As summer approaches, the warm, sunny days we love in Australia often bring the added drama of storm season. Strong winds, torrential rains, and even lightning can wreak havoc on our homes, backyards, and pools. But with some proactive steps, you can keep your property safe and minimise potential storm damage. Here’s an in-depth guide with tips on how to prepare your pool, backyard, and house for storm season to keep everything in top shape.
Preparing Your Pool for Summer Storms
Inspect and Secure Pool Equipment
Make a habit of inspecting all pool equipment, like pumps, filters, and heaters. Ensuring everything is in top working order before storm season hits will reduce the risk of storm-induced malfunctions. If a particularly fierce storm is expected, disconnect and store portable equipment, as high winds could turn them into projectiles. For hardwired equipment, surge protectors are essential to protect against power surges from lightning.
Balance Pool Chemistry
Storms bring debris, rain, and potential contamination to pool water. Balancing the pool’s chemistry beforehand, especially adding extra chlorine, can help combat bacteria or algae blooms. Properly treated water will also be easier to clean up post-storm.
Lower Water Levels
To prevent overflow, consider lowering the water level a bit if a heavy storm is forecasted. This helps avoid spillage onto the pool deck or surrounding areas, which can damage landscaping and disrupt pool chemistry.
Invest in a High-Quality Pool Cover
A durable pool cover or safety net can help keep debris and contaminants out of the water. Look for a cover rated for heavy winds, and secure it tightly. This is one of the best ways to protect the pool itself from damage, reducing the time you’ll need to spend on post-storm cleanup.
Maintain Clean Drainage Systems
Clearing the pool’s drainage system of debris can prevent clogging during heavy rain. This is especially helpful for keeping water from pooling around the deck and leading to overflow, erosion, or flooding in other parts of your backyard.
Keep Pool Cleaning Supplies Handy
After a storm, you’ll likely need to do a thorough cleanup. Keep brushes, nets, and vacuums accessible to make the process faster and easier. If you need extra help, consider reaching out to a professional pool servicing company.
Preparing the Backyard for Storm Season
Secure Outdoor Furniture and Decorations
Your outdoor lounge, chairs, tables, and umbrellas can become dangerous if left unsecured during a storm. Store lightweight or loose items indoors and use heavy-duty furniture covers or straps for bulkier pieces. Keeping your backyard tidy also makes it easier to clean up after the storm.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
One of the simplest yet most effective things you can do to protect your pool and backyard is to regularly prune trees and shrubs. Branches broken by strong winds can cause serious damage to fences, outdoor structures, and your pool.
Install Windbreaks
Windbreaks like tall hedges, fencing, or privacy screens help to mitigate the force of strong winds on your property. Not only do they add to your backyard’s aesthetics, but they also protect the pool and other outdoor features from airborne debris.
Check Lighting and Electrical Connections
Storms often bring the risk of electrical surges or outages. Inspect any outdoor electrical connections, and consider adding surge protectors for anything wired outdoors. Solar-powered lighting is a great backup for areas that need illumination, reducing the need for wired fixtures.
Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water overflow, which may damage your home’s foundation or landscaping. Ensuring they’re clean allows rainwater to flow away from your house and backyard.
Store Garden Equipment and Tools
Tidy up any gardening tools, hoses, and equipment lying around in the backyard. Stowing these items in a secure shed or garage will keep them from blowing away and will make post-storm cleanup much simpler.
Preparing Your House for Storm Season
Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors
Wind-driven rain can seep through gaps in windows and doors. Inspect seals and caulking around these areas, especially on the windward side of the house. If any seals are cracked or worn, replace them to keep water out. Weatherstripping is another cost-effective way to protect against leaks.
Check the Roof and Clean the Gutters
Loose shingles, broken tiles, and clogged gutters can be problematic during a storm. Regularly check for any damage to the roof, and replace or repair as needed. Clearing gutters and downspouts will allow stormwater to flow off your roof instead of pooling and potentially leaking into your house.
Protect Windows with Storm Shutters or Screens
Investing in storm shutters or strong, shatterproof screens for your windows can protect your home from flying debris during a storm. These are particularly helpful in areas prone to severe weather.
Reinforce Fencing and Gates
Strong winds can knock over or damage fences and gates, which can be costly to repair. Check for loose posts or panels, and secure any parts that need reinforcement. This will also keep pets safely contained during turbulent weather.
Invest in a Backup Generator
A backup generator can be invaluable during extended power outages caused by storms. This allows you to keep essential systems, like refrigeration and home security, up and running. For safety, keep the generator stored and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines.
Secure Heavy Outdoor Equipment
If you have outdoor AC units, water heaters, or other heavy equipment, secure these to prevent shifting or damage during high winds. Some storm anchors or restraints designed for outdoor equipment can be a useful addition.
Tips for a Post-Storm Cleanup
Once the storm has passed, the work isn’t over. Here are some essential cleanup steps to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Assess Pool Water Quality
After a storm, test the pool water to see if any contaminants, debris, or algae have affected its chemistry. Adjust chemicals as needed to rebalance pH and chlorine levels. Running the pool’s filtration system for an extended period post-storm can help remove any lingering contaminants.
Clear Debris from the Pool and Surrounding Area
Use a skimmer net to remove leaves, branches, and other debris from the pool’s surface. You may also need to vacuum the pool floor if sediment has settled. Cleaning the pool area and pathways will help prevent debris from entering the pool again.
Inspect and Reconnect Equipment
If you disconnected pool equipment before the storm, inspect each component for any visible damage before reconnecting it. This can help prevent operational issues when restarting your pool’s filtration and heating systems.
Check Outdoor Furniture and Fencing
Survey the backyard for any shifted or damaged furniture, fencing, or garden structures. Repair or secure items as necessary to prevent further issues.
Address Landscaping and Drainage
A storm can disrupt landscaping, damage plants, and leave soil uneven. Take this opportunity to smooth out soil, check for erosion, and make any adjustments to your landscaping that will improve drainage for the next storm.
Build a Pool Built to Weather Any Storm with Environ Pools!
Don’t just prepare for storm season—invest in a pool that’s crafted to endure it. Environ Pools builds high-quality, luxurious pools that are designed to withstand the toughest weather conditions, keeping your oasis beautiful and resilient all year long. Ready for a pool that can weather any storm? Contact Environ Pools today to start designing your dream pool with durability and elegance built in!
