As a pool owner, there is little you can do about sudden changes in weather patterns or severe storms. And while you cannot completely keep debris from getting into the water, there are a few measures you can take to protect your pool from damage caused by storms and floods. Here are some useful tips to keep your pool safe from Mother Nature:
- Don’t drain your pool
While it seems like a good idea to drain the pool to prevent flooding when it rains, it is not recommended. Draining all the water from your pool leaves the walls and floor exposed to two kinds of damage: larger debris could scratch and dent the pool walls and floor; or excess pressure from below, as the underground water table rises could cause the pool to “pop” from the ground. Also don’t lower the water level by more than 2-3 inches from the required depth.
- Don’t cover the pool
This also seems like a nice idea to prevent debris from falling into the pool, but you are more likely to get the cover destroyed by high winds or from sharp or heavy objects falling on it. Furthermore, it is easier to drain excess water than to clean the cover after the storm.
- Turn power off on pool equipment
During heavy downpour the chances of your motor, pump, filter or pool control system coming in contact with huge amounts of water is very high. Protect your equipment from electrical issues by turning off all circuit breakers directing power to the motor, pump, chlorinator, filter, heater, and even the lighting fixtures.
- Protect the pump motor from water damage
In addition to removing circuit breakers, consider moving the motor indoors or covering it with a waterproof material to prevent water from getting inside.
- Secure or move patio furniture
High winds can blow any freestanding objects such as lounge chairs, floats, and other patio furniture into your pool, causing serious damage. Consider moving these items and locking them in a safe place such as a shed, garage or storage bin, and tie down anything you can’t bring indoors.
- Balance the water chemistry
Rainwater, debris, and other contaminants that get into your pool water should be neutralised. Check the pH and chlorine level of your pool water every day or two to three days per week and balance accordingly. Also add an algae controller, preferably before the storm, to get rid of organic contaminants.
After the storm
Once the storm has cleared, the first step should be to remove any debris before it settles and contaminates the water. Next, drain the excess water; and then, check and balance the chemistry of the pool water before running the pool filter until the water clears.
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