When it comes to pool recovery, most people don't think about winter storms and pool closures. They typically only consider the pool being closed and the pool equipment being drained.
Learn how to prepare for winter storm recovery and make sure that your pool is unscathed. If something does happen, we'll help.
Heavy Snow
If your pool gets too heavy with snow, it can create a problem for anyone who has a mesh cover. The biggest issue with snow is that it forms an expanded form of solid water. This means that it can't be removed using a pool pump.
Even though it's not that heavy, a couple of inches of snow can quickly turn into a problem if it gets too heavy. If your pool cover has a lot of weight on it, it could eventually fail due to the amount of stress it's putting on the edges.
If the pool cover has snow, do not step on it to remove it. Doing so could create a safety hazard and make the pool look frozen.
If the snow is powdery and light, or if it’s wet and heavy, you can use a leaf blower to remove it. However, this method can be very challenging if the snow is more than 2 inches thick.
If you don’t have a long enough handle to use a broom, you can also use a leaf rake or a pool pole to get rid of the snow.
Ice
When dealing with ice storms and snow melt, make sure to prepare for the inevitable. This can be a challenging process for pool owners as it can affect the integrity of their pool cover.
It’s important to remove snow from the road to prevent it from creating ice problems. This can be done by removing it using a cover pump.
Being proactive can help prevent ice buildup. It’s important to avoid getting stuck with it. If possible, try to avoid breaking or melting the ice on your own. Doing so could cause the cover to break.
A pool cover that’s getting worn due to the weight of ice and snow can cause it to move around. Also, a low water level can indicate that the pool is leaking.
Fallen Limbs
If you have a pool, make sure that it's clear and that the branches and other debris have fallen onto it. Also, make sure that the cover has a proper repair. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:
- Is the rip or tear larger than a dollar bill?
- Are there multiple rips or tears in the cover?
- Is the cover showing other signs of wear and tear?
- Is the cover outside of the warranty period?
If yes, then it's likely that you should replace your pool cover. Generally, if the damage was significant enough, then it's probably worth getting a new cover. However, if it's not worth the effort, then it's probably not worth the expense.
If the pool gets cluttered with debris from a hurricane or a major storm, you'll need to take additional measures to keep it from becoming a mess. These steps will help keep the water balanced and prevent it from becoming a hazard.
High Winds
When it’s time to prepare for winter, make sure that your pool cover is secure and ready to protect its contents. It’s also important to note that the branches and high winds can damage it.
If you have an above ground pool, make sure that the cable is tight and the winch is adjusted if needed. Also, make sure that the safety cover is secure and adjustable.
The best way to deal with snow accumulation on the pool cover is to be proactive. Just like with your driveway and sidewalks, it’s important to remove snow from the pool cover to avoid future problems.
Unexpected Freezing Temperatures
Most severe winter storms and events happen in areas that are expected to get hit by them. If you haven't closed your pool yet, there are some important steps you can take to protect yourself and your equipment.
When power is not available, and the pool is freezing, draining equipment is the best option. Follow these steps to properly turn off all of your pool equipment.
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If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!