SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE FOR MONSOON SEASON

Well, July is almost here. If you are living in Phoenix you know what that means. Monsoon season has officially started. Typically, Arizona monsoon storms start with heavy winds sometimes resulting in a visible wall of dust hundreds of feet high moving across the Valley. These dust storms often leading to heavy downpours. Every summer, thousands of pool owners in the Phoenix area experience some sort of problem with their pool such as clogged filters or water overflow after a monsoon storm. Not to mention the damage inflicted in other parts of their home, with some homeowners looking to insurance companies from somewhere like https://homeownersinsurancecover.net/arizona/ to help cover the damages. So as a pool owner you have to ask, what do I need to keep my pool ready for the upcoming storms?

High winds and heavy rain has the ability to pick up anything from dust and mold spores to tree limbs and patio furniture. If you happen to lose your furniture to fierce winds, it may provide the perfect opportunity to consider replacing them with some brand new furniture. You can check out sets online like this on this site here – https://paydaydeals.com.au/collections/outdoor-lounge-settings. There is quality outdoor furniture to suit all budgets. Everything that comes in contact with your pool will either stick to the water’s surface or sink to the bottom. In fact, most swimming pools stores will have deals on pool supplies and chemicals to help supply the numerous consumers that will be affected. You can be prepared by keeping your pool supply stocked and educating yourself on what needs to be done when the monsoon season begins.

Overview Of Steps You Should Take To Prepare For A Storm:

No matter what measures you take, there is no way to keep all debris out of your pool. But there are many things that a pool owner can do to protect their pool and equipment from damages and potential bacteria and algae growth that can result from these storms.

Do Not Drain the Water From Your Pool

Even if the forecast is calling for heavy rain, do not think that draining the pool will prevent overflowing and the water from becoming contaminated. This can actually do much more harm than good. Draining your pool not only leaves the pool walls and floor unprotected, likely to become scratched or damaged by any debris. But there also is a chance that it can cause the pool to pop out of its hole. The water table below the surface rises during storms and flash floods, so without the water weighing your pool down, it could pop up and sort of float on the rising water table. Cleaning up dirty water after the storm is easier than draining it.

Do Not Put Your Pool Cover On

Putting your winter or safety cover on your pool in preparation for a storm can cause more damage to the equipment. There is not much to do to protect against dust and contaminants, because usually the storms high winds and heavy rain cause the cover to lift up and off your pool. Plus with the cover on your pool, it leaves it open to sharp branches and other debris that could fall onto it. Keep your cover put away to prevent damage so you don’t have to deal with a big mess if its full of water and debris.

Clear Pool Deck of Debris, Toys and Outdoor Furniture

Phoenix monsoons can bring some high winds that can turn any object not bolted down near your pool into a missile that can cause serious damage to your deck, pool, or even your house. If enough time before the storm hits, remove as many toys, accessories, patio furniture, and grilling equipment as you can, and store them in a shed or basement. Most of the damage from storms is due to the flying debris, so clear out what could easily be stored. Also, do not put any objects into the pool thinking it will be safe there, this can damage the item plus lead to possible staining issues for your pool water.

Trim Nearby Trees and Bushes

Again, if there is enough time before the approaching storm hits, trimming any low or overhanging branches and limbs from nearby trees can be the best method for protecting your pool, yard and your house. Tall and overgrown tree branches can easily be torn off and carried right into your pool during storms. Your pool isn’t the only thing that can be affected by debris in a storm; branches and leaves often accumulate on roofing and clog gutters often meaning homeowners require the assistance of a Local Gutter Cleaning company to clear the problem away. Trimming and removing the branches from your pool area should always be done if you have enough time, as this will considerably reduce the chance of damage.

Stabilize Water Chemistry and Add Algae Controller

During a storm, it is inevitable that dirt, debris, and other contaminants will end up in your pool. Most likely you will need to shock your pool after any type of storm, so perform a quick pool water analysis to see what is needed. Stabilizing and adding an algae controller to your water beforehand will definitely save you a lot of time after everything has died down. By balancing your pool water chemistry and adding a large amount of an algae controller, most of the bacteria and contaminants that were blown into your pool will be eliminated. Anything leftover in your pool should be taken care of by shocking your pool after the storm.

Cover, Protect, & Turn Pool Equipment Power Off

If there is even a slight chance that your equipment, like your pump, filter, or motor might be exposed to large amounts of rain or flash flood water, it is imperative that you protect it by shutting the power off. This includes turning off circuit breakers too. This can encompass your pump, motor, filter, heater, chlorinator, and lighting fixtures. This can assist in preventing any potential electrical problems that could result from excessive water. Now even if you shut off the power to all your pool equipment, there is still a chance for it to be damaged by the wind and debris that accompanies monsoons. To help escape any damage, it is recommended to cover your equipment with a large plastic tarp or other types of waterproof covers. Don’t forget to tie down the cover as tightly as possible. You can also check with your home insurance policy to see if it covers your pool in case of any damage that may have a knock-on effect on your property. If you feel that your insurance policy isn’t the best for you then researching policies where you live can help you find the right one, e.g. ‘best homeowners insurance in PA‘.

If you have any questions about preparing your pool for a storm, feel free to give us a call or visit our Pool Supply Warehouse store to speak with an expert.