You love your pool, but Mother Nature can really throw a wrench in things, can’t she? One minute you’re enjoying a perfect sunny day in your backyard at your home in Columbus, GA, and the next you’re dealing with an intense heat wave or a sudden cold snap. This is where a smart approach to pool maintenance in extreme weather becomes so important for all pool owners.
It can feel like a constant battle to keep your water sparkling and safe from a weather event. However, with a few key strategies, you can protect your investment and keep your swimming pool ready for fun. Following these proactive steps will also prevent bad weather from causing potential damage. In this article, you’ll learn how to handle everything from blazing summer heat to icy winter freezes.
First, you need to understand how weather events can impact your pool’s health. Weather-related damage is a real possibility if you don’t take a few protective steps. This isn’t just about inconvenience. It’s about preventing serious problems that can wreak havoc on your swimming pool.
Take freezing winter temperatures, for instance, which can be devastating if you live in an area prone to more cold snaps. If the water in your pipes freezes, it expands with incredible force. This pressure can easily lead to cracked pipes, a nightmare pool repair that is both expensive and time-consuming.
On the flip side, a hot weather event brings its own set of issues. High temperatures and constant sun cause excess water to evaporate quickly, dropping your water level and putting a strain on your pool pump. This heat also creates the perfect environment for nasty algae blooms, turning your beautiful blue oasis into a green, swampy mess and impacting your water chemistry.
When the sun is beating down, your swimming pool needs some extra attention. The biggest challenge is water evaporation, which can sneak up on you faster than you think. There are simple ways to fight back and maintain your regular operation.
A great first step is to use a pool cover when no one is swimming. This single action can significantly reduce water loss, enabling you to monitor the water level more effectively. A solar cover is a fantastic choice because it holds in water and uses the sun’s rays to heat your pool for free.
You also need to think about what goes into your pool with swimmers. Sunscreen, lotions, and body oils wash off and can cloud your water quality, affecting the chemical balance. Making sure your filtration system is clean and your equipment is running efficiently will trap these contaminants before they become a bigger problem.
Now, let’s talk about pool chemistry. Heat makes chlorine break down much faster. This means you have to perform water testing more often, maybe even daily, to keep things balanced and fend off algae. Keeping your chemical levels correct means your pool is always ready for a pool party.
When temperatures drop, your pool care routine needs to change. Your main goal is to protect your pool and its equipment from freeze damage. The most important rule to remember is that moving water from good water circulation freezes much slower than still water.
Keep your pump running when temperatures are expected to dip below freezing. Many modern pool systems have a built-in freeze protector that automatically turns the pump on when it gets cold enough. This circulation can be the difference between a working pool and needing a costly pool renovation due to a cracked pipe or structural damage.
Don’t stop skimming, either, as part of your regular pool cleaning routine. Leaves and other debris can still cause issues in cold weather, leading to stains and algae growth. A sturdy winter pool cover is a must-have item in colder climates. It shields your pool from snow and debris, making for a much easier pool opening in the spring.
Sometimes you’re facing more than just a hot day or a cold night. When severe weather, such as a hurricane or snowstorm, is in the forecast, you need an emergency plan. Preparing your pool to be secure from the storm is just as important as boarding up your windows.
Start by clearing the deck and yard of any loose items. Anything that strong winds can pick up becomes a dangerous projectile, causing potential damage to your home or pool structure. Store patio furniture, pool toys, umbrellas, and cleaning equipment in a garage or shed.
Don’t drain your pool. This might seem like a good idea to prevent overflow, but the weight of the pool water provides important structural support. An empty pool in saturated ground can pop out of the earth, leading to massive and extensive damage.
Turn off the power to all your electrical equipment and pool water features at the circuit breaker. This helps prevent damage from power surges, which are common during a power outage. It’s a simple step that can save your pool pump and heater.
It’s also a good idea to add a preventative dose of algaecide and shock to your pool. This will help combat the contaminants that heavy rains will wash into your pool. If you have time, adjust chemicals to prepare the water balance for the incoming deluge.
Finally, remove any solar covers or solar blankets, as high winds can easily damage them. A tightly secured safety cover is your best bet for protection. These pool covers are designed to withstand extreme conditions far better.
Your first job is a big cleanup. Use a leaf rake or net to remove as much large debris from the water as you can. Do this before you even think about turning the pump back on to avoid clogging the system.
Once the big stuff is out, you can restore power to the equipment. Visually inspect your pump and filter for any damage before starting them up. Check that your water features are also clear of debris.
Get that filter running and check water chemistry immediately. As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises, after natural disasters, water and sanitation are critical. Your pool will likely need another shock treatment and careful chemical balancing to get it back to normal, and you may want to consider a professional pool service if the task seems too large.
| Action Item | Before the Storm | After the Storm |
|---|---|---|
| Secure Loose Items | Store furniture, toys, and equipment. | Return items after checking for damage. |
| Pool Water Level | Don’t drain the pool. | Drain excess water only if necessary. |
| Electrical Equipment | Turn off the power at the circuit breaker. | Inspect for damage, then restore power. |
| Water Chemistry | Add shock and algaecide. | Test, shock, and rebalance chemical levels. |
| Debris Removal | Remove solar cover. Secure safety cover. | Skim large debris before starting the pump. |
Being a pool owner in a hot state like Georgia is incredibly rewarding, but it does come with responsibility. You’ve seen how heat, cold, and severe weather events can affect your pool. Now you also have a clear plan for how to handle it.
Being proactive is the best strategy to reduce potential damage to your swimming pools or swim spas. Staying on top of routine care and preparing ahead of time will save time, stress, and money. It also helps your pool remain a source of joy, not a constant worry.
With these tips, handling your pool maintenance in extreme weather challenges will feel much less intimidating. You can protect your pool from the elements and keep it in top condition for years to come. Your well-maintained pool will be ready whenever you are.
Address: 8008 Jenkins Rd, Upatoi, GA 31829
Phone:706-676-0379
Business Hours:
Mon - Fri: 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
