Being a responsible homeowner includes protecting your pool, as well as all other components of your house and property. In contrast with other assets you may own, it can occasionally be challenging to know what you can do to safeguard your swimming pool from the elements. Of course, ongoing proper maintenance of your pool is important all the time, but when a storm is approaching, what should you do – if anything – to secure your swimming pool and to minimize damage? Despite the fact that you can’t just carry your pool indoors for safety like you can your patio furniture, there are specific tasks which you can do to protect your pool before a storm’s arrival.
Knowing what to do includes being fully aware of any dangers a storm may pose. Some of these tips listed below are useful to apply when you hear the forecaster’s warning of an upcoming storm, while other tips are best implemented long before your region’s stormy season begins.
Sun or Rain
Naturally, it wouldn’t make sense to cover your pool whenever rain is expected or even when rain starts to fall. However, you must be aware that even a small sprinkling will cause pollutants and algae to be deposited into your pool’s water. You must include an algaecide in your pool water to effectively combat those unwanted additions. Then, as soon as the sun returns, make sure to test your pool’s pH, clean it, and shock it if necessary. The filter will then go to work to assist in restoring the equilibrium of your chemical levels.
Pool Water Levels
Lowering the water level in your pool can be beneficial if a major storm is anticipated. You may be wondering why. Because soil and other adjacent materials are easily washed into the decking area surrounding an inground pool during a heavy downpour, the pool water risks becoming contaminated as the water level overflows the pool’s rim and mixes with the rain water puddling in the areas around the pool. With your pool constructor or pool supply company, you might want to explore the best technique to lower your water level for your particular pool and yard. A straightforward hose spigot or valve can occasionally be utilized, but choosing the incorrect technique for your pool may potentially harm it, which is definitely what you want to avoid!
Drainage Problems
If the buildings surrounding your pool send any rainwater runoff toward your pool area, erosion will eventually occur. There are various potential solutions, depending on the nature of the issue. This rainwater runoff problem frequently arises because of the slope of the land and the design of the pool deck. A French drain is frequently a practical option in these situations. This type of drain is made of an underground perforated pipe which is covered in gravel. The gravel and opening allow water to seep into the pipe, which then transports the water away from the area. On the downside, a French drain can harm your pool’s structural integrity. To minimize your risk of damage, we strongly recommend you employ an expert to accomplish proper drainage for your deck area and to set up the French drain if needed.
Windy Conditions
During a storm, you should undoubtedly be concerned about things like water levels, toxins, and drainage, but you should also consider protecting your pool from the wind. When strong winds are expected, your top priority should be to secure any furniture and other items to prevent them from turning into weapons. Following that, you should keep the pool filter running, but if the water level rises, you should turn off the pool pump to safeguard it. (If necessary, you can do this from the security of your house; simply switch the breaker.)
You can be sure that your pool will be able to weather practically any storm by adopting a few simple precautions!
Read More
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Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 500,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
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