are just a few highlights when dealing with a lot of rain, overfull pools, storms and destructive winds.
Don't drain your pool too early
Whilst storms and rain often cause your pool to overflow, draining them too early could expose your substrate to being damaged by flying objects. It's better practise to watch the pool closely and only drain the pool when the pool is overfull.
Always remember the power of water. By draining a pool, you expose the pool to popping out of the ground and "floating" on a rising water table. This is particularly important if you live near a canal or a high water table.
Turn the Power off
To prevent any potential electrical issues, we recommend that you turn your pool equipment, such as your pool pump, pool filter, pool heater and chlorinator, off before the storm or excessive rain hits. Even though you may shut off the power, your pool equipment can still be damaged by large amounts of wind, rain and debris that come with severe weather, but you will minimise your risk and potential safety hazards.
If it's possible, we recommend covering your pool equipment with a large plastic tarp or waterproof covering, firmly tied down and if you have low lying equipment, we have even been known to disconnect and remove pumps and equipment before the area is flooded.
Use this opportunity to consider for future storms too. If your pool equipment is in a low-lying area, and often flooded or damaged during storms or heavy rains, perhaps relocating your pool equipment should be in your future plans. What should I know about relocating my pool equipment
Balance and Control
During a storm, it is inevitable that dirt and debris is going to find its way into your pool. Even though you will most likely need to shock the pool after a storm, by balancing the pool and adding an algae controller before a storm hits can save you a lot of work after the storm has come to pass, as the algae controller will be able to quickly and easily eliminate most contaminants at the time.
Pack away and cut back vegetation
Never place objects in the pool area or pool to protect them from a storm, as this could create staining problems on your pool substrate and even damage to your pool interior.
If you have time before the storm, remove as many household items from around the pool area as possible.
Removing excess vegetation, plants and trees can also help against algae, phosphates (from run off) and debris entering the pool.
Covers Off
Leave your pool open. Any covers across the pool will struggle to protect against dust and contaminants and it is not worth the risk in the event that a strong wind tears the cover off the pool. Placing your cover over the pool leaves it vulnerable to sharp branches and other debris that can damage the cover during a storm.
If you have any questions about preparing your pool for a storm, please call us on 0432 105 352.
Cyclone Debbie brought us this last time : #canal front property in Mermaid Waters
For more information call us on 0432 105 352 or make a booking here